The Summer-Proof Home: Paint Ideas for a Busier Season

Summer is all about long evenings, last-minute BBQs, the kids running in and out of the house… and if we’re honest, a fair bit of chaos too. Between sticky fingers, muddy paws, and the extra sunlight showing up every little scuff, summer can be surprisingly tough on your interiors.

Luckily, with a few smart paint choices, you can have a home that not only looks fresh and beautiful but can actually stand up to everything a busy season throws at it.

Whether you're planning a full refresh or just looking for a few quick updates, here’s your go-to guide for summer-proofing your home:

Focus on Durability: Scrubbable & Washable Paints

When life gets messy (and it will), having a durable paint that you can actually wipe clean is a total game-changer.

Scrubbable paints are designed to handle everything from dirty fingerprints to accidental splashes without marking, peeling or fading. Perfect for busy areas like:

  • Hallways (goodbye grubby walls)
  • Kitchens and utility rooms
  • Kids' bedrooms and playrooms
  • Pet-friendly zones

Our Top Scrubbable Paint Picks:

Dulux Trade Diamond Matt: Class 1 scrub-rated, offers brilliant stain resistance and a beautiful matt finish that's easy to clean — ideal for everyday wear and tear.

Crown Clean Extreme Scrubbable Matt: Brilliant for busy family homes that need serious durability.

Johnstone's Trade Cleanable Matt: A professional-grade option that stands up to endless wipe-downs.

    

Heat & Humidity: The Best Paints for Kitchens & Bathrooms

With more showers, more cooking (and maybe more steamy weather if we’re lucky!), summer also means more moisture in your home. For kitchens and bathrooms especially, picking the right paint really matters.

Look for paints that are:

  • Moisture resistant
  • Mould inhibiting
  • Tough against splashes and steam

Some favourites:

Crown Clean Extreme Mould Inhibiting Emulsion: Designed for humid environments — it even helps prevent mould growth.

Zinsser Perma-White: Washable, scrubbable, stain- and moisture-resistant, and low-odour — a winning combo for steamy rooms.

   

Paint Colours That Hide the Mess

Let’s be real — in summer, there’s a lot more in-and-out foot traffic (and with it, dust, garden mud and the odd ice-lolly smear!). The right colour can be your secret weapon for keeping things looking fresher between cleans.

Top Summer-Friendly Colour Ideas:

Soft Sage Greens: Laura Ashley Paint - Sage Leaf, Little Greene - Boringdon Green, Farrow & Ball - Blue Gray No.91 

  

Warm Taupes: DCO Colour of the Year 2024 - Classic Taupe, DCO Colour of the Year 2022 - Hemp Seeds, DCO Colour of the Year 2022 - Hazelnut Latte.

   

Olive Greens: DCO Colour of the Year 2023 - Eucalyptus, Little Greene - Windmill Lane, Paint & Paper Library - Sencha.

   

Terracotta and Earthy Pinks: Farrow & Ball - Faded Terracotta No. CC8, William Morris At Home - Beech Mast, MY Colour Durable Matt - Sombrero Tan.

   

These shades are not only stylish and inviting — they naturally hide scuffs and fingerprints better than stark whites or very dark colours.

Want your perfect shade? Try our Colour Match Service! Check out my blog: Why Colour Match Paint Is a Game-Changer (And Why DCO Does It Best).

 

Quick Refresh Projects: Instant Impact Ideas

Not ready for a full room makeover? No problem. Some of the best summer refreshes are quick, satisfying projects you can smash out over a weekend.

Easy Ideas:

  • Freshen up skirting boards and doors with a durable woodwork paint.
  • Revamp a tired front door with a pop of colour.
  • Update your utility room, pantry or hallway with a quick coat of hardwearing paint.

Perfect Products for Fast Projects:

Zinsser AllCoat Interior & Exterior Paint: Great for front doors and garden furniture.

Dulux Quick Dry Satinwood: Touch dry in no time — ideal for trims and woodwork.

Johnstone’s Aqua Guard Satin: Amazing flow and durability for interior woodwork.

   

Bonus Section: Don't Forget Your Exteriors!

And since summer is all about enjoying the outdoors too, a few quick upgrades can make a big difference to your garden!

Quick outdoor wins:

FAQs

What is scrubbable paint?

Scrubbable paints are formulated to handle cleaning and wiping without damaging the finish. They’re ideal for busy, high-traffic areas like hallways and kitchens. Want more detail? Check out my full blog: Scrubbable Paint Explained: The Secret to Walls That Work Hard & Look Great!

What’s the best paint finish for high-traffic areas?

Look for scrubbable matt or durable eggshell finishes — they resist marks and are much easier to wipe clean.

Can I paint during hot weather?

You can! Just avoid painting in direct sunlight, super hot midday temperatures, or right before rain is due. Early mornings or cooler evenings are perfect.

Ready to Summer-Proof Your Home?

Whether you’re tackling a full makeover or just giving your front door a quick refresh, the right paint can make your home look gorgeous — and help it survive everything summer brings. 🌞

Need a hand choosing the perfect product? Just pop us a WhatsApp or email — we're always happy to help you pick the right paint, finish, or colour match your dream shade!

And don’t forget to tag us in your finished projects on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok — we LOVE seeing your transformations!

Helen x

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