Kitchens and bathrooms benefit from satin or semi-gloss finishes, because they’re more moisture-resistant and easier to wipe clean. Steam, splashes, grease and fingerprints are part of daily life in these rooms, so a finish that can handle light scrubbing is important.
Matte paints look beautiful and hide imperfections, but they don’t love constant wiping and can burnish or mark more easily. In areas behind the stove, near the sink, or around the bathroom basin, you’ll be happier if you chose a washable, slightly shinier finish.
If you don’t like too much shine, satin is a nice balance. It gives you cleanability without making the wall look like plastic. Just make sure the surface below is prepared well, because higher-sheen paints can highlight flaws more than flat finishes.
