Walk into a freshly renovated kitchen in West Hamilton Heights this year and there is a good chance the cabinets have a soft, low-sheen look. High-gloss doors that reflected every light fixture are giving way to matte lacquer and painted finishes that feel calm, warm and easy to live with. At Dick's Cabinetry & Flooring, we have been helping Franklin County families choose cabinets since 2013, and finish questions come up in almost every kitchen conversation we have at the counter.
This guide explains why matte and painted finishes are trending, how they compare in daily use, which colors are popular right now, and how Pennsylvania seasons affect your choice. By the end, you will have a clear picture of which finish suits your kitchen and your household.
Why Matte Finishes Are Taking Over in 2026
The move toward matte is part of a wider shift in kitchen design. Homeowners want spaces that feel natural and relaxed rather than showroom-shiny. A matte surface absorbs light instead of bouncing it around the room, which gives cabinets a velvety, grounded look.
A few reasons this trend is resonating in South Central PA homes:
It suits farmhouse and traditional styles. Many homes around Chambersburg lean toward classic, rural character, and a low-sheen finish fits that aesthetic naturally.
It hides fingerprints and smudges. Busy families appreciate cabinets that do not show every handprint.
It pairs well with warm wood and natural stone. Matte painted doors look beautiful next to wood floors, tile backsplashes and stone counters.
It feels current without being a fad. Low-sheen finishes have a timeless quality that keeps a kitchen looking fresh for years.
Matte Lacquer vs. Painted Finishes: What Is the Difference?
Both options deliver a soft, modern look, but they are made differently and behave a little differently over time.
Matte Lacquer
Lacquer is a sprayed-on coating that cures into a smooth, even surface. A matte lacquer finish has a refined, almost silky feel. It is a great choice for flat slab doors and contemporary kitchens, where a seamless surface really shines.
Benefits of matte lacquer:
Smooth, uniform appearance with no visible brush marks
Good resistance to everyday moisture when properly sealed
A clean, modern feel that works well in open-plan layouts
Painted Finishes
Painted cabinets use a factory-applied paint, usually topped with a protective clear coat. They come in a nearly endless range of colors and work beautifully on Shaker and raised-panel doors, which remain the go-to styles in many Franklin County homes.
Benefits of painted finishes:
Huge color choice, from soft whites to deep greens and blues
A classic, crafted look that suits traditional and farmhouse kitchens
Easy to touch up small chips with matching paint
Our team is happy to show you samples of both side by side so you can see and feel the difference in person.
Colors West Hamilton Heights Homeowners Are Choosing
Finish and color go hand in hand. Here are the shades we see homeowners gravitating toward this year:
Warm whites and creams. Softer than stark white, these feel cozy and pair well with natural wood floors.
Sage and olive greens. Earthy greens bring the outdoors in, a nice nod to the farmland and rolling hills around Franklin County.
Deep navy. A rich, grounded color that looks especially striking in a matte finish.
Greige and mushroom tones. These warm neutrals bridge the gap between white and wood.
Two-tone combinations. A painted island in a bold shade with lighter perimeter cabinets remains a popular way to add personality.
When you browse our cabinetry selection, you will find a wide range of styles, materials and finishes to match any of these color directions, along with friendly guidance on what will work with your existing floors and counters.
How Pennsylvania Seasons Affect Your Cabinet Finish
Franklin County has four distinct seasons, and each one affects your kitchen in its own way.
Winter dryness. Forced-air heating lowers indoor humidity. Wood doors can shrink slightly, and painted finishes on solid wood may show hairline lines at the joints of five-piece doors. This is normal wood movement, not a defect, and a humidifier helps keep it to a minimum.
Summer humidity. Humid months can cause the opposite effect. A well-sealed finish protects the wood underneath and helps doors stay stable.
Fall renovation season. Many local homeowners plan cabinet projects in autumn so the kitchen is ready before holiday gatherings. Ordering early in the season gives you more time to finalize colors.
Matte lacquer on engineered materials tends to be very stable through these swings, while painted solid wood offers that classic crafted look with a little natural movement. Both are dependable choices when installed and cared for properly.
Caring for Matte and Painted Cabinets
A low-sheen finish is easy to look after with a few good habits:
Wipe spills promptly with a soft, damp cloth.
Use a mild dish soap solution for greasy spots near the stove.
Avoid abrasive pads and harsh cleaners, which can create shiny patches on matte surfaces.
Dry the area under the sink and around the dishwasher to keep moisture off door edges.
Keep a small bottle of touch-up paint on hand for painted doors.
Is a Matte or Painted Finish Right for Your Kitchen?
Here is a quick way to decide:
Choose matte lacquer if you prefer slab doors, a minimalist look and a smooth, uniform surface.
Choose a painted finish if you love Shaker or raised-panel doors, want a specific color and value easy touch-ups.
Consider mixing both if you want a sleek perimeter with a colorful painted island.
The best finish is the one that suits your daily routine and your home's character.
Bring Your Kitchen Ideas to Our Chambersburg Showroom
Matte lacquer and painted finishes are a beautiful way to give your West Hamilton Heights kitchen a warm, modern update that will last. Our family-run team has personally tested the products we carry, so we can give you honest, practical advice on finishes, colors and door styles.
Visit our showroom at 1649 Lincoln Way East in Chambersburg, open weekdays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and Saturdays from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm, or call us at (717) 267-0333. Get in touch to book a free in-home estimate and start planning the kitchen you have been picturing.
