On June 17, 2025, Zillow Group Inc. released a compelling study highlighting how specific paint colors can significantly enhance a home's resale value. The research emphasizes the growing trend among homeowners to paint their homes prior to listing, with the right color choices potentially leading to thousands of dollars in additional revenue.

2. Key Findings from Zillow's Study

Zillow's analysis surveyed over 4,200 recent and prospective home buyers across the United States. The study aimed to determine which interior paint colors are most appealing to buyers and how these preferences can impact home sale prices.

Color Preferences

According to the findings, muted hues, particularly dark olive green for kitchens and navy blue for bedrooms, emerged as the top choices that buyers gravitate towards.

Dark Olive Green Kitchen: Homes featuring this color can see an increase in sale prices by approximately $1,597.

Navy Blue Bedroom: This serene shade can boost a home's value by about $1,815.

Amanda Pendleton, Zillow's home trends expert, noted that these contemporary colors offer a "halo effect," enhancing buyers' perceptions of the entire home. "These nature-inspired colors evoke feelings of serenity and tranquility," Pendleton explained.

Established Favorites

Charcoal gray continues to hold its ground as a favored choice for living rooms. Homes with dark gray living rooms have the potential to sell for $2,593 more. In addition, this versatile shade remains a strong contender in kitchen and bedroom spaces.

Interestingly, Zillow's study also revealed that mid-tone brown—similar to the 2025 Pantone Color of the Year—commands the highest offer prices when used in bathrooms.

3. The Cost of Poor Color Choices

While the right colors can lead to higher offers, Zillow's study also uncovered the financial pitfalls of poor color selections. For instance, homes painted in daisy yellow could sell for nearly $4,000 less, with a decline of $3,915 for kitchens and $3,891 for living rooms. Similarly, a fire hydrant red living room or bedroom could reduce sale prices by about $1,820 and $1,987, respectively.

A Shift in Buyer Preferences

The research challenges the traditional notion that sellers should opt for lighter, brighter colors. Instead, it suggests that today’s buyers are leaning towards bolder, more personalized hues that contribute to a sense of sanctuary in their homes. Darker shades of green, blue, and gray have proven to outperform paler alternatives like sage green and pale sky blue.

4. Selling Strategies for Homeowners

Before embarking on a painting project, Zillow advises homeowners to consult with a trusted local real estate agent who can provide insights into neighborhood-specific buyer preferences. Combining the right color choices with effective selling strategies can help sellers maximize their profits.

5. Conclusion

Zillow Group Inc.'s latest research underscores the importance of color selection in the home-selling process. As buyers increasingly prefer specific hues that reflect contemporary design trends, sellers can enhance their homes' appeal and value through informed choices. With the right shades on their walls, homeowners could find themselves reaping substantial financial rewards when it comes time to sell.

This study not only informs homeowners but also reflects Zillow's commitment to helping people navigate the real estate landscape effectively, reinforcing its position as a leading authority in the industry.

Original press release