Mid-Century ModernSouth-Facing

PLUM LIPS

Jotun · 2459

The Analysis

Plum Lips is a mid-tone, terracotta-leaning pink that absorbs significant light, making a room feel more enclosed and intimate. With an LRV of 22.1, it won't make a room feel larger; instead, it creates a cozy, cocooning effect by blurring wall edges.

Due to its intensity, this is best used as a bold accent wall, a moody statement in a small powder room, or a cohesive 'color-drenching' choice for a study or den. Avoid using it on all four walls in a small room with limited windows unless you intentionally want a dark, dramatic atmosphere.

LRV 22

History & Origin

This colour leans into a contemporary interpretation of 1970s warmth rather than traditional period design. It pairs well with modern, clean lines, bringing a touch of retro personality to current interior trends.

Undertonewarm
FamilyOrange

How to Use It

Pair this with light oak wood tones to soften the look, or matte black hardware to sharpen the contrast. It thrives in rooms with warm artificial lighting, which helps prevent the tone from appearing too 'muddy' in the evenings.

The Mood

This shade is grounding and restorative, providing a warm, tactile presence that feels less stimulating than bright red but more engaging than neutral beige. It is an excellent choice for areas where you want to wind down, as it lacks the 'clinical' or cold feel of stark whites.

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.

  • Red River Clay

    Benjamin Moore · 2091-40

  • Thai Magic 2

    Dulux

  • Raspberry Parfait

    Benjamin Moore · 2172-40

  • Colonial Brick

    Behr · PPU2-13

  • Scene Stealer

    Behr · MQ1-22

  • Herald Of Spring 0093

    Colourtrend

Lighting

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

  • Natural