Choosing Kitchen Paint with Sherwin-Williams Expert

Robin Johnson
Sep 4
2 min read

If you’ve ever stood in front of a wall of paint swatches and thought, “They all look the same!”…you are NOT alone. Choosing paint colors can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to picking the best paints for a permanent location like your kitchen.

Kitchens are the heart of the home, but they’re also the one of the messiest, and busiest spaces. Choosing the right paint is about way more than just picking a pretty color... which is why I brought in the paint whisperer herself, Dr. Amy Milani from Sherwin-Williams to share her insider knowledge. And let me tell you, this episode was packed with great advice!

Why Your Kitchen Paint Matters (More Than You Think)

Kitchens take a beating. Between spaghetti sauce splatters, greasy fingers, and nonstop foot traffic, your walls and cabinets need to be tough. The wrong paint finish means you’ll be repainting way sooner than you’d like (and doing lots of touch-up along the way).

Amy recommends choosing a high quality paint like the best in class Sherwin Williams Emerald line for a solid investment.

Here’s the scoop:

Use semi-gloss or satin finish for cabinets and trim. It's wipeable, durable and has just enough sheen to show off the millwork.
Choose a flat or matte finish for the walls. It's a misconceptin that you can't wipe down matte or flat paint without taking off a layer. Higher end paint is designed to withstand cleaning which is why it's worth it.

Color Confidence Tips

Amy reminded us that paint doesn’t live in a vacuum. Lighting changes everything! That dreamy white you loved in the store might look yellow in your kitchen, which is why it's so important to test colors in your own space before committing. Be sure to pay attention to your flooring whether you are keeping what you have or replacing it when choosing new colors for your space.

Bonus tip: If you're remodeling and keeping your existing trim, you want to make sure your new cabinet and wall colors work well with it and that it doesn't look dingy.

Some Favorite Nuggets from Amy

Test, test, test! Samples are your BFF and can be purchased peel and stick, painted on your current walls, painted on poster board or painted on extra drywall.
Don’t let trends be in charge, pick colors that work with your home's palette.
Don't be afraid to choose colors that make you HAPPY!
Match trims, crown moldings, and walls with intention.

Biggest Oops Homeowners Make

Skipping the test phase or picking the wrong finish for a high-traffic area. Both eventually lead to regret. Learn from the pros, invest in quality paint. In the long run, it will save you money, time, and sanity.

Final Thoughts

Want the full play-by-play from the paint whisperer herself? 🎧 Listen to “Choosing Kitchen Paint with Sherwin-Williams Expert” now on your favorite podcast app.