I’m an interiors expert – here’s the little-known paint secret that can level up your DIY home makeover

NOW that summer is well underway, there has never been a more perfect time to give your home the refresh it’s been waiting for.

So if you’re looking to spruce up your place with a fresh revamp, then you might want to take note.

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Experts have revealed that there is a little-known paint secret that can completely level up your DIY home makeover.

While many of us are guilty of just picking a paint or a colour and calling it a day, there is a trick that designers use to take it up a notch.

And it’s all about picking the right finish.

You might not realise it, but this can make a huge difference in each room because it reflects how the paint will look on your wall.

Paint and interiors expert Lucy Steele from V&CO Paint has revealed the simple tricks for choosing the right paint finish.

And she also shared her tips on how to avoid common decorating mistakes.

It’s not just about what looks good on that tiny colour swatch; it’s about how the paint will actually behave in your space

Lucy SteelePaint and interiors expert from V&CO Paint

She said: “The existence of so many different finishes emphasises how important it is to pick the right paint for each area.

“It’s not just about what looks good on that tiny colour swatch; it’s about how the paint will actually behave in your space.

“It’s also about how it plays with light, and how much wear and tear it can handle.

“So, whether you’re planning a massive home overhaul or just sprucing up a single room, taking a moment to understand the difference between paint finishes can seriously elevate your interior game.”

Dead Flat Matt

At the moment, Dead Flat Matt is the latest trend in paint finishes, and it can completely transform a room.

Lucy says: “It influences how light bounces around, how big a space feels, and even how a surface feels to the touch.

“Think of traditional matt paint, and you might picture something with a tiny hint of a shine when the light hits it just right. Meanwhile, Dead Flat Matt is completely flat.

“This finish gives your walls a uniform, velvety, and incredibly rich look. It’s subtle, sophisticated, and surprisingly luxurious.

“Dead Flat Matt is the biggest trend right now, and it’s perfect for colour-drenching a room too!”

Silk and soft sheen

For anyone considering revamping the kitchen or bathroom, this is a finish that you might want to keep in mind.

The interior expert says: “Silk finishes are well-suited to walls as they are easy to clean.

“They reflect a small amount of light and can highlight imperfections on your wall.

“Soft sheen paint reflects the same amount of light as silk, but it’s much more durable, making it easy to clean and perfect for kitchens and bathrooms.”

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Satin and Eggshell

Satin and eggshell paints are popular for interior walls because they offer the perfect balance between durability and ease of cleaning while having a subtle shine.

And Lucy explains why they are becoming the new go-to.

She said: “Satin finishes are similar to silk but are more suitable for woodwork.

“Unlike silk though, it hides imperfections and can make colours appear softer.

“Meanwhile, Eggshell finishes reflecting small, delicate amounts of light just like an eggshell!

“Typically withstanding staining better than a matt finish, Eggshell is perfect for interior woods and works well on furniture and skirting boards.”

The five colours that are becoming outdated in 2025

IT’S important to make sure that when you update your space, you create a look that won’t quickly become outdated.

With that in mind, interior designers have revealed the five colours that are beginning to fade now that we are halfway into 2025.

Interior pro Paulina Wojas from  Stunning Chairs has said that 2025 is all about creating warm, inviting places.

1. Emerald Green – “While this colour is still loved for its luxe vibe, its declining popularity could be due to it being oversaturated”.
2. Camel – “This could be due to Camel’s brown-yellow undertone that may be too warm for a clean aesthetic, and 2025 interior trends favouring more muted, earthy tones such as taupe and olive.”
3. Burgundy – “A prominent trend this year is open, airy spaces with organic elements, which could explain burgundy’s declining demand”.
4. Scarlet Red – “While its vibrant hue is desirable for maximalist interiors, scarlet red’s intensity can become overpowering, resulting in colour fatigue.
5. Teal – “While this aquatic shade is still desirable and perfect for coastal, Greek-inspired interiors, the low number of teal sales could be due to changing preferences and trends shifting towards warmer colour palettes.”

Gloss and Smooth

Most of us love a gloss and smooth paint finish because they are durable, easily cleaned, and are great for brightening spaces.

And because it has a high level of shine and reflects light, it makes rooms appear larger and more vibrant.

But Lucy has revealed another reason why many people are adding it to their homes.

She said: “Gloss is most commonly used on wood and metal as it reflects loads of light.

“It works well for paler colours but can only be used on perfectly smooth surfaces.

“Smooth finishes are almost exclusively used in masonry paint and can withstand harsh weather conditions.

“Smooth finishes stay smooth and won’t crack, flake, or peel for up to 15 years.”