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Mid-Century ModernNorth-Facing

Yam

Behr · 290B-7

The Analysis

Yam is a saturated, mid-tone orange that acts as a strong focal point. With an LRV of 39.79, it doesn't bounce much light around, meaning it will pull the walls inward and make a large room feel more intimate and grounded rather than spacious.

Because of its intensity, this is best used as a bold accent color rather than a main wall color for an entire home. It excels on a single feature wall, inside built-in shelving, or as a vibrant pop for a kitchen island.

LRV 40

History & Origin

This shade leans heavily into the 1970s revival, fitting perfectly with the burnt-orange palettes popular in Mid-Century Modern design. It is a nod to retro interior trends rather than traditional or period-specific architecture.

Undertonewarm
FamilyYellow

How to Use It

Pair Yam with dark walnut wood tones or matte black metal hardware to balance its warmth with some edge. It works exceptionally well in dining rooms or creative workspaces where you want to encourage conversation and activity.

The Mood

This is an inherently energizing and stimulating color that increases the heart rate and appetite. Living with it daily feels active and warm, making it best for high-energy zones rather than areas where you want to wind down or 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.

  • Rich Havana 4

    Dulux

  • Darling Clementine

    Valspar · V012-3

  • Pencil Me In

    Valspar · V014-3

  • Monarch Wing

    Valspar · 2008-1A

  • Goldfish

    Behr · 300B-7

  • Tangelo

    Benjamin Moore · 2017-30

Lighting

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

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