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Mid-Century ModernNorth-Facing

Amarillo

Benjamin Moore · 320

The Analysis

Amarillo is a high-energy, saturated yellow that acts like a permanent light source in your home. With an LRV of 71.99, it reflects a significant amount of light, effectively opening up smaller, windowless spaces and making them feel more expansive.

This shade is quite intense for a main wall colour and works best as a bold, intentional accent. Use it to highlight architectural details or in a dedicated creative space where you want the walls to provide a visual spark.

LRV 72

History & Origin

This colour leans into the classic, vibrant yellow tones found in mid-century kitchens and 1970s interior design. It avoids the muted, dusty look of period-style heritage paints, opting instead for a modern, punchy saturation.

Undertonewarm-green
FamilyYellow

How to Use It

Pair this with matte black hardware to modernize the look or warm walnut woods to soften the intensity. It thrives in mudrooms, laundry areas, or accent walls where you need to combat gloominess with a strong dose of saturation.

The Mood

Living with this colour creates an upbeat, stimulating environment that keeps your energy levels high. It is an active choice best suited for rooms where you want to feel alert and productive rather than relaxed.

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.

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  • American Cheese

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  • Yellow Highlighter

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  • Sun Touched 0821

    Colourtrend

Lighting

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

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