Lynn Knight
You've heard it time and again: paint is one of the most effective and budget-friendly ways to dramatically transform a space, whether you're trying to make it look bigger, display your artwork, or flatter everyone in the room. In addition to the paint color, the finish can be just as crucial in setting the tone for your space.
"Layering various finishes within a room adds dimension to any space" says Kristen Chuber, Paintzen's lead design consultant.
The soft, rich look of matte paint makes it perfect for plush sitting rooms and dreamy bedrooms, says Chuber, noting that the velvety finish especially highlights artwork and wall decor.
"The flat finish provides a contrast to the glossy surface of picture frames, bringing an added elegance to a gallery wall." Benjamin Moore's Marblehead Gold adds a punch of yellow to this dining room alcove.
Matte paints are very high in pigment, meaning you'll get full coverage no matter which color you choose. "So you can dare to go dark with blacks, deep purples, charcoals, bold reds or navy blues for a feel that's rich but comfortable." Chuber suggests playing with stripes to create a unique illusion and contrast that draws the eyes to the wall.
The window trim in this bathroom was painted in Hazy Skies to add a dose of warmth to the cool palette.
"Using a matte finish on trims and doors will create a silky and elegant contrast against walls that have a slight sheen," she says.
