The current walls are matt – which have proven to be most child unfriendly.

No natural light downstairs so I thought about doing the walls satinwood.

Is it going to be ‘too much’?

I think it would be a bit much.

Dulux do endurance paints which are tough enough to scrub with a damp cloth (from experience). They also do a reflective “light and space” paint designed to brighten up darker roomsbut I’m less convinced on that one as have it in the kitchen.

I work for the parent company of dulux and I’m sure other brands to products that are nearly as good ;).

We used to use oil based eggshell on walls years back, smelly job but durable. These days there’s more water based alternatives so no need to really.
I would use Dulux soft sheen or the more expensive water based eggshell. Another harder wearing alternative is normal emulsion followed by two coats of polyvine decorators varnish (matt or satin). Please note that the varnish while as clear as is possible will still slightly darken the finish.

I’ve got Dulux Endurance Matt on there at the moment. While it is scrubble its so matt that its not wipeable – like wiping sand paper. And dirt sticks to it like dog sh*t.

Never heard of polyvine decorators varnish – will investigate.