After sifting through hundreds of paint colours, finally settling on the right one can feel like a relief. But before you reach for the paintbrushes, there’s one more decision to make: which paint finish is right for your space?

From high-gloss sheens to ultramatte and everything in between, we’re breaking down the different paint finishes and how to choose the right one for your next project.

Why Do Different Paint Finishes Exist?

“The main reasons for sheen differences is to mask subtle imperfections, provide durability to high-traffic areas and absorb or reflect light,” says Trish Picariello, a colour specification and design specialist at Cloverdale Paint.

What’s The Simplest Way to Choose a Paint Finish?

When choosing a paint finish, consider how much wear and tear the surface will experience, the look you’re after and the condition of the surface itself. A front door, for example, is more prone to damage and scuffs than a ceiling, so each may call for a different finish.

“In general, the higher the sheen, the more durable and washable the finish will be. Higher sheen finishes also reflect more light, which can highlight surface imperfections.” — David Underwood, technical marketing manager at Benjamin Moore

On the other hand, director of colour marketing at Sherwin-Williams, Sue Wadden, says a matte or flat finish can help minimize imperfections and create a softer look. “Consider factors such as traffic, moisture, cleaning needs and the condition of the surface when making a selection.”

Paint Finishes by Brand

Paint finishes vary by brand, with different names, levels of sheen and recommended applications. Here’s a breakdown of the options from four leading paint brands, along with expert advice to help you choose the right finish.

Behr

According to Karla Kratz, Behr’s head of colour, the finish also becomes part of the dcsign. “You might choose something softer for the walls, then introduce more sheen on trim, cabinetry or a door to give those details more presence.”

The six interior paint finishes Behr offers are:

• Flat: Non-reflective, ideal for low-traffic areas
• Matte: Low-lustre, reflective and durable
• Eggshell Enamel: Soft and velvety, resists dirt and grime
• Satin Enamel: Peal-like finish, easy to clean
• Semi-gloss Enamel: Sleek, radiant and ideal for high-traffic areas
• Hi-gloss Enamel: Shiny, glass-like finish ideal for high-use areas

Cloverdale Paint

“I live in a 107 year old house and many of my interior walls are original plaster,” says Trish. “I choose a flat finish to minimize irregularities and sometimes eggshell which offers a low sheen.”

The six interior paint finishes Cloverdale Paint offers are:

• Flat Paint: Lowest gloss level with almost no shine
• Eggshell Paint: Low-sheen finish with gentle glow
• Pearl Paint: Shinier than eggshell with a soft luminosity
• Low Gloss Paint: Smooth, soft and satin-like
• Semi-gloss Paint: Reflective and durable
• Gloss/High-gloss Paint: Highly reflective and extremely durable

Sherwin-Williams

When choosing a paint colour, Sue recommends testing a colour before making a final decision. “Colour and sheen work together to influence how a paint looks in a space, and lighting can dramatically impact the final appearance,” she says.

The 10 interior paint finishes Sherwin-Williams offers are:

• Gloss: Shiniest option, striking appearance
• Semi-gloss: Adds subtle shine, easy to clean
• Satin/Eg-shel: Smooth, easily washable
• Matte: Flat finish, angular shine
• Flat: Non-reflective and low durability
• High Gloss: Most reflective, shiny and lustrous
• Medium Lustre: Higher-gloss finish
• Pearl: Subtle shimmer, lustrous
• Low-lustre: Subtle sheen
• Velvet: Flat finish with hint of sheen

Benjamin Moore

“From ultra-flat finishes that help create flawless ceilings, to high gloss finishes that make a front door or accent wall stand out, our portfolio includes solutions for every room, surface and style,” says David.

The seven paint finishes Benjamin Moore offers are:

• Flat: Non-reflective
• Ulti-Matte: Shine-free, slightly more durable than Flat
• Eggshell: Low sheen and durable
• Pearl: Medium gloss and highly durable
• Satin: High gloss and stain resistant
• Semi-Gloss: Luminous for a smooth, furniture-like finish
• High Gloss: Mirror-like finish and highly durable

The post Decoding Paint Finishes: Which One Is Best? appeared first on House & Home.

Most days, this kitchen belongs to two, but when the homeowners’ large, boisterous family comes together, it’s a different story. Designer Rehanna Leong of Lili Design Co. in Calgary planned the space for both, pairing a soft, textural palette and clean-lined Bosch appliances with plenty of room to prep, cook and entertain.

We wanted the appliances to feel integrated into the design rather than compete with it. Bosch has a clean, understated aesthetic. – Rehanna Leong, Lili Design Co.

THE WISH LIST

Room to Roast

A double wall oven means twice the capacity. The 800 Series 30″ Speed Combination Oven allows you to cook many dishes at once, at different temperatures in each oven.

Space to Chill

The 800 Series 36″ Counter-Depth 4-Door Refrigerator with internal filtered water dispenser gives fresh food the VIP treatment with a middle VitaFresh® Pro drawer, plus a bottom freezer.

Induction Cooking

The 800 Series 30″ Induction Slide-in Range creates the seamless look Rehanna wanted, while induction delivers the performance the homeowners need. Its smooth glass surface is easy to clean, with fast, precise cooking that works for any meal.

REHANNA’S TIPS FOR CHOOSING APPLIANCES

1. Start Early

Appliances should be part of the kitchen design, not an afterthought. Size, placement and configuration can influence how the space functions.

2. Design For Real Life

Think beyond how a kitchen looks to how you actually use it.

3. Think Long-Term

Choose appliances that will feel right for years to come. “I like Bosch because the design is understated while the technology is focused on performance and everyday ease.”

The post Rehanna Leong Designs A Kitchen That’s Just Right For Two Or Ready For A Crowd appeared first on House & Home.

The 147-year-old Victorian farmhouse in Caledon, Ont., which is about an hour’s drive northwest of Toronto, is deep in horse country.

The rolling hills are dotted with barns and paddocks and, on weekends, horse trailers rumble at dawn toward shows at Caledon Equestrian Park. It’s a perfect fit for the homeowner, Fenn, a show jumper who’s been riding since she was seven. She boards her horses nearby, and often hosts family and friends at her home, dubbed Attingham Park.

When she hired designer Jack Creasy for the renovation, Fenn was eager to fold in equestrian touches that reflected her passion but didn’t go overboard. “We didn’t want horse wallpaper!” says Jack with a laugh. Fenn agrees: “I was looking for equestrian references without being too on the nose.” A double barn door, sconces embellished with a nod to horse tails, and a console that references saddle stands hint at the theme, but tastefully.

The design brief for the 3,500-square-foot, three-bedroom Victorian was influenced by British country house design, those timeless manor homes that withstand life with wet dogs, muddy boots, and a dusting of horsehair and hay.

“My main priority for this house is that it’s welcoming — a place where friends and family can relax and enjoy themselves,” says Fenn, who shares the home with her two big dogs, Ellie and Wallace.

“I love to cook: the oven and steam oven are game-changers for entertaining, and the guest rooms and bathrooms are inviting and comfortable.”

The wood floor disguises dog scratches, the white dining chairs are upholstered in forgiving performance fabric and, in the shower, brass fixtures have a living finish that will darken into a coveted patina over time — no polish required.

“I didn’t want to be constantly worried about things getting damaged, so we tried to pick fabrics and materials that could be lived in,” she says.

In addition to the relaxed vibe, Fenn was drawn to the bold colour of English country houses, embracing a pasture-green kitchen, minty principal bathroom and mustard laundry room.

Instead of rustic wood, the ensuite has double barn doors that are elevated by a coat of pale pink paint.

And when Fenn and Jack were combing through paint samples, they fell in love with the rusty cinnamon colour that ended up in the pantry and mudroom, spaces that felt perfectly suited to colour drenching.

“I really love colour, and Jack helped me use it in a way that doesn’t feel overwhelming throughout the house,” says Fenn.

Another standout design move is the forest-like scenic wallpaper that wraps the dining room walls — the trees’ cloudlike puffs of teal, soft pink and rust tones pop up repeatedly in other rooms.

Applying wallpaper on the wine fridge and bar feels completely immersive, like a pastoral cocoon that echoes the surrounding countryside.

Fenn appreciates the fine details that go into bespoke craftsmanship. Not surprisingly, the home is filled with custom solutions and millwork, seen in the wavy backsplash that undulates over her bathroom vanity or the fluted carved Indiana limestone fireplace wall in the family room.

“In addition to the furniture design, we selected art, decorative accessories, dishware — even placemats — so the design is cohesive throughout,” says Jack. Championing bold shades and unique details has paid off: this house is worthy of a first-place showing.

The post Jack Creasy Designs a Colourful Country Home With Equestrian Flair— Without The Kitsch appeared first on House & Home.