If I were you, I'd call the FPE headquarters and talk to Emmett. He is very knowledgeable (actually anyone who answers the phone would be). I gave them what I was looking for colorwise in BM and they told me what colors would be really close in matching and what ones they would actually suggest. He asked that I send in pix of the room during the day/night. And, then he offered up his suggestions for the colors. I ended up with a pretty good match for FB pointing and actually ended up with good old chelsea gray from BM. I also ordered a really beautiful green and blue. And, if you order from them, they send you a free little pot of paint. (well, I did pay for it. I think shipping was eight dollars.) As far as the finish, you really can't compare it. I haven't tried the new advance paint from BM. I've tried seriously everything else. But, this stuff really is beautiful. I painted the lower cabs in my kitchen the gray (which I didn't realize was so trendy until this site) and they look pretty much sprayed. The people who see it stroke them. The finish is rock hard and it has a nice depth to it. (That was the satin in eco.) The flat finish is also just beautiful. Easy to quickly wipe down with out the dreaded streaks. (It takes at least a month to harden.) I haven't tried the FB in flat, but I have heard/read that the finish is like velvet. You might see if funcolors is around. She helped me to decide on FPE rather than FB as far as durability. Also, Faron and I think paintguy1 are very helpful as far as painting in FPE. They are in the paint section. Incredibly helpful. Good luck!

I heartily agree that full-spectrum lighting will make more difference than anything else as a first step. You have described perfectly the challenge of working with regional light. The Pacific Northwest is particularly challenging because of the amount of moisture in the air. You didn't say which side of the mountains you are on...are you in the western or eastern part of your state? Seattle, or Spokane? Portland, or Bend? If you're on the coastal side, think about going on line and looking for color consultants in Seattle or Portland, who will know what your challenge is. Look for magazines that focus on the area (LUXE has regional editions; Coastal Living covers that part of the Pacific northwest). Generally speaking, what you need where you are to lift your mood are colors that reflect rather than absorb light. The earthy colors that are warmed by the Southern California sun can look utterly lifeless and depressing in your climate. Paler, more luminous shades that would disappear in the strong southern light can be subtle and beautiful there. Bright colors that look cheerful in bright sun often look garish and hard in soft wet light. And don't give up! It's a hard transition to make. Meanwhile (now i am going to sound like your mother...), eat well, sleep enough, do things that make you laugh, drink plenty of water, and get lots of exercise. Best mood lifters ever.

Hi...I'm definitely not a color expert however I had creamy white cabinets (with a butterscotch glaze) in my previous home and used benjamin moore's bennington gray on the walls and manchester tan on the ceiling. I thought it came out great and I received many compliments on both.

Thank you! I picked up a sample of Hitching Post from Lowes (Olympic Brand) and can’t wait to try it! Yes, she did specify BM colors for my other rooms, but when I told her the kitchen cabinets were PPG Spiced Vinegar, she had a PPG deck available and used it (walls were BM Van Courtland Blue at the time). I have to admit I was disappointed – seemed like a bit of a cop out selecting a color off the same strip (even I could have done that and I know nothing about undertones, hues, nuances, etc.). I did like all of her picks except for the kitchen and the basement family room (Delaware Putty – yuck! Didn’t get past the sample board on that one so we still have the same paint color from 2009!). We’ve lived with the kitchen for over a year now and it hasn’t grown on us, so it’s back to the drawing board. Thank you again!!