How painting your interiors can increase the value of your home

Drumming up the enthusiasm to paint your interiors isn't easy, whether you are doing it for a potential sale or not. If house painting isn't something you've done before you're probably not exactly aware of what all the benefits are and whether it is actually worth it. Luckily, there are answers to these questions to help you understand whether you should take it on as a project or not.

In real estate, first impressions are powerful, and when positive, can greatly speed up a successful property sale. Freshly painted interiors play a crucial role in this as a reflection of a home's overall appeal and condition. The initial visual impact of clean, vibrant walls can instantly elevate a buyer's perception, signalling a well-maintained property and evoking a sense of readiness to move in.

This positive first impression is invaluable and its effect is amplified when large groups of people are inspecting the property. Using universally appealing colour schemes based on concepts of colour psychology, not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also establishes ambience and mood, which people can then form an emotional connection to. Homes that evoke a strong emotional connection can transcend purely financial considerations, compelling buyers to act more quickly and sometimes even pay a premium.

The perception of space is also very important, influencing both the aesthetic appeal, functionality and perceived value of a property. By strategically choosing your paint colour and finish, in line with those aforementioned concepts of colour psychology, you can make rooms feel larger, brighter, and more inviting. A simple example to do this is to choose lighter paint colours for small spaces which will reflect and enhance the natural light within them, making them feel brighter and more spacious. As people often equate spaciousness with luxury, the value it adds can clearly be seen.

At the other end of the spectrum, dark colours in large spaces can make a room feel more cosy and inviting, again great feelings to be able to evoke in a competitive real estate market. By enhancing the spatial experience of the home with a simple fresh coat of paint (or two) you can quickly elevate its appeal.

The durability of walls can often be seen in the quality of the interior paint used and the workmanship of the paint job itself, which points to two factors that should be taken seriously. High-quality paint and professional application can protect walls from wear, tear, and moisture, ensuring that the home not only looks pristine at the point of sale but also promises longevity and ease of upkeep. This perception of care and durability can be a decisive factor for buyers, who often view such homes as a smarter, more valuable investment. Therefore, investing in high-quality paints and a professional paint job can dramatically enhance a property's marketability, showcasing a commitment to maintenance that resonates with buyers looking for a home that combines beauty with lasting quality.

Applying a fresh coat of paint can also be used as a transformative tool that can instantly update a room and give it a more contemporary feel. By selecting modern, on-trend colours, homeowners can shift a space from dated to designer with minimal effort and expense. Contemporary colour schemes (at the time of writing) often incorporate neutral palettes with bold accents, reflecting current design trends that favour clean lines, simplicity, and minimalism.

Besides the choice of colour, the finish of the paint also plays a critical role, for example, matte or eggshell finishes can lend an elegant, sophisticated touch that is very much in vogue. This straightforward update can rejuvenate an entire room, making it appear more spacious, light-filled, and in line with modern tastes. Consequently, a room that may have once felt old-fashioned can be transformed into a space that resonates with today’s stylistic preferences, enhancing its appeal to potential buyers or simply making the living space more enjoyable for current inhabitants.

The environmental and health credentials of interior paint significantly contribute to the value of a home, aligning with a growing consumer demand for sustainable and safe living environments. Utilising paints with low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) is a great place to start as it minimises the impact on indoor air quality during and after the interior paint job. For health-conscious buyers or those with sensitivities, such features make a property considerably more attractive, potentially increasing its market value.

Other types of eco-friendly paints are often formulated with sustainability in mind, using natural or recycled materials that minimise their footprint on the environment. The manufacturing process also tends to be more environmentally friendly, with less energy consumption and waste production. This adds value not just to the home itself but to society as a whole.

Interior painting can be one of the most economical ways to enhance most people's biggest investment, being their homes. What's more, there are many ways you can maximise this type of project for an even greater return on investment. The most obvious way to do this is to do a DIY paint job, meaning you won't have to pay for a professional to do so. This can save you anywhere from several hundred dollars for a single room to thousands for a full home. The trade-off is your own time, but if you have that to spare and are confident in your skills then it may be well worth considering.

The other main cost is for the interior paint itself which can range anywhere from $20 - $90+ per litre. Obviously, the ideal situation is to go for the highest-quality interior paint every time, however, if you're looking to sell in the near future, this will diminish the return on investment. The solution is to be selective and strategic with your paint choices, taking a room-by-room approach. In some rooms, like the living rooms and bedroom, high-quality, durable paint may be prioritised as these are spaces that can hold a lot of sway in a buyer's mind. However, this is probably less significant for a home office or laundry where a mid-range option could be a more appropriate choice.

If you're thinking of painting all the interiors in your home then this provides the opportunity to establish a cohesive look throughout. This can create visually appealing rooms that are naturally connected which can resonate strongly with potential buyers. By using a consistent colour palette or complementary colours throughout the home, one can evoke a sense of balance and unity, making the property more attractive and inviting.

This strategic approach to interior painting can also enhance the flow from room to room, making spaces feel larger and more integrated. Better still, if you can tie it in with your home's exterior paint job you can make the cohesive feeling come through even stronger. With more and more people after homes with designer credentials, this is a great way to touch on that sentiment.

As you can see, there are many ways a fresh paint job can add value to your home. From creating a powerful first impression to giving it contemporary appeal and establishing some design cohesion, the benefits combine wonderfully to elevate an entire house to something fresh, vibrant and appealing.

Related article: How to choose interior paint that transforms your home