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Mid-Century ModernSouth-Facing

Cork

Behr · PPU6-5

The Analysis

Cork acts as a mid-tone golden tan that creates a grounded, solid feeling in a space. With an LRV of 46.05, it absorbs some light rather than reflecting it, which makes large rooms feel more intimate and cozy rather than bright and expansive.

It functions best as a foundational main wall color or a sophisticated backdrop for artwork. It provides enough saturation to hold its own without being so bold that it limits your furniture choices.

LRV 46

History & Origin

This color reflects the warm, earthy palettes popularized in the 1970s but feels fresh when paired with modern silhouettes. It bridges the gap between retro charm and contemporary natural aesthetics.

Undertonewarm
FamilyYellow

How to Use It

It excels in living rooms or studies where you want a comfortable, wood-heavy look. Pair it with matte black hardware for a sharp contrast or aged brass for a monochromatic, classic feel that highlights its golden undertones.

The Mood

This shade provides a steady, reliable atmosphere that feels inherently warm and stable. It is a restful, low-energy color that avoids the harshness of stark white or the over-stimulation of primary colors, making it excellent for daily relaxation.

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.

  • Golden Fleece

    Sherwin-Williams · SW6388

  • Inheritance

    Behr · M280-5

  • Imperial Gold

    Valspar · 3003-5C

  • New Colonial Yellow

    Sherwin-Williams · SW2853

  • Golden Gate

    Sherwin-Williams · SW7679

  • Glittering Sun

    Behr · MQ2-17

Lighting

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

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