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Mid-Century ModernSouth-Facing

Colorful Leaves

Behr · M190-7

The Analysis

Colorful Leaves is a deep, earthy terracotta that absorbs significant light due to its low LRV of 16.61. Because it pulls light into the surface rather than reflecting it, this color will make a room feel smaller, cozier, and more intimate.

This is a bold, high-impact pigment that works best as a feature wall or for wrapping an entire small room in color. It is too heavy to function as a neutral background for a whole home.

LRV 17

History & Origin

This tone is a nod to 1970s interior palettes and Arts and Crafts movements, which favored deep, natural pigments. It feels curated and intentional rather than purely modern or minimalist.

Undertonewarm
FamilyOrange

How to Use It

Use this in low-light dens or dining rooms paired with walnut wood tones and matte black hardware to lean into the richness. Avoid pairing it with cool-toned grays, as the contrast will make the terracotta look muddy.

The Mood

Living with this shade feels grounding and steady rather than energizing. It creates a warm, cocoon-like atmosphere that is best suited for relaxation or focused evening activities.

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.

  • Egyptian Clay

    Benjamin Moore · CSP-1140

  • Falling Leaves

    Behr · S-H-240

  • Pennywise

    Sherwin-Williams · SW6349

  • New Penny

    Behr · S-H-210

  • Clay Red

    Behr · BIC-46

  • China Red

    Benjamin Moore · CW-310

Lighting

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

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