I like semi-gloss for trim/doors and these days the Benjamin Moore semi-gloss doesn't seem as glossy as it used to be 30+ years ago. Probably due to the newer paint formulations ... healthier, but usually not as durable as the old stuff!

I like using BM Aura matte for walls and flat for ceilings.

There is no right or wrong choice, just personal preference.

I'd choose a satin finish. You said transitional, as in transitioning from Traditional Glossy trim finishes to something more contemporary.

Why gray? how about something more sandy, creamy, warm, not cool as in gray?

Are you repainting the window trim etc? If not, then, I would use the same sheen on the wainscotting, and baseboards. If you are redoing all then, your choice if you want satin, or semi gloss. I prefer semi gloss myself, as it seems to hold up much better. Make sure you get a good trim enamel, regardless if you choose satin or semi gloss. Not wall paint.

I also don't think that a semi-gloss finish is just "traditional".

You see plenty of semi-gloss and high gloss cabinets/furniture in very modern homes.

I havent finalized which white yet. maybe BM Super White or SW Extra White. I have to see which looks best with my kitchen cabinets, which are a white from the cabinet company.

And, yes, the handrail and newel posts will be stained the new floor color.

IMO wall color comes after the flooring and gray walls are also hard to get right before doing the floors .As for sheen I like matte walls and ceiling and satin for trim

@patricia - Thank you! And, agree about wall color. The wall color is not finalized yet. because I’m waiting for the floors to be finished. Trim color is also not finalized. I find paint color very difficult to decide!

I've read Patricia suggest matte walls before. This shocks me. Matte is so builders grade and horrible to clean, it shows every scuff and mar if rubbed up against. I don't think sheen has changed. Semi-gloss or satin is the preferred trim sheen just so they are different than the walls.

My walls have been builders grade flat since I moved into the house 14 yrs ago. Matte will be great - better looking than flat and more washable but better able to be touched up than eggshell.

I use BM Aura in matte ... and it is anything but builder grade! No scuff or mar marks, cleans up well and I've had luck doing spot touch ups with paint the very few times it has "stained" with something that did not come off.

Also the finish gloss percentage for each finish is not the same across brands, so look at the individual specifications for each brand and paint line.

I like walls in egshell and trim in satin.

Gray paint, brand and name? We can help with the choice of white trim paint.

Eggshell is easier to wipe off any marks, that matte is. I dont like matte on a ceiling either, because, it shows more flaws. I have one ceiling with matte on, and when there is more time, this winter, it will get redone in flat. Flat for ceilings, eggshell for walls, and semi gloss for trim. I have a messy dog, and a lot of great grandkids that spend time here, and everything wipes off quickly and easily without leaving any marks. Satin works well for trim too, but, in this busy household, I prefer the semi gloss.

@oncape - Thats so nice to offer to help. Paint selection is so difficult. I haven’t finalized the gray paint yet but want a light cool-leaning gray. I have painted a few rooms (bedrooms, bathrooms) in BM Ice cube silver (2121-50) and I love that color, so that is a top contender. I’m also looking at SW Clean Slate and SW Windchill. i am waiting until the floors are done to finalize - the walls will be a light brown (special walnut lightened 50%). The white trim just needs to be close enough to my kitchen cabinets to not clash, which would be a cool leaning white. Not sure anyone can really help with the white since it needs to go with my cabinets, but i am open to siggestions for the wall color and trim!