More Light in a Gloss Kitchen If you are looking to maximize space, a gloss kitchen could be perfect. The shiny surface of the gloss finish bounces and reflects light, creating the illusion of more space. This is especially useful in smaller kitchens, or if you would like your kitchen to feel larger.
Gloss kitchens: Cons
The reflective surface can be one of the biggest problems with high gloss kitchen doors as they can require more regular cleaning than matt kitchens. This is because the reflection can make minor blemishes like dirt, fingerprints, and scratches seem more noticeable.
High gloss, contemporary, slab front cabinetry was all the rage not so long ago. But they've taken a dip in popularity over the last few years, making way for more traditional-style kitchen trends. However, in 2024 this seemingly dated kitchen trend is making a comeback.
The Cons of a Gloss Finish
Another downside, particularly with acrylic gloss units, is that they're quite easy to scratch.
Gloss Finish/High Gloss Finish: A lifesaver for smaller kitchens! Reflective surfaces make compact spaces feel larger while brightening up dim corners effortlessly. Matte Finish: Ideal for open, airy kitchens with ample natural light. It keeps the look understated and elegant without adding unnecessary shine.
When it comes to kitchen cabinets, the most popular sheens are usually satin and semi-gloss. Here's why: Satin: Satin finishes are a favorite because they provide a soft shine that adds a touch of elegance without being too flashy.
Semi-gloss: As one of the most popular paint finishes for kitchen cabinets, semi-gloss has a medium shine that reflects light well, making the cabinets look brighter and more polished. Semi-gloss paint is also easy to clean, making it a good choice for busy kitchens.
While satin finishes tend to be fairly durable in high traffic areas, they're not as durable and versatile as semi-gloss against mildew and mold. Kitchen cabinets in high moisture environments can, therefore, do better with semi-gloss paints.
One practical benefit of black cabinets is their ability to conceal smudges and fingerprints. Unlike lighter-colored cabinets, which can quickly show signs of wear from greasy or sauce-covered hands, black cabinets are less likely to display these blemishes.
The smooth, frameless surface and reflective quality of slab front gloss cabinets make them a perfect choice for modern or European-style kitchens. As we step into 2024, one kitchen trend that captivates homeowners and designers alike is the resurgence of slab front gloss cabinets.
Outdated Cabinetry
Granite countertops typically pair with natural wood cabinets, but pine or hickory cabinetry can date your kitchen's style back a few decades. Additionally, cabinetry with gold or brass fixtures shows that the kitchen hasn't had an update for a while.
A shift towards warm and earthy colour palettes defines the aesthetic of kitchens in 2024. Rich tones such as terracotta, olive green, and warm browns create a cosy and inviting ambiance. This theme is further accentuated by the inclusion of tactile textures, adding depth and sensory appeal to the kitchen space.
Blonde and mid-tone browns are classic choices that never go out of style. Bleached or super dark stains tend to wave with trends and can make a kitchen appear very dated when not in style. Avoid stains with a heavy undertone like red, orange, or grey as these will also wane with kitchen trends.
Disadvantages of gloss paint
With gloss paint, reflectivity may make colours appear darker than intended, so it's important that you test colours before you paint. Extra reflection of light may also make imperfections, like notches and bumps in your wall, easier to see.
Both gloss and matte finishes are exceptionally easy to clean, thanks to their smooth, texture-free exteriors. This feature renders acrylic faced doors a more pragmatic option than lacquered or painted doors, which often demand more delicate cleaning and are more susceptible to chipping.
These high-gloss doors are more expensive than conventional doors due to their popularity among homeowners. This means you must set aside a significant portion of your budget for this area of your kitchen, both during purchase and maintenance. Glossy kitchen doors are definitely worth the investment.
Two-tone and contrasting cabinets are a timeless way to add visual interest to any kitchen. You can install wall cabinets in one color and an island in a contrasting hue or choose one color for the lower cabinets and another for the upper cabinets.
So there's no reason to feel bad if you prefer basic white cabinetry. You're certainly in good company, says Tom Hilger, an independent design and remodeling consultant: “White kitchen cabinets are still a popular choice for many homeowners, as they offer a crisp, clean, and timeless look.”
Ultimately, the right sheen for your kitchen cabinets will depend on your personal style, lifestyle, and preferences. Matte sheen is a good choice for those who want a more natural, rustic look, while satin and semi-gloss are good choices for those who want a little more shine without being too high-maintenance.
The larger the space, the more likely it is that a glossy finish will help reflect light and provide an overall brighter feel to the room. On the other hand, if your kitchen is on the smaller side, then matte paint can be a great choice to add some texture and depth to your cabinets.
Satin Finish
A satin sheen is easy to care for and will show the least amount of dirt, grime, and imperfections on the face of your cabinets, compared to gloss and semi-gloss finishes. This type of finish is ideal for a busy kitchen.
In addition, cabinet painters choose paints with the optimal shine. High-gloss and semi-gloss paints work best on cabinets because they have a stronger finish when compared to other sheens. They are also easier to clean and maintain than a matte finish.
There are many types of paint to choose from, but the best paint for kitchen cabinets is semi-gloss, gloss or satin. Matte is not practical in kitchens and baths where you will need durable paint you can easily clean.
Tip: Emerald® Urethane Trim Enamel in Gloss, Semi-Gloss or Satin sheen is among the best paint for kitchen cabinets because it has excellent flow and leveling characteristics, resulting in a smooth and durable finish.