High gloss looks dressier or more contemporary, while with less shine it looks more classic/traditional and comfortably casual to me. I'd think the shinier it is, the more it would show off any blemishes/scratches/dents.

I always use a high gloss when painting cabinets or trimwork. It's more durable than the lesser gloss paints. Given the scrubbing that cabinets can get, as well as the wear and tear in opening and closing doors, etc., I go for durability over any consideration.

I actually find high gloss to be both traditional or contemporary. In older homes you will see the woodwork done in a glossy oil based paint, which is similar to the high gloss sheen of a latex paint.

I wouldn't do less gloss and then do a clear coat myself...so much work for basically the same look as a high gloss really.

It is true that flat paint shows less blemishes than the higher glosses, but flat paint is never appropriate for a cabinet (IMO and many others).

sheen varies by brand. you should experiment between the brand/colors to see which you prefer. i used ben moore semi gloss (latex)on my trim and some built ins at our last house and it was perfect. high gloss shows every brush stroke and flaw.

I should have said, maybe, that we're using Benj Moore Satin Impervo (low lustre enamel) on our cabinets that I found highly recommended on the painting forum for durability. Only time will tell, I guess!

thanks for your suggestions.