Nothing gives a house more of an uplift than a freshly decorated kitchen.

It’s the room where many people spend most of their time – if they are not preparing or enjoying food, the kitchen is also the place for socialising and catching up around the table. But before you start transforming your kitchen, it’s important to bear in mind a few things about the paint you should use.

Colour

Obviously, colour is a matter of personal taste but it is worth surfing the internet for inspiration before you commit to a colour scheme. There are so many ideas and options to choose from - do you opt for a classic neutral hue – a cream or shade of grey - that will stand the test of time or go for a more vibrant tone that will brighten up the space?

If you are a creature of fashion it is worth noting that some commentators are saying there is a move away from all-white kitchens, which have been in vogue for a number of years, towards a more mixed palette. The choice is yours.

Make sure the paint is durable

The kitchen is a room for action – food is being prepared, water is being boiled, grease can easily build up and food is often is spilt. Therefore, any paint you use should be able to withstand this onslaught and offer you a superior level of hygiene.

This means you need to bear in mind two key considerations: whether the paint has antibacterial properties and the type of finish you will need, so the paintwork can be easily cleaned.

Choose antibacterial paint

Even the cleanest of households struggle to prevent harmful bacteria building up in places. With stray bits of food, spilt sauces and mucky hands all bound to end up on the kitchen wall – choosing a paint with an antibacterial additive is a no-brainer.

An antibacterial paint will also have anti-mould properties that inhibit the build-up of harmful fungi and mildew, which have been linked to numerous respiratory and infections and allergies.

100% VOC-free

The kitchen is commonly called the heart of the home, and as such you and your family will spend many hours here creating precious memories. We would always recommend a 100% VOC-free paint like ours to keep your house healthy, one that releases NO toxic emissions and is free from carcinogens, petrochemicals and hazardous fumes of any kind. Being completely odourless, you'll really notice the improvement in your air quality and be comfortable in the knowledge that you and your family is protected.

Silk or gloss finish

When it comes to kitchens, you will require a paint finish that can take a little water and soap, to remove the different stains and splash marks that will build up. For this reason we advise you consider a silk or gloss paint finish.

A silk finish creates an attractive and highly durable sheen, which is an ideal choice if you want to make a room look bigger.  It is also an easy finish to clean with most stains being removed with the wipe of a damp cloth.

Because it reflects a lot of light, a gloss finish creates a lovely gleam in a room. It’s also extremely durable and can be wiped clean easily, making it a good choice for areas that are particularly susceptible, such as the backsplash.