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Mid-Century ModernSouth-Facing

Pesto Paste

Behr · S370-5

The Analysis

Pesto Paste is a mid-toned olive green that absorbs a significant amount of light rather than reflecting it. Because of its LRV of 25.03, it will make a room feel more intimate and enclosed rather than expansive or airy.

It works best as a sophisticated backdrop or a dedicated accent wall. It is too dark to serve as a standard neutral for a whole-home color scheme, but it excels at adding depth to home offices or dining rooms.

LRV 25

History & Origin

This shade leans into the organic, earth-toned palettes popular in 1970s interior design. It feels rooted in tradition but fits comfortably into contemporary homes seeking a natural, non-clinical aesthetic.

Undertonewarm-green
FamilyGreen-Yellow

How to Use It

Pair this with warm walnut wood tones and matte black hardware for a clean, professional look. It works particularly well in rooms with plenty of natural light, as the sunlight prevents the green from looking muddy or flat.

The Mood

This color provides a grounding, restful effect that mimics natural foliage. It feels stable and calm, making it a great choice for spaces where you want to wind down rather than spaces requiring high energy.

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.

  • Yogi

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  • Eucalyptus Leaf

    Benjamin Moore · 2144-20

  • Taffeta Sheen 0416

    Colourtrend

  • Home on the Range

    Benjamin Moore · 483

  • Tuscany Hillside

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  • Nature's Reflection

    Benjamin Moore · 504

Lighting

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

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