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Mid-Century ModernSouth-Facing

Auburn Wave 0049

Colourtrend

The Analysis

Auburn Wave is a warm, earthy terracotta that adds immediate weight and comfort to a room. With an LRV of 43.4, it absorbs a fair amount of light, which makes the space feel more intimate and grounded rather than expansive or airy.

This is a strong choice for an accent wall or a dedicated feature, though it works beautifully in smaller rooms like a study or powder room to create a 'jewel box' effect. It is a bit too saturated to serve as a neutral backdrop for an entire open-plan living space.

LRV 43

History & Origin

This shade leans into the warmer palettes of mid-century design and Mediterranean-inspired interiors. It avoids the cold formality of Victorian or period-specific schemes, opting instead for a modern, organic look.

Undertonewarm
FamilyOrange

How to Use It

Pair this with natural wood tones like walnut or oak to lean into the earthy aesthetic. For metals, use matte black for a modern contrast or brushed brass if you want to dial up the warmth.

The Mood

Living with this shade feels consistently warm and restorative. It is an energizing but stable colour that avoids the clinical feeling of white or the aggressive intensity of a primary red.

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.

  • Salmon Mousse

    Benjamin Moore · 046

  • Sharon Rose

    Benjamin Moore · 039

  • Mesa Peach

    Benjamin Moore · 1200

  • Palazzo Pink

    Benjamin Moore · 1193

  • Apricotta

    Behr · HDC-CT-13

  • Sicilian Summer 3

    Dulux

Lighting

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

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