Mid-Century ModernNorth-Facing

Summer Citrus

Behr · S-G-270

The Analysis

Summer Citrus is a saturated, mid-tone orange that brings significant warmth into a space. With an LRV of 36.09, it absorbs more light than it reflects, which will make a room feel cozy and enclosed rather than expansive or airy.

Due to its intensity, this is rarely a 'whole-home' color; it works best as a high-impact accent wall, in a powder room, or for painted cabinetry. Using it on every wall can quickly overwhelm a space, making it feel smaller and more visually crowded.

LRV 36

History & Origin

This color aligns with the bold, experimental palettes of the 1970s, making it a natural fit for retro-inspired decor. It avoids the traditional, muted tones of heritage palettes in favor of a vibrant, contemporary pop.

Undertonewarm
FamilyYellow

How to Use It

Pair this with dark walnut wood tones or matte black metal hardware to ground the brightness. It thrives in kitchens or breakfast nooks, especially when paired with crisp white trim to break up the intense orange pigment.

The Mood

This is a high-energy, stimulating color that promotes activity and conversation. It is best suited for rooms where you want to feel social or creative, as its intensity is designed to keep energy levels elevated throughout the day.

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.

  • Orange Burst

    Benjamin Moore · 2015-20

  • Citrus Orange

    Benjamin Moore · 2016-20

  • Startling Orange

    Benjamin Moore · 2016-10

  • Marigold

    Little Greene · 6154

  • Mango Madness

    Behr · S-G-280

  • Orange Burst

    Behr · 230B-6

Lighting

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

  • Natural
  • Morning
  • Afternoon
  • Evening
  • Overcast
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