When you’re thinking about paint colors for your new kitchen or bathroom remodel, you might want to look at Zillow’s report on colors in 2017. It delves into which paint colors helped houses to sell for more vs. which colors decreased a home’s market value.
What color cabinets? Find out first
As we’ve mentioned before in this kitchen cabinets blog, it’s likely you won’t stay put in that home where you’re doing your major kitchen or bathroom remodel, because Americans move on average 11 times in a lifetime. For that reason, you might want to remodel with resale in mind, as discussed here. And now this new information from Zillow can help to guide your color decisions, so you’re adding resale value, not detracting from it, when you choose your cabinet or wall colors.
The big bang of blue bathrooms
The 2017 Color Paint Analysis conducted by Zillow is based on a study of over 32,000 photos of homes that sold. From those photos and the sale prices of the homes, the experts at Zillow were able to quantify the effect of room color on a home’s resale value. For example, a light blue or periwinkle bathroom can increase a home’s resale value significantly (by $5,440 according to the study!), while an off-white or eggshell bathroom can decrease the value by several thousand dollars.
And what about kitchens?
The study looked at kitchens too, although that didn’t find the significant price difference like we see with the bathrooms. According to the study, yellow kitchens will lower price while light blue and soft gray blue kitchens will increase the price (by $1,809 on average). In fact, the study found that in general throughout the house distinct colors like yellow and red will decrease the price although not as much as a total lack of color.
Blue has widespread appeal
Note, however, that the upward or downward effect of the color seems to depend on the room. For example, while blue bathrooms can increase the price, blue living rooms tend to decrease the price.
Yet, with the exception of the living room, blue seems to be an appealing color throughout the house. In addition to blue kitchens and bathrooms increasing appeal and sales prices, blue seems to have a positive effect in bedrooms and dining rooms as well. Keep in mind, however, that these are very specific types of blues, such as light cerulean and slate blue and cadet blue, as well as periwinkle in the bathroom. So not just any blue will do!
Although every color choice is on a case-by-case basis and deeply personal, meaning this study shouldn’t dictate your kitchen or bathroom remodel color schemes, it does reiterate the importance of keeping resale in mind should you plan to move again in the future. Kitchen and bathroom remodels can come with a steep price tag, even when you’re saving money by choosing semi custom cabinets. Make sure you get a return on that investment by making wise color and cabinet choices from the start.
FAQs
What bathroom color is best when selling a house? According to a 2021 Zillow analysis, home buyers love blue bathrooms and reported that they would pay 1.6 percent more for bathrooms with soothing, light blue walls. Other popular choices include neutral colors like gray, off-white, or light yellow.
What is the rule for bathroom colors? ›
Tip 2: Apply The Rule of Three
One each of a neutral, rich, and accent colour must be picked. Divide them into the 70:20:10 ratio. The lightest colour must cover the majority of the walls. The boldest one should cover about 10% of the walls.
Should bathroom and kitchen cabinets be the same color? ›
While kitchen and bath cabinets do not need to match, they should complement each other and provide some type of continuity. This is achieved by selecting complimenting door styles and/or finishes.
Do bathroom vanities need to match kitchen cabinets? ›
You don't have to match all the cabinets in your home, but you can choose kitchen and bathroom cabinets that complement each other. For example, if you are going with modern cabinetry in your kitchen, you can also select modern cabinetry of a different style for your bathroom.
What color bathroom has the highest resale value? ›
The big bang of blue bathrooms
For example, a light blue or periwinkle bathroom can increase a home's resale value significantly (by $5,440 according to the study!), while an off-white or eggshell bathroom can decrease the value by several thousand dollars.
What color increases home value? ›
Instead, “recent and prospective homebuyers are willing to offer more money for a home painted in dark, moody colors,” Pendleton said. In fact, dark gray is associated with higher offer prices than white in every room of the home that Zillow studied: the kitchen, living room, bathroom and bedroom.
Should bathroom cabinets be lighter or darker than walls? ›
Painting Bathroom Cabinets
Keep it classic by painting cabinets a shade or two darker than your wall color. Dark greys and dusty blues can give dated cabinets a facelift and help them blend into your décor.
What color bathroom cabinets are timeless? ›
Absolutely, neutral colors like beige, taupe, or gray can also establish a timeless look for your bathroom vanities. Striking the right balance is key—choose shades that neither veer too dark nor too light, harmonizing with your overall timeless bathroom design.
Should bathroom cabinets be matte or glossy? ›
Gloss Finish: Reflective and shiny, ideal for modern bathrooms, especially in smaller spaces due to its ability to amplify light. Easy to clean but prone to showing spots and fingerprints. Matt Finish: Non-reflective and subdued, complementing glossy elements while requiring less frequent cleaning.
What color vanities are in style? ›
Dark wood, white, black, navy, gray, beige, and light wood are all popular, enduring picks for bathroom cabinets. Shades of blue are also timeless. What is the best color for a bathroom vanity? Crisp, versatile colors like white, beige, gray, or black are the best bet for a bathroom vanity.
Achieve a harmonious and stylish bathroom design by choosing a vanity that matches the color of your walls. Discover top ideas to seamlessly blend your vanity with the overall aesthetic of your bathroom.
What paint color has the best resale value? ›
“Blues, grays, greens, and whites are timeless, calming colors that allow potential buyers to see a home as a fresh, clean slate. They can then picture themselves, and their personal furnishings, filling the space to make memories in years to come.”
What color helps sell a house? ›
Industry Standards. Some paint colors can increase the likelihood of selling your home than other paint colors. A great place to start is with light browns, like Stonehenge Greige. This greige tone is warm, inviting and versatile, making your home move-in-ready for a potential buyer.
What color is most appealing to buyers? ›
Here are our top 10 recommendations for colors that will appeal to today's buyers.
- Taupe. Taupe, which consists of several shades of rich gray-brown or brownish-gray, can give a home both a warm and sophisticated look. ...
- Navy blue. ...
- Pale yellow. ...
- Gray. ...
- Off-white. ...
- Blue-gray. ...
- Wheat. ...
- White.
