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Mid-Century ModernSouth-Facing

CARAMEL

Jotun · 2307

The Analysis

Caramel is a mid-tone earthy brown that absorbs a significant amount of light, giving the room a cozy, enclosed feel. Because its LRV is 26.39, it won't make a room look brighter or larger; instead, it creates intimacy and depth by pulling the walls in.

This shade works best as an anchor in rooms where you want to relax, like a den, library, or bedroom. It is too heavy for a main wall color in small or windowless spaces, but it serves as an excellent feature wall or a moody, monochromatic wrap-around for a study.

LRV 26

History & Origin

This color reflects the warm, natural palettes common in 1970s interior design and rustic cottage styles. It moves away from sterile modern minimalism and leans toward a timeless, organic look.

Undertonewarm
FamilyOrange

How to Use It

Pair this with dark walnut or medium oak wood tones to keep the palette organic. Use matte black metal hardware for a modern contrast or unlacquered brass if you want to lean into a warmer, vintage aesthetic.

The Mood

Living with this color feels stable, grounded, and restorative. It is not an energizing or sharp color, but rather a soft, warm neutral that helps a room feel comfortable and settled.

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.

  • Tan Tan

    Little Greene · 6154

  • Campfire Blaze

    Behr · HDC-AC-06

  • Semolina 1011

    Colourtrend

  • TANGERINE TWIST

    Jotun · 1588

  • Caribbean Coral

    Sherwin-Williams · SW2854

  • Chrysanthemum

    Sherwin-Williams · SW6347

Lighting

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

  • Natural