Mid-Century ModernNorth-Facing

Applesauce

Behr · 350C-3

The Analysis

Applesauce is a warm, golden-yellow tone that actively brightens a space by mimicking natural sunlight. With an LRV of 69.99, it reflects a significant amount of light, which helps smaller or dim rooms feel more open and expansive.

This shade works best as a main wall color in social areas where you want to promote conversation and warmth. It serves as a saturated backdrop that anchors a room rather than fading into the background like a neutral white or gray.

LRV 70

History & Origin

This tone is a nod to Mid-Century Modern design palettes, where warm, earthy yellows were frequently used to bring the outside in. It provides a timeless, vintage-inspired look that feels established rather than trendy.

Undertonewarm
FamilyYellow

How to Use It

It pairs beautifully with dark walnut wood tones and matte black hardware to ground the brightness. Use it in kitchens or breakfast nooks to capitalize on its high-energy, appetite-stimulating qualities.

The Mood

Living with this color feels cheerful and energizing without being visually overwhelming. It creates a welcoming, optimistic environment that makes a home feel consistently cozy and well-lit.

Colour harmonies

Complementary

Opposite on the colour wheel — bold, high-contrast pairings. Use for a feature wall or furniture you want to command attention.

Analogous

Neighbouring hues — cohesive and calm, great for layered schemes that feel collected rather than matched.

Split complementary

Near-opposites for strong contrast with a little less tension than a pure complement. A favourite of interior designers.

Triadic

Three evenly spaced hues — balanced, vibrant, and versatile. Keep one dominant and use the others sparingly.

Tetradic (square)

Four hues in a square on the wheel — rich, dynamic palettes. Best when one colour leads and the others accent.

Monochromatic

Dark, mid, and light steps on the same hue — a failsafe gradient for trim, walls, and accents without shifting colour family.

Brand Matches

Perceptually similar colours from across all brands in our database.

  • Honeywheat

    Benjamin Moore · 179

  • Suntan Yellow

    Benjamin Moore · 2155-50

  • Pharaohs Gold 3

    Dulux

  • Eggnog

    Valspar · V053-2

  • Governor's Gold

    Benjamin Moore · CW-395

  • Country Comfort

    Benjamin Moore · 305

Lighting

See how this colour shifts across natural and artificial light conditions.

  • Natural
  • Morning
  • Afternoon
  • Evening
  • Overcast
  • 2700K
  • 3500K
  • 4000K
  • 5500K