One of the hottest trends in interior paint these days is the matte finish. And why not? It is perhaps the most luxurious finish there is.

It can also be the scariest, especially in high traffic and high humidity areas of the home. And who hasn’t had nightmares of little crayon-wielding children heading toward a wall with a matte finish?

But that is changing, experts say.

Paint technology has advanced in premium paints to make matte finishes as durable as semi-gloss, even in humid areas of the home.

Beside the rich look of a matte finish, experts also say it is great for hiding small imperfections one might find in a wall or other surface, For example, a nick in a wall will show more under a gloss finish that reflect light than a matte finish that absorbs it.

Other tips from the pros include:
• Layer various finishes within one room. It adds dimension to the space.
• Use a matte finish on a wall with art. The flat backdrop makes the art and the frames pop.
• A matte finish will soften bold colors.
• If a matte finish still seems too risky, use it on trims and doors for an elegant contrast to a wall with a slight sheen.