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HeritageSouth-Facing

Mayflower Red

Benjamin Moore · HC-49

The Analysis

Mayflower Red is a deep, earthy terracotta-red that absorbs a significant amount of light due to its low LRV of 16.54. It makes rooms feel tighter and more intimate, effectively creating a 'cozy' box rather than an airy, expansive space.

This is a high-impact, bold color that works best as a statement wall, a library or den wrap, or cabinetry. Because it is so saturated, it is usually too heavy to use as a whole-home neutral or a backdrop for other decor.

LRV 17

History & Origin

This shade is firmly rooted in the Heritage aesthetic, often found in colonial or early American home designs. It is a traditional pigment choice that leans heavily into period-authentic character rather than modern minimalism.

Undertonewarm
FamilyOrange

How to Use It

Use this in smaller rooms like powder rooms or studies to lean into the moody factor. Pair it with dark walnut wood tones and unlacquered brass hardware to play up the traditional, warm palette.

The Mood

This is a grounding, stabilizing color that feels steady and warm rather than frantic or bright. Living with it daily provides a rich, tactile atmosphere that feels solid and deliberate, perfect for creating a sense of retreat.

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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  • HEAT

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  • Deep Clay Red

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  • Salmon Stream

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Lighting

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

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