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Mid-Century ModernSouth-Facing

Toasted Clay

Dulux

The Analysis

Toasted Clay is a mid-tone earthy terracotta that absorbs a fair amount of light due to its lower LRV of 20.27. It will make a room feel more intimate and enclosed rather than expansive, making it ideal for creating a cozy, grounded atmosphere.

This color acts best as a statement wall or a saturated accent in a space where you want to create a focal point. It is quite dominant, so using it as a whole-room color can be overwhelming unless the space has large windows and high ceilings.

LRV 20

History & Origin

It leans into a Mid-Century Modern aesthetic, reminiscent of the warm, organic color palettes popular in 1970s interior design. It feels more vintage and earthy than modern, crisp contemporary tones.

Undertonewarm
FamilyOrange

How to Use It

This shade excels in living rooms or studies where you want a relaxed mood. Pair it with light oak or walnut wood tones and matte black hardware to keep the look structured and avoid a dated feel.

The Mood

This shade feels naturally warming and restorative, providing a sense of stability. It is an energizing but non-aggressive color that helps a room feel lived-in and comfortable rather than sterile or cold.

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.

  • Cinnamon Sprinkle

    Dulux

  • Clay Pot

    Dulux

  • Cavern Clay

    Sherwin-Williams · SW7701

  • Mojave Sunset

    Behr · 220D-7

  • Audubon Russet

    Benjamin Moore · HC-51

  • Sunset Orange

    Behr · BXC-39

Lighting

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

  • Natural
  • Morning
  • Afternoon
  • Evening
  • Overcast
  • 2700K
  • 3500K
  • 4000K
  • 5500K