Spring has just sprung, and it’s the perfect time to remodel your home.
Experts agree that fresh paint is the most affordable way to boost return on investment, but splurging on certain colors can quickly add up when you consider the cost by room.
Here's how to make sure you choose hues that give you the biggest bang for your buck.
When remodeling, a fresh coat of paint is a simple way to make a significant impact.
"In terms of ROI, I think fresh paint is definitely one of the most affordable and effective ways to add value to a home," says interior designer Bree Steele. "When done well, it can refresh a space and even expand its perceived size."
The average ROI for interior painting is around 107%, which can add anywhere from $2,140 to $16,050 in resale value or more, according to experts at Angi.
"A fresh coat of paint is like giving your home a crisp new outfit without the designer price tag," says designer Justin M. Riordan, founder of Spade and Archer Design Agency in Portland, OR, and Seattle. "It's like speed-dating for home improvement: quick, cheap, and gets the job done."
Before you pick up a paintbrush, it's important to do the math and weigh the pros and cons of hiring a professional versus doing it yourself.
According to Realtor.com®, an interior paint job costs about $3.50 per square foot, or about $2,000 on average.
"If you're handy, have a free weekend, and enjoy the meditative process of rolling paint onto walls, go for it," says Riordan. "But if you’re the type to end up with more paint on your face than the walls, hiring a pro could save you from a home improvement horror story."
Once you decide who's going to paint your home, it's time to decide what colors you'll be painting it. We checked in with interior designers to identify the ideal shades for each room.
1. Paint your kitchen gray to increase home value
When painting the kitchen, think 50 shades of gray—the color, not the book!
"For the kitchen, I’m a big fan of subtle, earthy tones like pale gray," says Steele. "It creates a bright, airy feel and works well with any style, whether you’re going for a more contemporary or rustic look."
Dark green, which was wildly popular in kitchens for the past few years, "has had its moment," according to Steele. "It’s a bold choice that can look absolutely fantastic in the right context, but it's starting to fade out in favor of lighter, more natural tones to encourage a more inviting atmosphere."
Beyond the walls, things like kitchen cabinets and backsplashes can be painted to make a bold statement.
2. Paint your bathroom blue to increase home value
A bathroom is definitely a space where you can get a bit more creative.
"Blues can be perfect—and since the space is smaller, it’s a safe spot for experimenting with color," says Steele.
Because no one is trying to match their furniture to a powder room, "it’s a great place to get a little adventurous," adds Riordan.
In addition to the walls, think about painting the vanity or mirror frame to bring in a bit of personality without overwhelming the space.
3. Paint your bedroom lavender to increase home value
Lavender essential oil can help you fall asleep—and painting your room lavender just might do the same.
"A modern take on traditional blues, this soft shade creates a tranquil, restful atmosphere that promotes better rest," says interior decorator Emily Gregoire.
Although bright jewel tones have been trendy for bedrooms, Gregoire advises against using them.
"Bright, bold colors can be overstimulating, making it harder to wind down at the end of the day," says Gregoire. "Bedrooms should feel like a retreat, and choosing soothing colors and warm neutrals helps lower stress and promote relaxation."
Other bedroom features that can be painted in these muted tones, aside from walls, include headboards, nightstands, and dressers.
4. Paint your living room green to increase home value
When it comes to living rooms, soft greens are growing in popularity as people embrace biophilic design—design that incorporates natural elements and brings the outside in.
"Sage green provides a subtle connection to nature and a calming energy, making it an excellent choice for living spaces," says Gregoire. "It pairs well with both warm and cool tones, offering versatility in design."
While white and gray have been popular choices for living rooms, "stark whites and cool grays can feel sterile," according to Gregoire. "Sage green creates a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere."
Other features that can be painted in living rooms, aside from the walls, are coffee tables, end tables, picture frames, and entertainment centers.
5. Paint your dining room charcoal to increase home value
When it comes to painting the dining room, a deeper hue like charcoal is great for creating a striking formal dining space, according to Steele.
A dark, dramatic color will instantly make the room feel more cozy and intimate.
While there was a recent trend of painting dining rooms bold colors like red, Steele wouldn’t recommend red for walls in any room, including the dining room.
"It’s a color that can feel too intense or even off-putting for some, especially when used excessively on walls," she warns.
As a matter of fact, 59% of interior designers polled by Fixr said that red is a turnoff to homebuyers.
But when painting your dining room a darker shade like charcoal or navy, Steele says you can also paint the dining table or chairs to update their look.
6. Paint your family room white to increase home value
When it comes to painting the family room, white is a no-brainer.
"A fresh coat of white paint makes a space look cleaner, brighter, and more expensive—like an Instagram filter for your walls," says Riordan. "Plus, it matches literally everything, so buyers can walk in and instantly picture their furniture there."
He says your family room should feel inviting, not like it’s challenging potential buyers to an aesthetic debate.
While bright, primary colors have recently been popular for family rooms, Riordan recommends keeping it neutral.
"Selling a home is not about expressing your personal style—it’s about making buyers feel like it could be their home," he says. "If they walk in and say, 'Oh, wow, we’d have to repaint this,' you’ve already lost half the battle."
When you paint the family room, Riordan recommends painting the ceiling while you're at it.
"A bright, white ceiling makes the room feel taller and more open," he says. "Nothing says 'move-in ready' like a fresh, clean, neutral home."
