Mid-Century ModernSouth-Facing

Haute Hickory

Valspar · 8004-17F

The Analysis

Haute Hickory is a grounded, medium-toned brown that pulls a room inward, making large spaces feel more intimate and cozy. With an LRV of 22, it absorbs a significant amount of light, so it won’t brighten a room; instead, it adds weight and a sense of architectural structure.

This color acts best as a bold, sophisticated backdrop or an anchor for a room. It is far too heavy to be a standard wall-to-wall choice in small spaces, but it shines as a dramatic accent wall or a moody, full-room treatment in libraries and dens.

LRV 22

History & Origin

This hue echoes the organic, wood-centric palettes of the mid-20th century rather than traditional period homes. It fits perfectly into a modern design language that prioritizes raw, natural textures over ornate detailing.

Undertonewarm
FamilyYellow

How to Use It

Use this in low-light rooms to embrace the moodiness, or in well-lit studies to create depth. Pair it with warm brass hardware for a luxe contrast, or matte black fixtures if you want to emphasize a modern, industrial edge.

The Mood

Living with this shade feels stable, secure, and restful. It lacks the starkness of bright whites or the aggressive energy of vivid colors, making it an excellent choice for a calming, grounded environment.

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.

  • Cardboard

    Sherwin-Williams · SW6124

  • Westminster

    Behr · N270-6

  • Soft Maplewood 1

    Dulux

  • Caramel Apple

    Benjamin Moore · CC-450

  • Coco Rum

    Behr · PPU4-2

  • Maryville Brown

    Benjamin Moore · HC-75

Lighting

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

  • Natural