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Mid-Century ModernNorth-Facing

Spiced Butternut

Behr · 310B-5

The Analysis

Spiced Butternut is a high-energy, warm yellow-orange that bounces light around a room rather than absorbing it. With an LRV of 65.21, it is quite bright, which helps smaller, cramped spaces feel more open and sun-drenched.

This is a bold choice that works best as a statement wall or an accent in high-traffic areas like kitchens or entryways. Because of its saturation, it is generally too aggressive to serve as a neutral backdrop for a whole-house palette.

LRV 65

History & Origin

This tone is a nod to the 1970s color palette, offering a retro, mid-century feel that has been updated for modern interiors. It moves away from the stark, cold greys of the last decade toward a more nostalgic, earth-toned warmth.

Undertonewarm
FamilyYellow

How to Use It

Pair this with natural walnut or light oak wood tones to lean into the organic warmth. For hardware, matte black provides a sharp, grounding contrast, while aged brass enhances the golden undertones.

The Mood

Living with this color feels inherently energizing and optimistic. It creates a stimulating environment that keeps the mood upbeat, though it may be too intense for rooms where you intend to wind down or sleep.

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.

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  • Pharaohs Gold 2

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  • Sweet Corn

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  • Sunny Days

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  • Windjammer

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Lighting

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

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