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Mid-Century ModernNorth-Facing

Sunburst

Behr · PPU6-3

The Analysis

Sunburst is a saturated, golden-toned yellow that actively reflects light, making rooms feel warmer and more enclosed. With an LRV of 51.4, it balances brightness without being blinding, which helps ground a space while preventing it from feeling stark or clinical.

Due to its intensity, this works best as a bold accent wall or in smaller, secondary spaces like a breakfast nook or a powder room. Using it as a primary wall color in a large living area can be overwhelming, so it serves well as a highlight rather than a neutral backdrop.

LRV 51

History & Origin

This shade leans heavily into the Mid-Century Modern aesthetic, reminiscent of the warm, saturated color palettes popularized in the 1950s and 60s. It avoids the muted, dusty tones often found in older Victorian or colonial homes.

Undertonewarm
FamilyYellow

How to Use It

Pair this with dark walnut wood tones for a high-contrast look, or keep it fresh with crisp white trim. Black metal hardware creates a sharp, modern edge, while brass fixtures will pull out the golden undertones for a more cohesive, monochromatic feel.

The Mood

This color is intentionally energizing and optimistic, making it a great choice for rooms where you want to feel active. Living with it daily provides a consistent sense of warmth, though it can feel intense if used on every wall in a small room.

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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    Colourtrend

  • August Morning

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  • South Haven

    Valspar · V052-1

  • Torchlight

    Sherwin-Williams · SW6374

  • Soft Marigold

    Benjamin Moore · 160

  • VIVID OCHRE

    Jotun · 11217

Lighting

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

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