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HeritageSouth-Facing

Alligator Green

Benjamin Moore · 2143-20

The Analysis

Alligator Green is a deep, earthy olive that absorbs a significant amount of light due to its low LRV of 22.7. It will make a room feel cozy and enclosed rather than expansive, making it ideal for creating intimacy in larger spaces.

This is a strong statement color that works best as a primary wall choice in studies or dining rooms. Because it is so saturated, use it as a bold backdrop to ground lighter furniture or as a feature wall to anchor a room.

LRV 23

History & Origin

It leans into a Heritage aesthetic, reminiscent of the dark, moody interiors favored in the late 19th century. It feels established and classic rather than temporary or trendy.

Undertonewarm-green
FamilyYellow

How to Use It

Pair this with warm, medium-toned woods like walnut or teak and unlacquered brass hardware for a high-end look. Avoid pairing it with cool, stark whites; instead, choose creamy, off-white trims to prevent the green from looking muddy.

The Mood

This shade provides a grounded, stable feeling that leans toward restful rather than energizing. It mimics natural forest tones, which helps reduce visual stress and creates a calm, serious atmosphere.

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.

  • Green Scene

    Behr · S350-5

  • Oregano Spice

    Behr · PPU9-23

  • Gingko Tree

    Behr · PPU8-2

  • Desert Dusk

    Dulux

  • SEAWEED GREEN

    Jotun · 8597

  • Sheraton Sage

    Sherwin-Williams · SW0014

Lighting

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

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