The One Kitchen Color That Actually Decreases Your Home's Value (And Which Colors to Try Instead) (2024)

The One Kitchen Color That Actually Decreases Your Home's Value (And Which Colors to Try Instead) (2)

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Whether you're selling your home for the first time or you're an experienced guru who knows all the tricks of the trade, there are a myriad of ways in which sellers can increase the value of their home before the appraiser arrives (bring out that checklist of to-dos). And no, we're not talking about your impeccable staging, the fresh coat of paint on the exterior or the Marie Kondo-like organization in your closets and pantry. While the scent of fresh-from-the-oven cookies may dazzle buyers during showings, this one minor-yet-critical detail might be the culprit that's lowering the value of your home.

The One Kitchen Color to Avoid

A recent Zillow study found that homes with bright red kitchens sell for $1,500 less than other colors. Don't fret just yet! A full gut renovation of your kitchen may not be needed to get a great offer, but it doesn't hurt to add a few upgrades here and there, including a fresh coat of paint (more on that in a sec). Buyers are attempting to envision their life when they walk through your home, and sometimes the imagination is deterred by the details like personal taste, clutter or family photographs. Real estate brokers know that most people experience difficulties seeing the bigger picture, so if you want to get the biggest bang for your buck, it's critical to present your home in a way that can resonate with all buyers.

Other colors to avoid? On top of X-ing bright reds, steer clear of bright green, bright yellow and pink. Zillow's study found that kitchens painted these colors hurt buyers' intentions to purchase and overall decrease the likelihood of offers. The biggest takeaway here: Red and other bright colors might read too loud for buyers' taste.

The Kitchen Color That Increases Value

Instead of a red kitchen, try white. White brings a fresh, bright palette to the kitchen and is the most attractive for potential homeowners. In fact, it was found that light, neutral colors will increase interest in a property as well as potential offers. Buyers are able to visualize themselves in the home with their own furniture and hopeful memories without getting taken aback by personal taste preferences. A neutral palette also makes a space appear more open and spacious, allowing the house to sell itself.

If white may be too bland for your taste, try an off-white or light yellow. Still not able to give up color? The study found that dark gray, dark red and dark green sparked a similar increase in buyer interest.

Who knows, a quick white paint job just might be the trick that will have them saying, "Let's make an offer!" That and, well...cookies of course.

The One Kitchen Color That Actually Decreases Your Home's Value (And Which Colors to Try Instead) (3)

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The One Kitchen Color That Actually Decreases Your Home's Value (And Which Colors to Try Instead) (2024)

FAQs

The One Kitchen Color That Actually Decreases Your Home's Value (And Which Colors to Try Instead)? ›

A 2021 Zillow study found that homes with bright red kitchens sell for $1,500 less than other colors.

What color kitchen decreases home value? ›

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.

What colour should be avoided in the kitchen? ›

Green and orange, in particular, should be avoided in kitchens,' she warns. So, if you're thinking of selling your home with a dark green kitchen, you may want to re-evaluate your painted kitchen ideas pronto.

What color should you not paint your kitchen? ›

Very Dark Colors

“Very dark paint colors may make a kitchen feel less inviting,” says Switzer. Your kitchen should never feel ominous! Another problem with dark paint according to the designer is that it also shows scratches and imperfections more prominently than lighter paint does.

What color kitchen has the best resale value? ›

What cabinet color has the best resale value? Most real estate agents will tell sellers that neutral colors will appeal to the widest audience. While white is a very popular color for kitchen cabinets, other neutrals like gray, black, and beige are also good.

What color looks best in kitchen? ›

Choose Warm and Welcoming Colors

When it comes to kitchens, white, gray, blue, red, yellow, and green really shine. Each of these shades can do something different for the room, but they all help create a warm and welcoming space.

What color kitchen cabinets do buyers want? ›

Avoid bright or intense colors that buyers can't picture themselves living with. Whites and neutrals are the way to go when you're getting your house ready to sell.

What color sells a kitchen? ›

The Kitchen Color That Increases Value

White brings a fresh, bright palette to the kitchen and is the most attractive for potential homeowners.

What is the best Feng Shui colour for a kitchen? ›

Consider using white on your walls and cabinets and adding warmer accents via your countertops, backsplash and window treatments. Creamy neutral shades such as beige, oatmeal, khaki and other earth colors also work well in the kitchen.

Is green a bad color for a kitchen? ›

Green is a great way to bring the outdoors in, and it can make a kitchen feel fresh and airy. Cooler shades of green, such as mint or pistachio, work well in kitchens, especially with white and light wood accents.

What color to paint a small kitchen to make it look bigger? ›

White is a bright color choice for small kitchens.

Since white reflects the most light, it is an ideal color choice for making any small kitchen look bigger and brighter. It's an easy way to transform a small, dreary kitchen into an elegant space.

Should kitchen cabinets be darker or lighter than walls? ›

There are no strict rules as to whether painted kitchen cabinets should be lighter or darker than the walls, essentially it comes down to personal preference and the look you're trying to achieve.

What color increases home value? ›

For example, a dark gray, black, or navy blue door can add just the right amount of depth and pop to lure buyers in. In fact, Zillow's analysis revealed that doors painted in these darker hues earned, on average, a whopping $1,514 more in the asking price!

What color house has the highest resale value? ›

Shades of gray: Gray is the best color to paint your house exterior for resale value right now. From light slate to deep charcoal, gray's versatility lets it pair beautifully with stone, white trim and a multitude of accent colors.

What color kitchen appliances are timeless? ›

White is neutral and goes with plenty of colors. White cabinets and white appliances are the ultimate combination for a clean, sleek look. White on white is always uplifting. For a modern look, pair natural color countertops and white cabinets with white appliances.

What is the best color to paint a kitchen when selling a house? ›

Kitchen: Charcoal gray

Charcoal gray is a huge hit when it comes to kitchens. Although it might not seem intuitive, the proof is in the price. Homes with a charcoal gray kitchen can sell for an estimated $2,512 more than similar homes, according to Zillow research.

Do painted cabinets decrease home value? ›

Yes, painting your kitchen cabinets and installing new hardware can significantly increase your home's value. But if your cabinetry is already in lousy condition, paint won't do much, so it is better to replace it if you wish to sell your home at a higher price.

Are warm or cool colors better for a kitchen? ›

Warm paint colors are popular in kitchens and living rooms. Warmer hues make larger spaces feel more inviting.

What color adds the most value to a home? ›

1. Warm neutrals. No doubt the most popular advice from color experts is to opt for warm neutral hues to add value to your home. Decorating with neutrals provides a subtle and calming backdrop in the home and pairs well with many different design styles, so it's arguably the most versatile of all palettes.

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