Swatchd
Sign inGet started
Mid-Century ModernSouth-Facing

Nutshell

Behr · S220-5

The Analysis

Nutshell is a mid-toned, earthy brown with enough saturation to add weight to a room without feeling dark. Because it has an LRV of 26.27, it absorbs a significant amount of light, which makes large spaces feel cozy and intimate rather than open and expansive.

This acts as a fantastic bridge between neutral and bold. It works best as a main wall color in a den or bedroom, or as a sophisticated backdrop for artwork that features high-contrast tones.

LRV 26

History & Origin

It leans into a classic, established look. It channels the warm, organic palettes popular in 1970s interior design, which are currently being updated for modern, textured homes.

Undertonewarm
FamilyYellow

How to Use It

This shade excels in rooms with plenty of natural light to prevent it from feeling too heavy. Pair it with light oak wood tones to keep it fresh, or use matte black hardware to lean into a structured, architectural aesthetic.

The Mood

Living with this color provides a grounded, stable feeling. It is a restful shade that avoids the over-stimulation of bright colors, making it excellent for areas where you want to wind down.

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.

  • Pottery Urn

    Sherwin-Williams · SW7715

  • Split Pink

    Little Greene · 6154

  • Warm Cognac

    Behr · MQ2-42

  • ADVENTURE

    Jotun · 11175

  • Dockside

    Valspar · V084-4

  • Weaver's Tool 0177

    Colourtrend

Lighting

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

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