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Mid-Century ModernNorth-Facing

Gold Buttercup

Behr · 310A-2

The Analysis

Gold Buttercup is a high-luminosity yellow that actively bounces light around a room, making smaller spaces feel significantly more open and airy. Because of its high LRV of 82.56, it acts like an internal light source, effectively counteracting shadows in dim areas.

This shade is best used as a bold, intentional wall color in spaces where you want to promote conversation or activity. It is too intense for a whole-house neutral, but it works exceptionally well as a primary wall color in kitchens, breakfast nooks, or creative home offices.

LRV 83

History & Origin

It leans into the mid-century modern tradition of using vibrant, saturated hues to bring personality into the home. It avoids the muted, dusty look of Victorian or colonial palettes, opting for a clean and contemporary saturation.

Undertonewarm
FamilyYellow

How to Use It

Pair this with natural light wood tones like white oak or contrasting matte black hardware to ground the brightness. It is best suited for rooms that need a boost of warmth, such as mudrooms or laundry areas, but avoid pairing it with overly cool-toned grey furniture.

The Mood

This color is distinctly energizing and mood-lifting, providing a sense of optimism throughout the day. It creates a cheerful, active environment that feels warm rather than clinical or stark.

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.

  • September Morning

    Behr · P270-2

  • Creamy Oat

    Valspar · 3002-2C

  • Banana Cream

    Behr · 350C-2

  • Butter Creme

    Behr · BIC-28

  • Whisper Yellow

    Behr · 300A-2

  • Cornsilk

    Behr · 320A-3

Lighting

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

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