Mid-Century ModernSouth-Facing

Lily Of The Nile

Behr · PPU16-5

The Analysis

Lily Of The Nile is a mid-tone periwinkle that leans heavily into cool blue-violet territory. With an LRV of 29.86, it absorbs a significant amount of light, meaning it will make a room feel cozy and enclosed rather than expansive or airy.

It functions best as a dramatic, moody backdrop or a bold feature wall. Because of its depth, it is often too heavy for use as a whole-home neutral, but it works beautifully in smaller, intimate rooms where you want a concentrated design impact.

LRV 30

History & Origin

This shade leans modern, drawing on 20th-century color theory rather than traditional historical palettes. It feels fresh and contemporary, sitting firmly in the realm of modern residential design trends.

Undertonecool-purple
FamilyPurple

How to Use It

Use this in bedrooms or home offices paired with warm oak or walnut wood tones to balance the coolness. Matte black hardware creates a sharp, sophisticated contrast, while polished nickel keeps the look cleaner and more nautical.

The Mood

This color provides a composed, stable atmosphere that is inherently restful. It avoids the clinical feel of lighter blues, instead creating a grounded space that feels deliberate and calm.

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.

  • Velvet Crest 1248

    Colourtrend

  • Amethyst Showers 2

    Dulux

  • Brave Purple

    Sherwin-Williams · SW6823

  • Amethyst Falls 6

    Dulux

  • Lilac Heather 2

    Dulux

  • Snugglepuss

    Benjamin Moore · 1405

Lighting

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

  • Natural
  • Morning
  • Afternoon
  • Evening
  • Overcast
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