Gloss finishes might require more frequent cleaning, while matt finishes are better at hiding wear and tear. Aesthetic preferences. Do you want a sleek, modern kitchen or a subtle, sophisticated style? Gloss kitchens tend to be more contemporary, while matt kitchens give a more subdued and classy look.
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.
Recommendation: For most kitchens, a semi-gloss finish is the best choice. It strikes the perfect balance between durability, ease of cleaning, and aesthetic appeal. Satin finishes are also a good choice if you prefer less shine, while gloss finishes are great for a more modern, high-impact look.
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.
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.
Matt finish kitchens are great for making kitchens seem smaller than they really are. The high gloss kitchen does the opposite. Your kitchen will appear more spacious by reflecting light, making it an ideal choice for a high gloss small kitchen.
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.
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.
This type of kitchen finish is great because it is relatively cheap, very durable, and is extremely resistant to delamination. For this reason, this option is attractive for those looking to renovate their kitchen for the long-term. The downside to matt laminate is that the surface could be a little smoother.
High gloss laminate has a sleek and modern look. Its reflecting surface is not only visually striking but also makes spaces appear larger. Whereas matte laminate offers a smooth and flat appearance, its non-reflective surface hides minor imperfections and makes it a preferred choice for high-traffic areas.
Soft sheen paint is a perfect choice for high traffic areas such as hallways and kitchens.
The Cons of a Gloss Finish
Another downside, particularly with acrylic gloss units, is that they're quite easy to scratch.
Compared to high-gloss finishes, matte paints are the least durable and the hardest to clean. However, in rooms with little traffic and areas such as ceilings, matte finishes offer an elegant, smooth sheen and are more economical than high-gloss paints.
The skilful combination of colours and textures is a central element of perfect interior design. This also includes the combination of glossy and matt surfaces in the same colour. The juxtaposition of matt and gloss creates dynamism and gives the room depth, character and a touch of avant-garde elegance.
But there are differences that could shape your decision. Though both these finishes can be water-resistant and durable, scratches and fingerprints show up on glossy cabinets much easier than they do on matte cabinets. If you have small children or pets, high gloss cabinetry will be quite a challenge to keep clean.
Shaker-Style Cabinets
Known for their simple design and recessed-panel doors, Shaker cabinets have been in style for more than 100 years. Shaker cabinets are popular in farmhouse kitchens, but they also work with a variety of home decor styles.
Regardless of the time of day or the season, high gloss kitchen units will amplify whatever natural or artificial light is available to make the room feel more vibrant. Another effect of bouncing more light around the room is that your kitchen will look and feel larger.
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.
For those looking for paint rollers for a smooth finish, high-density foam rollers should be your first stop. While high-density foam rollers are great, they are not the only option. Lint-free short nap rollers are another excellent choice for achieving a smooth finish.
The consensus is that neutral colors like white, gray, and beige sell the best. These colors appeal to a broad range of buyers due to their versatility and ability to blend with different styles and decors. White kitchens, for instance, are known for their timeless appeal.
Efficiency has reached a pinnacle, making workstation sinks the top trend for 2024. These sinks come pre-filled with built-in accessories that simplify kitchen tasks. For example, most workstation sinks already come with cutting boards, drying racks, and colanders.
White and Cream Timeless Kitchen Colour Ideas
White and cream kitchens make for bright, spacious and inviting spaces. This classic colour combination looks great in several materials and finishes and can be combined with bolder colours.