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Mid-Century ModernSouth-Facing

Tsunami

Behr · S450-7

The Analysis

Tsunami is a deep, saturated teal with an LRV of 9.01, meaning it absorbs most light rather than reflecting it. This creates a dense, cocoon-like effect that makes a room feel more intimate and grounded, rather than bright or spacious.

This is a high-impact colour best used as a bold accent or a deliberate choice for moody, dramatic spaces. It functions perfectly as an anchor for a room when applied to millwork or a focal wall, but it will overwhelm a small or poorly lit space if used on all four walls.

LRV 9

History & Origin

This shade leans modern, drawing inspiration from contemporary luxury interiors. It lacks the chalky or muted quality found in traditional heritage palettes, making it a fresh choice for modern renovations.

Undertonecool
FamilyGreen

How to Use It

It pairs exceptionally well with warm, natural wood tones like walnut or light oak, which soften the coolness of the teal. For metals, stick to brushed brass or matte black hardware to maintain a polished, high-contrast aesthetic.

The Mood

Living with this colour feels sophisticated and composed. It is restful and stable, avoiding the chaotic energy of primary colours while providing more depth than a standard neutral.

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.

  • Realm

    Behr · S-H-500

  • Toadstool Teal

    Valspar · 8002-37G

  • Verdant Forest

    Behr · MQ6-5

  • Inky Pool 1

    Dulux

  • Teal Ripple

    Dulux

  • Oasis Blue

    Benjamin Moore · 2049-20

Lighting

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

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