Move Over, White Kitchens—This Surprising Paint Color Will Increase Your Home’s Sale Price, New Zillow Report Says

A new report from Zillow challenges the long-held belief that neutral colors are best for selling a home, suggesting that strategic use of certain colors can significantly boost a property's sale price. The report, based on a survey of over 4,200 recent and prospective home buyers, indicates that specific colorful spaces can lead to higher offers, directly contradicting the traditional advice of painting surfaces in broad appeal neutrals to allow buyers to envision their own furnishings. Key findings reveal that dark olive green kitchens are experiencing a surge in popularity, potentially increasing a home's sale price by $1,597. This trend marks a departure from the classic white kitchen, which has long been considered a safe choice. Similarly, navy blue bedrooms are favored by buyers, with homes featuring this relaxing shade seeing an increase in sale price by $1,815. Amanda Pendleton, Zillow’s home trends expert, attributes the success of olive green and navy blue to their classification as "contemporary colors" that align with organic modernism. These shades are perceived positively by buyers as they evoke feelings of serenity and tranquility, stemming from their association with sustainable materials like wood and stone. Contrary to the common practice of painting over dark, moody hues before selling, the report indicates that such colors are now in demand. Charcoal gray living rooms are a top preference, with homes showcasing this color potentially selling for $2,593 more. Mid-tone browns, exemplified by Pantone's 2025 Color of the Year, Mocha Mousse, also commanded higher offer prices when applied in bathrooms. The analysis further highlights that darker shades of green, blue, and gray outperformed traditional white and lighter shades like sage green and pale sky blue, challenging the widely accepted notion that a "light and bright" color palette is optimal for resale. Overall, Zillow's research suggests a clear preference among buyers for dramatic, dark shades of green, blue, and gray over previously favored white paints. Conversely, certain paint colors can negatively impact a home's sale price. The report identifies daisy yellow and bright red as colors to avoid. Buyers stated they would offer nearly $4,000 less for a home with a daisy yellow kitchen ($3,915) or living room ($3,891). Red hues also prove detrimental, with fire hydrant red living rooms or bedrooms potentially causing offers to drop by approximately $1,800 to $2,000. This data underscores the importance of thoughtful color selection when preparing a home for sale, emphasizing that specific color choices can have a substantial financial impact. #HomeSelling #PaintColors #ZillowReport #HomeValue #InteriorDesign #RealEstateTrends #ColorPsychology #HomeImprovement #HomeSelling #PaintColors #ZillowReport #HomeValue #InteriorDesign #RealEstateTrends #ColorPsychology #HomeImprovement