Mid-Century ModernNorth-Facing

Wholemeal Honey 3

Dulux

The Analysis

Wholemeal Honey 3 is a mid-tone earthy gold that brings significant warmth into a space without becoming overwhelming. With an LRV of 44.48, it absorbs more light than it reflects, which can make a large room feel more intimate and grounded, though it may make very small, windowless rooms feel slightly compressed.

This colour works best as a primary wall choice in social spaces or as a feature wall in a neutral-heavy scheme. It provides enough saturation to stand on its own as a backdrop for art or shelving, but it isn't so bright that it dictates the entire room's palette.

LRV 44

History & Origin

It leans heavily into a mid-century modern aesthetic, drawing inspiration from the warm, organic wood-heavy interiors of the 1950s and 60s. It feels less like a crisp, modern minimalist paint and more like a deliberate, established choice with a retro leaning.

Undertonewarm
FamilyYellow

How to Use It

This shade pairs perfectly with dark walnut or teak wood tones and matte black metal fixtures. It is best suited for living rooms or dining rooms where you want to lean into a cozy, sophisticated atmosphere.

The Mood

Living with this colour feels stable and comfortable rather than high-energy. It creates a cocooning effect that feels restful and reliable, making it an excellent choice for areas where you want to relax rather than stay alert.

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.

  • Caramel Sundae

    Behr · 280D-4

  • Thai Ice Tea

    Behr · MQ4-36

  • GIZA GOLD

    Jotun · 1230

  • Sun Bleached Ochre

    Sherwin-Williams · SW9011

  • Starfish

    Benjamin Moore · 110

  • Nice Tan

    Valspar · V048-4

Lighting

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

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