Paint might just be the most universal of all home décor elements. Regardless of style, taste and geographic location, there are very few homes that don't have at least one room painted.

And today's homeowners aren't joking when it comes to quality - they want paint that will hide flaws, wipe down effortlessly and last forever. Luckily, new advances in interior paint can do just that in the kitchen, bathroom and beyond.

New GIANI paint kits by Thomas' Kitchen Art in St. Louis allow homeowners to paint countertops to look like granite, following the lead of its stainless steel paint kit that gives any appliance a stainless steel appearance. But advancements aren't just seen in new products.

"Lots of folks were putting high-sheen products in the kitchen and bath areas, but today, most paint manufacturers have paints with a more matte appearance with high durability," says Debbie Zimmer, paint and color trends expert at the Philadelphia-based Paint Quality Institute. "The days of painting with semi-gloss paint in the kitchen and bathroom are a thing of the past."

High gloss used to mean high durability, Zimmer says. But high-gloss paints highlight surface imperfections, making surface prep a necessity. New high-durability paints with a matte finish let users hide nicks and scratches while making the walls easy to clean. Additionally, Zimmer says, paint companies have developed products with less paint odor - or, in the case of Dutch Boy Paint, products that help reduce odors within the home. Using Arm & Hammer technology, its Refresh line helps trap odors and lock them in the paint film, keeping air fresh and clean.

But don't grab the roller just yet: Painting a kitchen or bathroom isn't the same as painting the hall. Because both are such high traffic areas, paying close attention to surface prep is essential, says Mary Ward, senior product manager at Dutch Boy.

"If your existing surface was painted previously with semi-gloss or gloss paint, the surface should be lightly sanded to a duller finish. For previously painted walls, thoroughly wash them with a mild soap and water solution," she says. In the bathroom, Ward recommends scrubbing surfaces with a solution of one part liquid bleach and three parts water to remove mildew.