Mid-Century ModernSouth-Facing

Heirloom Tomato

Valspar · V009-3

The Analysis

Heirloom Tomato is a high-energy, saturated orange that pulls focus and draws walls inward. Because it has a low Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 23.72, it absorbs a significant amount of light rather than bouncing it around, which makes a room feel cozy and intimate rather than large or airy.

This is a high-impact accent color rather than a neutral backdrop. It works best on a focal wall, in a powder room, or for a piece of statement furniture to add a sharp pop of color without overwhelming the entire house.

LRV 24

History & Origin

This color channels the bold, experimental palettes of the 1970s rather than a traditional period look. It feels modern and punchy, avoiding the dusty or muted tones often found in historical preservation palettes.

Undertonewarm
FamilyOrange

How to Use It

Pair this with dark espresso woods or matte black hardware to ground the intensity, or use crisp white trim to create a sharp, graphic contrast. It is best used in high-traffic, social spaces like a dining room or a creative home office where you want to spark energy.

The Mood

Living with this shade is undeniably energizing and stimulating. It is an active color that promotes conversation and movement, making it less suited for relaxation and better for areas where you want to feel alert and upbeat.

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.

  • Island Orange

    Valspar · 2010-2

  • African Adventure 4

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  • Moroccan Flame

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  • Festive Orange

    Benjamin Moore · 2014-10

  • Electric Orange

    Benjamin Moore · 2015-10

  • Orange 01

    Lick · Orange 01

Lighting

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

  • Natural