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Mid-Century ModernSouth-Facing

Charlotte's Locks

Farrow & Ball · 268

The Analysis

Charlotte's Locks is a vibrant, flame-orange that commands attention and makes a room feel warmer and more enclosed. With an LRV of 21.62, it absorbs significant light rather than reflecting it, so it will make large rooms feel more intimate rather than bright or airy.

This colour is too aggressive for a main wall choice in most homes and works best as a punchy accent. Use it on built-in shelving, a kitchen island, or a piece of statement furniture to add character without overwhelming the room.

LRV 22

History & Origin

While it draws inspiration from mid-century palettes, it is a contemporary, high-impact take on classic terracotta. It feels modern and fresh because of its saturated, synthetic-leaning orange undertones rather than traditional earthy clay tones.

Undertonewarm
FamilyOrange

How to Use It

Pair it with charcoal grey or matte black hardware to ground the intensity, or use warm brass to lean into a retro-luxe look. It performs best in kitchens or entryways where you want a high-energy focal point.

The Mood

This is an unapologetically energizing and bold colour that creates a high-stimulation environment. It is best used in spaces where you want to feel active and social, as it can be too intense for areas meant for relaxation or sleep.

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.

  • Tropical Orange

    Benjamin Moore · 2170-20

  • Fireglow

    Behr · 200B-7

  • Sweet Mandarin

    Behr · S-G-220

  • Flame Frenzy 4

    Dulux

  • Orange Parrot

    Benjamin Moore · 2169-20

  • Fire Coral

    Behr · BIC-31

Lighting

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

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