The Complete Guide to Paint Sheens for Your Kansas City Home Remodel
- Made New Home Services
- Nov 17
- 4 min read
When homeowners across Kansas City and Johnson County begin planning a remodel, they naturally spend time selecting paint colors. But one of the most overlooked decisions — and one that impacts the look and longevity of your investment just as much — is choosing the right paint sheen.
At Made New Home Services, we walk our clients through this choice every day. The right sheen elevates a space, protects surfaces, and ensures your new kitchen, bathroom, or main-level renovation feels intentional and beautifully finished.
Below, we break down everything you need to know about paint sheens for walls, ceilings, trim, and cabinets — and how to make the right choice for your home in the Kansas City and Johnson County metro.
What Are Paint Sheens — and Why Do They Matter?
Paint sheen refers to the level of gloss or reflectivity in the finish. Higher sheen = more shine. Lower sheen = more matte.
Sheen plays a major role in:
How light reflects in a room
How durable and washable a surface is
How much the paint will hide or highlight imperfections
How “finished” or “high-end” a space feels
In a remodel, these details matter — especially when you’ve invested in new drywall, trim work, cabinets, or updated layouts.
Understanding the Main Paint Sheen Options
Most paint brands offer these standard sheen categories:
• Flat
No gloss. Soft, matte, velvety finish.Best for: ceilings, low-traffic walls, older homes with imperfections.
• Matte
Very low sheen, slightly more durable than flat.Best for: whole-home wall applications where a designer-style look is desired.
• Eggshell
• Satin
Noticeable sheen, excellent durability.Best for: kitchens, bathrooms, trim in lower-sheen design plans.
• Semi-Gloss
• High-Gloss
Best Paint Sheens for Walls
1. Main Living Spaces (Living Room, Dining Room, Hallways)
Recommended: Matte or Eggshell
In Johnson County homes — from Overland Park to Leawood — many homeowners want a warm, elevated look without glare. Matte has become extremely popular in modern remodeling because it looks soft and refined.
Eggshell is a great compromise if you want a soft finish but with better wipeability (especially with kids or pets).
2. Kitchens
Recommended: Eggshell or Satin
Kitchens need durability — steam, fingerprints, food splatters, and day-to-day wear all add up. Satin stands up well to moisture, but eggshell can also work if you prefer a lower sheen and the walls aren’t directly behind prep areas.
3. Bathrooms
Recommended: Satin
Bathrooms in Kansas City’s climate experience humidity swings year-round. Satin resists moisture and mildew better than low-sheen finishes.
4. Basements
Recommended: Eggshell or Satin
Basements can vary in humidity and wall texture. Eggshell softens uneven surfaces. Satin adds cleanability in high-traffic or kid-friendly basement spaces.
Best Paint Sheen for Ceilings
Ceiling Sheen Recommendation: Flat — almost always.
Flat ceilings hide drywall seams, inconsistencies, and natural shadows. Nearly every Kansas City remodel we complete uses flat white on ceilings for this reason.
Exception:If you have shiplap ceilings, new perfectly smooth drywall, or vaulted/architectural ceilings, a matte sheen may enhance the design.
The Right Sheen for Trim and Doors
Trim, doors, and millwork are architectural features — and they look best when the sheen elevates the craftsmanship.
Recommended: Semi-Gloss
Why?
Creates a crisp, clean contrast against matte/eggshell walls
Highlights beautiful baseboards, casing, crown, and custom millwork
Easy to wipe clean
Durable in high-touch areas
For older Johnson County homes with original millwork (like Prairie Village or Roeland Park), semi-gloss helps preserve that character while pairing well with updated wall colors.
Satin Trim?
Some modern homes use satin on trim for a softer, less reflective look. It works well in contemporary or minimal spaces but gives a slightly more casual feel.
Cabinet Paint Sheens — Where It Really Matters
Choosing the right sheen for your cabinets is one of the most important finish decisions in a remodel — especially in a kitchen or bathroom.
Cabinets endure daily use, oils from hands, cleaning products, and temperature changes. The wrong sheen shows fingerprints, highlights wood grain inconsistently, or lacks durability.
Best Sheen for Cabinets: Semi-Gloss
Semi-gloss is the industry standard because it offers:
High durability
Easy cleaning
A refined, furniture-like finish
Resistance to moisture (crucial in kitchens and bathrooms)
Alternative: Satin Cabinets
Satin has gained popularity in Kansas City remodels for homeowners who want a softer, more modern aesthetic. Satin:
Shows fewer surface reflections
Feels more contemporary
Hides minor imperfections better
But it is slightly less washable than semi-gloss — though still durable when applied with a high-quality paint system and proper prep.
What About Matte Cabinets?
We rarely recommend matte or flat on cabinets.They show oils and smudges quickly and don’t hold up to daily wear unless using specialty cabinet coatings.
How We Help Kansas City Homeowners Choose the Right Sheen
During every remodel — whether it’s a custom kitchen in Olathe, a bathroom renovation in Overland Park, or a full-home update in Prairie Village — our team walks clients through three key considerations:
1. How the space is used
High-traffic areas need higher durability.
2. The amount of natural light
More natural light = more visible sheen.
3. The style and character of the home
Historic homes often benefit from traditional sheen combinations.Modern homes often lean toward matte walls and satin trim.
We also test sheen samples on the actual surfaces to show how they behave in Kansas City’s lighting and climate.
Our Recommended Sheen Combinations
For a Classic, High-End Look:
Walls: Eggshell
Trim/Doors: Semi-Gloss
Ceilings: Flat
Cabinets: Semi-Gloss
For a Modern, Soft, Sophisticated Look:
Walls: Matte
Trim: Satin
Ceilings: Flat
Cabinets: Satin
For Family-Friendly Durability:
Walls: Eggshell or Satin
Trim: Semi-Gloss
Ceilings: Flat
Cabinets: Semi-Gloss
Final Thoughts: Small Choices Make the Biggest Difference
Selecting paint sheens may feel like a small step in your remodel, but the right choices elevate your home’s design, durability, and overall feel.
If you're planning a remodel in the Kansas City or Johnson County area — whether it’s a kitchen refresh, a bathroom renovation, or a full home transformation — our team at Made New Home Services can help you choose the perfect paint sheens to match your style and lifestyle.