Once the colour is settled, the finish is the next decision. It changes how the colour reads, how the room catches light and how the doors behave day to day.
Matt
Soft and modern, with almost no reflection. Matt makes deep colours such as navy, charcoal and sage look rich and velvety. It hides surface imperfections well but shows finger marks a little more readily on dark shades, so it wants a gentle wipe now and then.
Satin
The middle ground and the most popular choice. A light sheen that cleans easily, bounces a little light back into the room and suits almost every colour. If you are unsure, satin is the safe answer for a family kitchen.
Gloss
High reflection, bright and contemporary. Gloss makes a small or darker kitchen feel larger because it throws light around. It is very easy to wipe clean, but it shows every mark and every ripple in the door beneath, so preparation has to be flawless.
Mixing finishes
There is no rule saying everything has to match. A satin run of units with a matt island, or matt doors beside a gloss sprayed worktop, can give the room depth without adding a second colour.