Paint color plays a powerful role in how buyers perceive a home. Learn which palettes help homes sell in 2026—and which choices can quietly hurt value—in Newport Beach and Costa Mesa.
When preparing a home for sale, paint color is one of the most overlooked—and most powerful—tools a seller has. In 2026, buyer preferences are clear: homes that feel warm, cohesive, and move-in ready consistently outperform those with dated or overly personal color schemes.
For sellers in Newport Beach and Costa Mesa, where natural light and architectural character play a major role, the right paint choices can directly influence buyer perception, days on market, and final sale price.
Curious about broader design trends beyond resale strategy?
We’ve also put together “2026 Home Color Trends: Elevated Palettes for Newport Beach & Costa Mesa Homes”, exploring room-by-room color inspiration shaping homes this year.
👉 Read it here
Warm Neutrals Are the New “Safe Choice”
Forget stark white. In 2026, buyers favor warm off-whites, soft greiges, and light taupes with subtle undertones. These colors:
- Enhance natural light
- Complement wood, stone, and metal finishes
- Photograph beautifully online
- Appeal across age and lifestyle demographics
Green Continues to Signal Calm, Quality, and Intentional Design
Muted greens—such as eucalyptus, olive, and smoky jade—are among the most buyer-approved colors in 2026. Used on cabinetry, accent walls, or secondary rooms, green adds sophistication without alienating buyers.
In coastal Orange County, green also reinforces indoor-outdoor living and connection to nature.
Where Sellers Can Use Bolder Color
Strategic moments of color can elevate a home:
- Dining rooms with deep, moody tones feel intimate and upscale
- Powder rooms can handle jewel tones or wallpaper
- Home offices benefit from darker, focused palettes
The key is containment—bold color should feel curated, not dominant.
Colors Sellers Should Avoid in 2026
- Cool grays with blue undertones
- High-contrast black-and-white schemes without warmth
- Overly saturated primaries
- Inconsistent palettes from room to room
These choices often make homes feel dated, cold, or fragmented.
Paint as a Strategic Pre-Sale Investment
Among cosmetic updates, paint offers one of the strongest returns:
- Low cost
- Fast turnaround
- Immediate visual impact
- Strong buyer response
When paired with professional guidance, paint can quietly support stronger offers and smoother negotiations.
Final Thought: Paint Is Part of Pricing Strategy
At Lucas Real Estate Group, we view paint color not as decoration—but as market positioning. The most successful sales occur when design, pricing, and presentation work together.
Choosing the right colors in 2026 isn’t about following trends blindly. It’s about understanding buyers, architecture, and the local market—and using design to support value.
— Devin Lucas
Author Devin R. Lucas is a Real Estate Broker, REALTOR®, and Real Estate Attorney specializing in Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, and coastal Orange County. Courtney Lucas, CPA and REALTOR®, provides expert financial insight alongside real estate services.
Lucas Real Estate offers unmatched expertise in California real estate sales, property management, capital gains strategies, and property tax matters, including Propositions 13, 58, 193, 60, 90, and Proposition 19.
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