Paint Sheen - Flat is the new Black

Design trends come and go in all areas, even paint sheen.  For example, the past several years has seen a trend towards high sheen with saturated walls and that trend is still going strong, but we are seeing a new trend peak its head around the corner with something Farrow and Ball is calling Dead Flat.  They are marketing an ultra-flat look across ALL walls, woodwork and metal throughout the room and I gotta tell you, it’s gorgeous.  Super luxurious, velvety and impactful.  Let me know your thoughts….because I’m pretty much in love.  

The trend towards flat is also spilling over into tile, accessories, lighting, etc! These examples are from Currey and Company, Stray Dog Design, Visual Comfort, The Tile Shop, Fireclay Tile and Ziatile - so you can see it’s not just one designer or material that is loving that matte look..

BUT, it’s not for everyone and if you want to follow the basic 101 rules with paint, here is perfect formula. 

Flat walls – or Dead Flat if you want to go the Farrow and Ball route and then a Satin or Semi gloss on the trim, doors and cabinets.  For me, going high gloss on those areas is just a little too much and taking it down a notch to Satin or Semi creates a beautiful, classic look sure to make you happy.  Ceilings are flat almost 100% of the time unless you are trying to go high impact.

This rule of thumb painting technique is one of my favorites because it is timeless. I DO love an impact paint statement though and since paint is fairly easily changed, I wouldn’t hesitate to go with a trend you truly love. Design is that way in general, if you love something, even if it is deemed a “past trend” - don’t worry about it! Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and being a slave to trends is expensive, so always design with your personality and longevity in mind. If a trend speaks to you, do it. But if you are only doing it because that’s what everyone is doing - it’s probably the wrong way to go!

Happy Painting!