The Paint Colors That Give Experts the Ick (and What They Absolutely Adore)

A fresh coat of paint is one of the most impactful and affordable ways to transform your space, whether you’re selling your home or craving a refresh. Because walls take up so much visual space, their color sets the tone of a room instantly and makes a big impression. Nail the right shade and finish, and your space feels inviting, warm, and move-in ready. Miss the mark, and your paint color can become a deal-breaker. 

Want to know which paint colors make buyers swoon, and which ones make them bolt? Read on to discover the best (and worst) paint colors on the market, according to Fixr.com’s 2025 Interior Design and Color Trends Report, which surveyed 67 home stagers and designers.

A bold and moody paint color like Sherwin-Williams’ Rain Cloud might be on-trend and even attract some buyers, but it’s not for everyone. That’s why experts still recommend sellers stick with colors that appeal to most buyers. 

But these colors are getting an update. While stark white walls had their moment in the past decade, they can tend to make living spaces cold and uninviting. In 2025, buyers are gravitating toward soft, warm white tones, according to 85% of experts surveyed.

These warmer shades create a cozy, welcoming atmosphere while remaining neutral enough for buyers to envision layering in their personal style and furnishings to make a home feel like their own. One popular warm white is the classic favorite, Benjamin Moore’s White Dove. Another warm white is Sherin-Williams’ White Snow.

Beyond soft, warm whites, 28% of designers and stagers recommend greige, a warm neutral for living spaces, while 24% of experts opted for beige. An uplifting-yet-warm hue is Sherwin-Williams’ Malabar, a sandy beige.

Taupe was another top choice, with 18% of experts picking it, which is close in color to Pantone’s Color of the Year, Mocha Mousse. Not far behind are blush earthy tones (12%) and soft greens, selected by 10% of design experts. Lastly, brown, cool blues, deep blues, and plain old gray were also mentioned.

The bedroom should evoke the serenity of a tranquil retreat where buyers can imagine relaxing and resting. Creating this atmosphere starts with paint color. 

In the report, 76% of experts recommend using warm neutrals in the primary bedroom; 42% suggest soft, warm whites; followed by nature-inspired shades like earthy green (25%); cool blue (18%); and blush (10%). These muted tones help establish a soothing, move-in-ready feel. For a warm white, try Benjamin Moore’s Alabaster or pick a light sage, a trending hue among designers and paint brands this year.

When it comes to the bedroom, 10% of home stagers also mentioned taupe, 8% beige, and 6% soft pastels. 

Exterior paint colors play a vital role in maximizing curb appeal and whether buyers feel drawn to a home or keep driving. When asked what siding colors buyers prefer, 45% of experts say off-white is the most attractive paint color for 2025 — a classic, versatile hue that complements everything from diverse trim colors and architectural styles.

Unpainted natural wood siding grabbed the second spot (36%), offering a warm, organic look that blends with biophilic design. For something with a little edge, dark gray (24%) also stood out as a top paint color, appealing to buyers who love a sleek, modern aesthetic.

Less popular, but still mentioned, were black (13%), navy (13%), sage green (10%), and soft beige (10%). 

While some colors say, “Welcome home,” others scream, “Turn back now.” When asked about the top off-putting color for buyers, 73% of experts agreed lime green was the worst. According to the report, if you have this color in your home, you should paint over it — it’s neither neutral nor on-trend. 

The second worst paint color was bold pink, chosen by 42% of design experts. When showing a home, the hue can deter buyers from seeing past it. “While Barbiecore had its moment in the summer of 2023, the look can feel overwhelming to those hoping to envision their own design style in the space,” notes the report.

Unsurprisingly, red (35%), purple (30%), orange (30%), mustard yellow (20%), cobalt blue (3%), and black rounded out the most disliked interior paint colors.