Pick the right finish

- Homes & Gardens warns that selecting the wrong paint finish in a kitchen can make the correct color look cheap, so finish choice now matters as much as hue during remodels. - The guide recommends matching finish to traffic patterns and cleanability to prevent fast wear and avoid a dated appearance in high‑use kitchens. - Designers increasingly treat finish selection as a renovation priority rather than an afterthought when updating kitchens in 2026. (homesandgardens.com) (livingetc.com)