Sour Apple
Benjamin Moore · 401
Add to a room
Loading…
The Analysis
Sour Apple is a high-energy, chartreuse-leaning yellow-green that acts like a light source in a room. With a high LRV of 79.46, it reflects a significant amount of light, making compact or dark spaces feel noticeably larger and more illuminated.
Due to its intensity, this colour is best used as a bold accent or a deliberate 'pop' of interest. It works effectively on kitchen cabinetry, a singular feature wall, or a piece of furniture, but can quickly overwhelm a room if applied to all four walls.
LRV 79History & Origin
This shade is decidedly modern and lacks the dusty, muted qualities of period-authentic colours. It is a fresh, contemporary choice that aligns with 21st-century graphic design trends rather than traditional historical palettes.
How to Use It
Pair this with matte black hardware to ground the brightness or warm walnut wood tones to create a balanced, organic look. It performs best in kitchens or entryways where you want a clean, crisp energy.
The Mood
This is an intentionally stimulating, punchy colour that feels inherently lively and optimistic. It isn't a shade for a quiet, restful bedroom; rather, it is best suited for high-traffic areas where you want to feel alert and 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.
Add harmony palette to a room
Loading…
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
- 3500K
- 4000K
- 5500K