Mid-Century ModernNorth-Facing

Buttered Up

Valspar · V053-3

The Analysis

Buttered Up is a warm, saturated yellow that acts as a light amplifier in any space. Because of its LRV of 62.55, it reflects a significant amount of light, making rooms feel more expansive and sun-drenched even on overcast days.

Due to its intensity, it functions best as a feature wall or a bold choice for a breakfast nook or entryway. It is too vibrant for a whole-house neutral, but it works perfectly to inject personality into small, transitionary spaces.

LRV 63

History & Origin

This tone draws inspiration from Mid-Century Modern palettes and 1950s kitchen aesthetics. It evokes a vintage, retro charm that feels intentional and curated rather than period-accurate or formal.

Undertonewarm
FamilyYellow

How to Use It

Pair this with dark walnut wood tones or matte black metal hardware to ground the brightness of the yellow. It works best in kitchens or hobby rooms where you want to avoid a sterile, cold environment.

The Mood

This shade is decidedly energizing and cheerful, intended to lift your mood the moment you walk into the room. It feels optimistic and social, making it an excellent choice for areas where you want to promote movement and conversation.

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.

  • Jackfruit

    Behr · PPU6-7

  • Croissant

    Valspar · 3002-4A

  • Florida Orange

    Benjamin Moore · 152

  • Polar Flame 2

    Dulux

  • King Cup

    Little Greene · 6154

  • Desert Island 3

    Dulux

Lighting

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

  • Natural