Choosing the right paint colors is crucial if you’re looking to maintain or increase the value of your home. While personal style is important, some hues can actually deter buyers and lower your home’s appeal. Here are 13 paint colors to avoid if you want to keep your home value high.
1. Bright Yellow
While sunny and cheerful, bright yellow can overwhelm and make spaces feel too loud, especially in larger rooms. Potential buyers often find it difficult to imagine living in such an intense environment, so consider opting for softer, neutral tones instead.
2. Dark Brown
Although cozy, dark brown can make rooms feel smaller and more enclosed. It can also make spaces look outdated and dark, which doesn’t appeal to most modern buyers who prefer lighter, more open rooms.
3. Eggplant Purple
Bold and unique, eggplant purple often doesn’t resonate with buyers. It can be jarring to see on walls, and many people find it difficult to decorate around such a bold shade. If you like purple, stick to lighter, softer tones for a more versatile look.
4. Fire-Engine Red
Red walls can feel overwhelming and make a room appear smaller than it is. While red can be an energizing color, it’s often too intense for spaces like bedrooms or living areas, making it a turn-off for many potential buyers.
5. Neon Green
Neon shades, especially neon green, can be too bright and distracting. This color is often associated with playrooms or gyms, which isn’t what buyers are typically looking for in a home environment. Softer greens are a safer choice for general spaces.
6. Black
While chic in certain designs, black walls can make rooms feel confined and gloomy, especially in smaller spaces. It’s difficult to lighten up a room with black walls, and many buyers shy away from homes with dark, moody interiors that require significant repainting.
7. Orange
Like red, orange is a highly stimulating color that can make rooms feel chaotic and overpowering. Bright or pumpkin-toned orange walls may work for accent pieces, but they’re often too intense for an entire room, making the space feel less versatile and less appealing.
8. Turquoise
Turquoise is often seen as a trendy color, but it can date a room quickly. What may look fresh one year can seem out of style the next, which can be off-putting to buyers who envision themselves doing lots of repainting before moving in.
9. Bubblegum Pink
Pink walls may seem playful and fun, but they’re often associated with nurseries or children’s rooms. Bright pink in larger spaces like living rooms or kitchens can make the space feel less sophisticated and harder to redecorate, which can turn buyers away.
10. Lime Green
Like neon green, lime green can feel overly vibrant and even a bit garish, especially in larger rooms. This color also tends to clash with common furniture styles, making it harder for buyers to envision a cohesive look without major changes.
11. Peach
Peach can feel outdated and is reminiscent of past decades when it was more popular. This color often gives a room a vintage feel that doesn’t align with the modern, clean styles most buyers want today, making them less willing to pay a premium.
12. Maroon
Maroon can create a dark, heavy feel in any space, which makes rooms feel smaller and less inviting. It’s a color that’s hard to pair with contemporary decor, and its richness can easily overpower a room, deterring buyers who prefer a lighter, airier aesthetic.
13. Mint Green
Mint green may have been trendy in past decades, but it can make rooms feel outdated and overly pastel, especially if applied in large areas. While some may enjoy its retro charm, it often limits decorating flexibility and may clash with modern furniture styles. For a more timeless look, consider shades like sage or olive green, which can feel fresh yet classic.
Choosing the right paint colors can significantly impact your home’s value and appeal. Neutral, versatile shades are the best way to create a welcoming environment that appeals to a wide range of buyers. Avoid these outdated and intense colors to ensure your home maintains its value and appeal.
