When Sherwin-Williams published their recent STIR®️ feature on multifamily design, the focus wasn’t simply on color—it was on strategy.

The article underscores a principle that every investor, asset manager, and ownership group understands: design decisions directly affect the financial performance of an asset. From exterior color palettes to amenity planning, these choices shape first impressions, leasing velocity, retention, and long-term competitiveness.

Key Takeaways for Decision Makers

  • Curb Appeal is Capital – Exterior palettes are more than aesthetics; they accelerate leasing activity and strengthen market positioning.

  • Retention is Designed – Interiors and amenity spaces that align with resident expectations reduce turnover costs and stabilize income.

  • Market Relevance Requires Foresight – Designs informed by demographic trends and evolving renter preferences safeguard an asset’s competitive edge.

Why This Matters

The conversation with Sherwin-Williams highlights what many in the C-suite are already weighing: how to differentiate properties in a saturated multifamily market. Design, when approached as part of the investment strategy, can be the lever that separates high-performing assets from average ones.

At Color Works, this has long been our perspective—design is not an expense, it’s an investment. And as the Sherwin-Williams feature demonstrates, the market is paying attention.

👉 Read the full article here
👉 Learn more at Color Works about turning design into measurable value for your portfolio.