Ever stared at your kitchen cabinets, dreaming of a dramatic transformation inspired by Insta-worthy home makeovers and TV shows? Before you dive headfirst into a sea of bold blues, especially if you’re planning to sell soon, you might want to hold your horses—or, rather, your paintbrush. Experts warn that while a fresh coat can work wonders, the wrong color choice could hurt your home’s resale value.
Why Bold Cabinet Colors Can Be a Problem
- Deep blue, dramatic greys, and other dark hues are all the rage online and on TV.
- But when it comes to selling, many buyers still crave bright, neutral spaces—even in brand-new homes.
Most prospective buyers aren’t looking for a kitchen that takes center stage in their design dreams; they’re searching for a space that feels open, light, and adaptable to their own tastes. Sure, deep blue cabinets can wow in a photo, but are buyers really ready to embrace your bold choices as their own?
According to real estate agent Jennifer Leahy, there’s good reason for caution. She told Apartment Therapy, « A lot of buyers see a dark kitchen and immediately think of the cost to repaint. » In other words: that chic navy might look fabulous now, but for would-be buyers, all they see is a future expense.
The Case for White Cabinets: A Seller’s Best Friend?
Leahy doesn’t just theorize—she’s seen the difference firsthand. « I had two new homes for sale, one with a white kitchen and another with blue cabinets, » she explains. « The house with the white kitchen sold more quickly, and the buyer of the second house ended up wanting the cabinets painted white. » The lesson? When in doubt, white wins.
Why is crisp white such a crowd pleaser? It reflects light, makes spaces seem bigger, and provides a blank canvas for just about any style. More importantly, it spares buyers from imagining an extra line item on their moving-in costs. And unless buyers are also fans of deep blue (statistically unlikely), a neutral kitchen won’t scare them off.
Small Changes, Big Impressions
You don’t need dramatic renovations to catch a buyer’s eye. Even in an older kitchen, simply painting the cabinets white and swapping out the handles can radically update the overall vibe. As Jennifer Leahy highlights, « The cost of painting is much less than the price decrease that can result from a kitchen that doesn’t attract buyers. »
In short, investing a little time and money pre-sale can pay off. Imagine your tired cabinets getting a little spa day—it might just make your listing the belle of the real estate ball.
Should You Go White If You’re Staying Put?
Not planning to sell in the next six months? Breathe easy—you’re the boss of your brush! Your decision should also consider how long you plan to stay in your current place.
- White cabinets do have a downside: stains and scratches tend to pop, especially in busy, well-loved kitchens.
- Repainting now could mean doubling up on effort if things get messy and you have to touch up again soon.
- And let’s admit it: if you adore blue, a totally white kitchen might just feel boring faster than you can say ‘minimalism.’
So if your heart skips a beat for blue cabinetry, go for it—especially if you’re settling in for the long haul. After all, you’re the one cooking, snacking, and dancing around with a spatula in there! Trends change (who knows, maybe blue will be the next big thing again by the time you sell) and when you’re finally ready to list, you can always switch back to a crowd-pleasing neutral.
Final Thought: Paint for the Life You Live Now
Tastes in kitchen cabinets will keep evolving—just as quickly as your favorite design show drops another binge-worthy season. If selling soon is on your horizon, neutral and light colors, especially white, are more likely to boost your home’s value and speed up the sale. But, if you plan to stay and that blue makes you smile every morning, go for it! In decorating (and breakfast), satisfaction matters most. And hey, paint can always be changed—unlike your love of midnight snacks in a kitchen that feels just right.
John is a curious mind who loves to write about diverse topics. Passionate about sharing his thoughts and perspectives, he enjoys sparking conversations and encouraging discovery. For him, every subject is an invitation to discuss and learn.
