I prefer keeping the walls a slight off-white and the trim a pure white.

I know current trend goes towards all the same shade, but I feel that's too stark even for me. I firmly believe that look is going to be dated very soon.

But if you pick slightly different shades, then your problem goes away and different sheens are just fine

I firmly believe that look is going to be dated very soon.

I agree. Then everyone will be coming here asking how they can make their "modern farmhouse" not look so stark. And what should they do with those black windows.

I would paint the walls in eggshell or matte, and the trim in the highest gloss if you're using the same color. I agree with others though that a slightly brighter whiter trim with a barely tinted white wall will give you a nicer look. It will still look all white but adds some depth.

What you can do is paint the walls off white, but both trim and ceilings pure white. That actually works nicely

Like Lori, I was also thinking exterior. Some people here are mentioning "walls" instead of "siding." golden2smith, can you clarify?

From the discussions I am confused if you are talking about the exterior or interior. If you are talking about the exterior, what type of materials are you using? Is there siding or what other materials?

Interior: You can go eggshell on the walls, satin or semi-gloss on the trim. Ceilings I go with flat unless you are painting a ceiling in a kitchen or bath, then use satin. The issue is being able to keep surfaces clean. You can use the same white. The sheen is what gives a space interest, especially with a monochromatic color scheme.

Sorry that wasn’t clear. I am talking about the exterior. It’s going to be hardy plank siding.

Satin is as shiny as you should go for anything outside.

What does your painter recommend? Surely, he has enough experience to be able to inform you on what brand and sheen he typically works with. No gloss on exterior, though.