The color of your home says a lot about you, your preferences, your lifestyle, and your character. It also has external impacts on the neighborhood, the atmosphere in the house, and the curb appeal. Paint colors evoke emotions and memories, but they can also affect the property value of your home, not to mention its overall aesthetic appeal.

Whether you plan to sell your house in the near future or plan to stay put for a long time, you want to be mindful of the impact on property value when it comes to the paint colors you choose. Indeed, the right exterior and interior paint colors can increase home value, resulting in a worthwhile investment.

Here are some house paint colors that are proven to boost curb appeal and thus property value, as well as ones to stay away from. Your interior and exterior painters in San Francisco can provide further guidance on which colors would be best for your home and neighborhood.

Colors That Increase Property Value

White

This is a classic tone that many homeowners still choose. It’s a versatile color that complements any room in the home, as well as the exterior, because it can be mixed and matched with bolder colors. White brightens up any space, making rooms look more spacious and creating an inviting atmosphere.

White is the best color for boosting property value because it is essentially a blank canvas on which buyers can imprint their own impression. Neutral interior colors add a more expansive look to each room, which is especially good if you have rooms that are on the small side.

Cream

Cream is a slightly warmer and softer shade than white, adding that cozy factor to your home. Particularly ideal for kitchens, bedrooms, and living rooms, cream adds a timeless and comforting look to your home. Like white, if you use it as an exterior color, it’s easy to match trim and shutters with bolder hues to make the house really pop.

Light Blue

Popular for bathrooms, light blue increases value while creating an atmosphere of calm and tranquility. This is the emotion you want to evoke in a bathroom – sources of refuge in which homeowners relax and unwind. Light blue offers that sense of peace offset with serenity and tranquility.

Greige

This is a blend of gray and beige, adding elegance and grace to your interiors and exteriors. Because this is still considered a neutral paint color, you can add pops of style with darker hues to make a statement. Ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, and exteriors, greige offers a classic and timeless look that you can choose when you can’t decide between gray or beige.

Colors That Decrease Property Value

Slate Gray

Gray is a go-to color for many homeowners who can’t decide on a color. After all, it’s neutral and you can’t go wrong with it. However, choosing the right shade is critical. You can minimize the perceived size of a room with a gray that’s too dark, like slate gray. Stick to light grays for the most impact.

Off-White

Eggshell or off-white colors make certain rooms look dull and lifeless, particularly in kitchens which should be vibrant and energetic spaces.

Terracotta

Vibrant, contemporary house colors such as terracotta are considered trendy and tend to pull down the value of a home.

Dark Brown

Thought of as drab and unclean, dark brown used in rooms like bathrooms or bedrooms tend to lower energy levels. When used on the exterior, dark brown can diminish the overall value of your home due to the low curb appeal.

Tips For Choosing the Right Paint Colors

Avoid bright colors

Bright and bold exteriors certainly reflect unique personalities, but they are challenging to sell because they only appeal to a narrow market of potential buyers. You’re better going off with a neutral exterior such as gray or beige and adding brighter accent colors to doors and trim.

Use black on your door

Black for your front door is a wise idea. According to a recent survey, a black front door can snag a price increase of 2.9 percent.

Try sage green

Sage green is a great choice for an exterior color, as it adds a subtle touch of color without being too overwhelming. Plus, this light green offers a more natural look because it complements your landscaping.

Consider architectural style

Not all exterior paint colors can be successfully applied to every house. When thinking about paint colors, consider the location, the neighborhood, and the architectural style of your home.

Stay away from trends

It may be tempting to try the hottest trends in paint color, but keep in mind those trends will go out of style in a few years. To maintain a stable and consistent property value, you’re better off going with a classic, timeless look. You can always add personal touches through trim, door colors, and shutters outside, and throw pillows, rugs, and artwork inside.

Get Your Free Painting Quote From Fresh Start Now

Still unsure which color to paint your house for the best boost in property value? No worries. The exterior and interior painters at Fresh Start Painting SF in Daly City CA can provide their expert suggestions when they visit your home for a consultation. Contact us today at 415-347-7689 for a free quote on painting in San Francisco and beyond.