When preparing to sell, paint isn’t just decoration—it’s strategy. According to a recent Zillow study, buyers are willing to pay thousands more depending on your color choices. Here’s how to select hues that can enhance your home’s appeal—and your bottom line.

 

Kitchen: Earthy Olive Green

Swap stark white for a deep olive green in your kitchen. Zillow found cabinets painted in olive can add roughly $1,600 to your sale price. Shades like Sherwin-Williams’ Ripe Olive or Secret Garden align with the “organic modernism” trend—natural yet refined.

 

Bedroom: Luxurious Navy Blue

A navy blue bedroom isn’t just calming—it’s lucrative. Homes with navy walls sell for around $1,800 more, according to Zillow. This rich, timeless hue helps buyers envision a stylish, cozy sanctuary.

 

Living Room: Moody Dark Gray

Ditch sterile neutrals—dark gray living rooms emerged as particularly valuable, adding an average of $2,600 to home values. Saturated graphite tones convey sophistication and depth without overwhelming the space.

 

Bathroom: Warm Mid-Tone Brown

In bathrooms, mid-tone browns—think Pantone’s 2025 Mocha Mousse—have been shown to increase value. This earthy accent brings warmth and richness, perfect for creating a spa-like vibe.

 

Colors to Avoid

Bright shades may be fun—but offer rollbacks are not. Daisy yellow kitchens or living rooms can reduce sale price by nearly $4,000, and fire-engine red hues in bedrooms/living rooms can cut offers by $1,800+. When preparing to sell, aim to appeal to the widest buyer pool—subtle, soothing palettes win.

 

Why These Colors Work

• Organic modernism: Nature-inspired hues like olive and navy suggest calm, grounded spaces.
• Emotional resonance: Moody tones evoke tranquility, while dark finishes feel luxurious without feeling cold.

 

Finish Matters Too

Color isn’t everything—paint sheen is equally important:

• Matte hides imperfections in walls.
• Eggshell/satin work well in high-traffic rooms—they’re washable and forgiving.
• Semi-gloss highlights trim and reflects light, making spaces feel crisp.

Bottom Line for Sellers

Pre-painting your home can be one of the most cost-effective improvements you make. Choose rich, nature-inspired tones—olive green in kitchens, navy in bedrooms, dark gray in living rooms, and mocha in bathrooms—to appeal to today’s buyers. And steer clear of bold red or yellow, which could reduce your sale price by thousands.

Want to maximize your return before listing? Connect with BELL Home Team—we’ll recommend décor strategies tailored to your space and market.