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HeritageSouth-Facing

Ground Nutmeg

Behr · S-H-230

The Analysis

Ground Nutmeg is a deep, saturated brown that absorbs a significant amount of light due to its low 15.1 LRV. Because it pulls light in rather than reflecting it, it will make a room feel smaller and more enclosed, creating an intimate, cave-like atmosphere.

This is a bold, high-impact choice that functions best as a statement wall or an all-over colour in a small room like a study or powder bath. It is too heavy to serve as a neutral backdrop for a whole-home palette.

LRV 15

History & Origin

This shade leans into a Heritage aesthetic, reminiscent of the wood-paneled libraries and dens common in early 20th-century design. It carries a classic, established feel that avoids the 'faddish' look of modern greys.

Undertonewarm
FamilyOrange

How to Use It

Pair this with warm-toned woods like walnut or teak to maintain a cohesive look, and use matte black hardware to sharpen the edges. It works exceptionally well in rooms with gold or antique brass accents to add a necessary touch of brightness.

The Mood

Living with this colour feels grounding, stable, and highly restful. It lacks the stimulation of bright colours, making it an excellent choice for spaces where you want to retreat and slow down rather than stay active.

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.

  • Pennywise

    Sherwin-Williams · SW6349

  • Falling Leaves

    Behr · S-H-240

  • Nouveau Copper

    Behr · HDC-AC-01

  • Burnished Copper

    Dulux

  • Bear Claw

    Valspar · 2004-5A

  • Copper Mountain

    Sherwin-Williams · SW6356

Lighting

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

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