Paint Colors and Finishes

Most of you who know me, or who've browsed my website at all, know my love for neutral paint colors. I love the way they brighten a space, oftentimes making a space feel larger than it actually is. Now don't get me wrong - I LOVE color and have advised clients to paint certain spaces a bright or deep color in their home. But generally speaking, I love the way a good grey or beige (or greige) can make a house look, AND I love that it allows for the furniture, art work, and decor that has been collected  over time and that has meaning to the homeowner to really POP!

For a list of my favorite neutral paint colors, click here. 

Choosing the right paint finish can be tricky!  Paint finishes range from "flat" or matte to "high-gloss" or shiny and are all wonderful finishes if used in the right location.  Flat paint has a chalky look to it with very little sheen.  With a bit more sheen and scrubbability, eggshell is easier to clean than flat paint. A step up from eggshell is satin, a paint finish that stands up to water better than a flat or eggshell finish. Satin is an ideal finish for the walls in high-traffic areas, or rooms where water is present. The semi-gloss finish is the best choice for areas that are cleaned frequently, such as cabinetry and trim, and it boasts a shinier finish, particularly in rooms with a large amount of sunlight. High-gloss finish is the glossiest of the bunch and is typically only used for a lacquered look on certain pieces of furniture. 

​As a rule of thumb,  the shinier the paint finish, the more durable it is.  

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Guide to Selecting a Paint Finish

Flat

Ceilings

Eggshell

Bedrooms, Living Room & Dining Room

Satin

Kitchen, Laundry Room, Bathrooms & Hallways

Semi-Gloss

Trim & Moulding, Kitchen Cabinets, Doors, Woodworking

Gloss

Typically only used on furniture for a lacquer look

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I hope this helps you the next time you head to the paint store!!!
xoxo,
Maggie