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Mid-Century ModernSouth-Facing

First of Fall

Valspar · V011-3

The Analysis

First of Fall is a saturated, warm orange that absorbs a significant amount of light due to its low LRV of 28.6. It will make a room feel cozy and enclosed rather than expansive, effectively pulling the walls inward to create an intimate atmosphere.

This color is far too intense to serve as a neutral backdrop for an entire home. It functions best as a bold, intentional accent wall, or in smaller spaces like a powder room or mudroom where a high-impact, saturated look is desired.

LRV 29

History & Origin

This shade leans into the bold, earthy palettes popular during the 1970s interior design era. It acts as a modern, vibrant interpretation of vintage burnt-orange tones rather than a traditional or period-specific architectural color.

Undertonewarm
FamilyYellow

How to Use It

Pair this color with dark walnut wood tones or matte black metal hardware to ground the intensity. It works best in rooms with abundant natural light to prevent the space from feeling murky, though it can feel intentionally 'moody' in dimly lit dens.

The Mood

This is an inherently energizing and stimulating color that brings a sense of warmth and vitality to a space. Because it is high-energy, it is better suited for areas where you want to be active rather than places intended for sleep or deep relaxation.

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.

  • Marigold

    Little Greene · 6154

  • Moroccan Sands 1

    Dulux

  • Citrus Orange

    Benjamin Moore · 2016-20

  • Startling Orange

    Benjamin Moore · 2016-10

  • Summer Citrus

    Behr · S-G-270

  • Carnival

    Sherwin-Williams · SW6892

Lighting

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

  • Natural