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HeritageSouth-Facing

Amaretto

Benjamin Moore · CSP-325

The Analysis

Amaretto is a deep, earthy brown that absorbs light rather than reflecting it, creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere. Because of its low Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 15.26, it will make a room feel smaller and more enclosed, which is perfect for creating a structured, grounded space.

This color functions best as a dramatic accent wall or a bold choice for a library, study, or media room. It is too dark to serve as a standard neutral backdrop for an entire open-concept home, as it tends to swallow the light.

LRV 15

History & Origin

Amaretto fits well into a Heritage aesthetic, reminiscent of the wood-paneled walls and rich color palettes found in traditional studies or libraries. It leans into a classic, established look rather than something contemporary or bright.

Undertonewarm
FamilyOrange

How to Use It

Pair this with warm wood tones like walnut or teak and matte black metal hardware to maintain a cohesive, moody palette. It is best used in rooms where you want a cocoon-like feel, such as a primary bedroom or a formal den.

The Mood

Living with this shade feels restful and stabilizing, as it mimics natural materials like leather or wood. It is not an energizing color, making it an excellent choice for areas where you want to wind down rather than stay active.

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.

  • Brown Thrush

    Behr · 210F-7

  • Upper Eastside

    Behr · MQ1-61

  • Aged Bourbon

    Valspar · V081-5

  • Raw Sienna

    Behr · BXC-57

  • Stormy Plum

    Valspar · V081-1

  • Folk Tales

    Dulux

Lighting

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

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