Which interior paint is best?

What's the latest news in the finish of interior paints?  Consumer Reports has completed its annual evaluation.  This year Benjamin Moore's semi gloss types Aura Satin and Regal Select have won due to the superior ability of the paint to maintain it's shine after its been scrubbed.  Getting rid of those fingerprints, furniture scratches, etc. can take time when you have to find the leftover gallon of paint and brushes, touch up, then clean and put away.  After that you realize there's a place you missed!  Isn't it nicer to select a paint that can simply be scrubbed and done?  A less costly high performing alternative is Behr which is also easy to scrub.

Here's what Consumer Reports recommends based on the finish you're using...

Flat and Matte Finish - Glidden Premium Flat and Behr Premium Plus Flat Enamel

Satin - Glidden Premium, Kilz Casual Colors and Behr Premium Plus Satin Enamel

Semi-Gloss - Benjamin Moore, Behr, Royal Interiors and Glidden Brilliance

One other thing... Don't fret about the smell of the paint fumes as most manufacturers are formulating their paints to contain nearly zero VOC's!

I was reading an article recently in Architectural Digest about a newly built house in Richmond, VA when something caught my eye.  There was a tapestry on the wall that was quite muted and subdued with perfectly draped wrinkles. It even had the most realistic metallic pinheads.  The backdrop was lovely behind a large mirror. Then I noticed there were a couple of them.  I checked the caption and read that they were hand painted murals by Bob Christian Decorative Arts out of Savannah, GA.  I went to his website and clicked under the “Press” tab and found other amazing creations of art.  I’m accustomed to seeing typical tapestries in multiple colors and standard sizes which is why I found the design of these so compelling.  I loved the layered affect when placed behind the console table, chairs and mirror.   This company truly creates works of art.