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Mid-Century ModernNorth-Facing

Squash

Behr · 290B-6

The Analysis

Squash is a mid-tone golden orange that actively warms up a room by reflecting light outward. With an LRV of 49.54, it sits right in the middle of the brightness scale, meaning it won't wash out a space but will provide a solid, saturated punch of color that draws walls inward for a cozier feel.

Due to its intensity, this color works best as a bold accent wall or a statement piece in a powder room or entryway. Using it on every wall in a large living area can be overwhelming, so pair it with plenty of neutral white to keep the space balanced.

LRV 50

History & Origin

This tone is a direct nod to the warm, earthy palettes popularized in the 1970s. It fits well in homes leaning into a retro revival or a deliberate vintage aesthetic rather than a traditional period-style home.

Undertonewarm
FamilyYellow

How to Use It

Pair this with dark walnut wood tones or matte black hardware to ground the brightness. It also shines next to navy blue accents, which provide a high-contrast complementary color scheme that keeps the gold-orange from looking too yellow.

The Mood

This is an energizing, high-stimulation color that promotes social interaction and activity. It is not a restful shade, making it a great choice for active zones, but perhaps too stimulating for spaces where you need to wind down for 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.

  • Golden Archway

    Benjamin Moore · 146

  • Afternoon Tea

    Valspar · 3002-3B

  • Optimist Gold

    Behr · BIC-43

  • Lemon Poppy 0927

    Colourtrend

  • Nigerian Sands 6

    Dulux

  • Lemon Essence 0934

    Colourtrend

Lighting

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

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