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IndustrialSouth-Facing

Stormy Retreat

Dulux

The Analysis

Stormy Retreat is a dark, saturated grey that absorbs significant light due to its low LRV of 13.27. Because it pulls light out of the room rather than reflecting it, it will make a space feel smaller, more intimate, and grounded.

It works best as a bold, moody accent wall or a full-room treatment in spaces like media rooms or studies. It is rarely used as a general backdrop because its darkness can be overwhelming if not balanced with sufficient lighting.

LRV 13

History & Origin

This is a distinctly modern choice that avoids traditional period-correct aesthetics. It fits squarely into contemporary design trends that favor sharp, monochromatic, and architectural palettes.

Undertoneneutral
FamilyNeutral

How to Use It

Use this in rooms with high ceilings or excellent natural light to prevent the space from feeling like a cave. Pair it with warm walnut wood tones or brushed brass hardware to provide a necessary contrast to the cool grey base.

The Mood

This colour creates a restful, cocooning environment that feels stable and serious. It is not an energizing shade, making it ideal for spaces where you want to switch off and relax rather than stay 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.

Brand Matches

Perceptually similar colours from across all brands in our database.

  • Overcoat

    Benjamin Moore · CC-544

  • City Shadow

    Benjamin Moore · CSP-60

  • FAHM

    Jotun · 9925

  • Burnt Ember

    Benjamin Moore · CSP-120

  • Ocean Storm

    Valspar · 4004-2B

  • Isobar

    Colourtrend

Lighting

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

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