What colours and paint to use in the kitchen and bathroom?

In the kitchen and bathroom, choose light, clean colours and a paint made for damp and cleaning: water-based, washable and, preferably, anti-mould, in a satin or washable matt finish. The paint helps, but ventilation is essential. Without it, the mould comes back, however good the paint.

Which colours to choose

These rooms are often small and get steam and splashes. Light colours help give brightness and show whether it is clean.

Warm white or cream: clean, bright and easy to match.
Light blue and aqua green: bring freshness, great in the bathroom.
Light grey: modern and understated.
Soft yellow: gives warmth and light to kitchens without sun.
Soft green: goes well with wood and dark worktops.

Very dark colours can work in a bathroom with good light, but they show water splashes and limescale. In small kitchens, dark shades on the walls make the space feel more closed in.

Think about what is already there too: tiles, worktops, units and floor. The wall should go with them. If the tiles already have a lot of colour or pattern, keep the wall a neutral shade.

What paint to use

In these rooms, the paint has to put up with steam, splashes, grease and frequent cleaning. Look for these features on the tin.

Water-based interior paint.
Scrub-resistant, so you can clean off grease and marks.
Suitable for damp areas or with anti-mould protection.
Satin or washable matt finish. Gloss cleans well, but shows more flaws.

Near the hob, grease can build up. There it is worth using a washable paint, or even tiles or another hard-wearing covering behind the hob.

Anti-mould paint

These paints contain additives that make it harder for mould to appear on the paint surface. It is a real help in bathrooms and kitchens.

But be careful. Anti-mould paint does not fix a leak, a water escape or constant condensation. If the wall has mould, the problem is damp. Fix the cause first and only then paint.

Prepare well before painting

On a wall with mould, do not paint over it without treating it. The mould will come back.

Clean off the mould with a product made for the purpose and follow the instructions, with ventilation and protection.
Let the wall dry well.
Scrape off loose paint and repair cracks.
Apply the right primer, if necessary.
Paint with the paint recommended for damp areas, in two coats.

Ventilating is half the job

The damp comes from the bath, the shower and the kitchen. If the steam does not get out, it settles on the walls and ceiling.

Open the window after a shower or while cooking.
Use the cooker hood when cooking.
If the bathroom has no window, run the extractor fan for longer.
Avoid drying clothes in the bathroom without ventilation.

With good ventilation and the right paint, the walls stay in good condition for much longer.

Tip: On the bathroom ceiling, use damp-area paint too. That is where the steam rises and the mould shows up first.