Nutmeg
Benjamin Moore · 1227
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The Analysis
Nutmeg is a mid-tone earthy brown that absorbs a fair amount of light, making it better for creating a cozy, intimate atmosphere rather than expanding a space. With an LRV of 37.47, it lacks the brightness to make small rooms feel larger and will instead bring the walls in to make a room feel grounded.
This shade works exceptionally well as a primary wall color in dens or bedrooms, or as a sophisticated backdrop for artwork. Because it is a saturated neutral, it acts as a strong anchor that balances out modern furniture without feeling like a 'loud' accent color.
LRV 37History & Origin
Nutmeg leans into a classic, heritage-inspired palette that mimics the natural wood tones found in traditional craftsman homes. It avoids the 'modern-minimalist' trend, opting instead for a timeless, organic look that feels rooted in architectural history.
How to Use It
It pairs beautifully with warm wood tones like walnut or oak and looks sharp against matte black hardware for a refined contrast. Use it in rooms where you want a moody, sophisticated feel, and pair it with crisp off-white trim to prevent the room from looking too muddy.
The Mood
Living with Nutmeg feels steady and reliable, offering a restful, natural quality that avoids the sterile feel of white or grey. It provides a sense of warmth that feels welcoming and stable, perfect for spaces where you want to relax rather than be stimulated.
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.
Add harmony palette to a room
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Brand Matches
Perceptually similar colours from across all brands in our database.
Lighting
See how this colour shifts across natural and artificial light conditions.
- Natural
- Morning
- Afternoon
- Evening
- Overcast
- 2700K
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