Take a Second Look at Your Paint Finish
No more shiny walls for bathrooms and kitchens!!
In the past, it was routine to recommend an eggshell or satin finish for bathroom and kitchen walls because it would hold up better than a flat finish in these heavily used areas of the home. Flat wall paint has always been great for hiding wall imperfections and roller lap marks on large, difficult to paint areas but the lack of durability has hounded this finish for years. Known to pick up stains and marks more easily than shinier paint finishes, flat paint was much more difficult to clean, often removing the paint or leaving shiny spots where cleaning was attempted.
So what has changed?
Better quality paint is the answer. The advanced technology behind paint has improved the durability which allows us to consider the wider variety of finishes when planning a project. Two products worth mentioning are Benjamin Moore’s Aura & Sherwin Williams Emerald paint lines.
Although these advanced products are more expensive, in this case, you get what you pay for!
Go a little lighter!
Keep in mind that the surface of a flat finish is more porous and absorbs light which makes the color appear a little darker on the wall so consider going a little bit lighter when selecting the final color.
Think Creatively About Your Paint Finish
Beyond the practical advantages, a flat finish appears velvety and luxurious. When it is used in combination with shinier semi-gloss and gloss finishes for door and window trim, the contrast between the finishes increases and results in a polished and more sophisticated look.
This can be taken further by planning the placement of flat and shiny areas when designing with stripes, patterns, and stencils. Think about wallpaper and the way the mat and shiny surfaces throughout a pattern are used to soften and highlight areas.
Ask a Professional!
If this is all too much to think about and you are feeling overwhelmed, consider a color consultation to take the worry out of planning your project.
The creative process can be nerve-wracking, but guidance from Turning Point Redesign will encourage your creative side, enable you to make confident choices, and help you avoid costly mistakes.