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Mid-Century ModernSouth-Facing

Award Blue

Behr · 590B-7

The Analysis

Award Blue is a deep, saturated navy that absorbs significant light due to its low LRV of 9.35. It will make a room feel smaller and more enclosed, effectively blurring the corners of a space to create a cozy, cocooning atmosphere.

This is a high-impact color best used as a bold accent wall, a dramatic cabinet finish, or for a full-room 'drench' in spaces like a study or media room. Avoid using it as a main wall color in small, windowless rooms unless you want to lean into a moody, box-like aesthetic.

LRV 9

History & Origin

While deep blues are timeless, this specific hue leans toward a modern, sophisticated aesthetic. It lacks the gray or dusty undertones of traditional period colors, making it feel current and sharp in contemporary home designs.

Undertonecool
FamilyBlue

How to Use It

Pair this with warm wood tones like walnut or teak to soften the intensity, and use matte black or polished brass hardware for a high-contrast look. It works best in rooms with excellent natural or layered artificial lighting to prevent the color from appearing flat or black.

The Mood

This shade is fundamentally grounding and restful, making it an excellent choice for areas where you want to signal the brain to wind down. Because it is so dark, it feels stable and professional rather than energizing, which helps eliminate visual clutter in busy rooms.

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.

  • Southern Blue

    Behr · S-G-590

  • Blue Suede Shoes

    Benjamin Moore · 798

  • Dark Cobalt Blue

    Behr · PPU15-3

  • Mazarine

    Little Greene · 6154

  • Sapphire Lace

    Behr · S-G-570

  • Deep Azure

    Behr · S-G-600

Lighting

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

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