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Upscale

Behr · MQ5-13

The Analysis

Upscale is a cool-toned, muted blue-grey that stabilizes a room by absorbing excess brightness. Because it has an LRV of 42.11, it sits in the mid-tone range, meaning it won't make a room feel cramped, but it also won't act as a light-reflector to expand a small space.

This shade acts as an excellent neutral backdrop that bridges the gap between grey and blue. It is best used as a main wall colour in rooms where you want a sophisticated, steady environment rather than a bold, attention-grabbing statement.

LRV 42

History & Origin

This is a distinctly modern choice that reflects contemporary preferences for desaturated, atmospheric palettes. It lacks the heavy pigment of historical paints and instead aligns with current trends favoring clean, architectural minimalism.

Undertonecool
FamilyBlue

How to Use It

It performs best in bedrooms or home offices where a calm mood is prioritized. Pair it with light oak or walnut wood tones to add warmth, and use matte black hardware to reinforce its sharp, modern edge.

The Mood

Living with this colour feels balanced and grounded, making it a reliable choice for areas where you want to reduce visual noise. It projects a clean, composed atmosphere that is inherently restful rather than stimulating.

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.

  • Soul Sister

    Valspar · 8003-48C

  • Meadow Phlox

    Behr · S540-3

  • Noble Purple

    Behr · S560-3

  • Marble Swirl 4

    Dulux

  • Blue Viola

    Benjamin Moore · CC-940

  • Starlit Night 4

    Dulux

Lighting

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

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