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Mid-Century ModernSouth-Facing

Watertown

Benjamin Moore · 818

The Analysis

Watertown is a mid-tone blue that absorbs more light than it reflects, given its LRV of 20.56. Because it is darker, it will make a room feel cozier and more enclosed rather than spacious or bright.

It works best as a saturated accent wall or a dramatic choice for a small space like a powder room or study. Using it as a main wall color throughout a large, open-concept home can feel overwhelming unless you have ample natural light.

LRV 21

History & Origin

This is a versatile, modern blue that avoids the overly traditional 'nautical' look. It fits well in contemporary renovations that lean into saturated, bold color palettes.

Undertonecool
FamilyBlue

How to Use It

Pair this with warm wood tones like walnut or teak to balance the cool blue temperature. For hardware, matte black provides a sharp, modern contrast, while unlacquered brass adds a sophisticated, high-end feel.

The Mood

This shade provides a grounded, stable feeling that is inherently restful. It is an excellent choice for areas where you want to signal to your brain that it is time to slow down and relax.

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.

  • Deepest Periwinkle

    Valspar · V074-1

  • Waterdrop

    Benjamin Moore · CC-902

  • Fragrant Cloud 1

    Dulux

  • Caribbean Current 0598

    Colourtrend

  • Cobalt Glow

    Valspar · 8001-45F

  • Flying Fish

    Behr · 590B-6

Lighting

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

  • Natural
  • Morning
  • Afternoon
  • Evening
  • Overcast
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