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HeritageSouth-Facing

Red Ochre

Valspar · 2011-4

The Analysis

Red Ochre is a deep, saturated earth tone that absorbs significant light due to its low LRV of 13.058. It makes a room feel more enclosed and intimate, which effectively shrinks large, sparse spaces to make them feel grounded.

Because of its intensity, it serves best as a bold accent wall, a dramatic trim colour, or an all-over treatment for a dedicated room like a library or dining area. It is too heavy to function as a neutral backdrop for a whole-house scheme.

LRV 13

History & Origin

This is a quintessential heritage colour, drawing from centuries of pigment use in traditional interiors. It feels authentic in historic homes and gives modern spaces a sophisticated, collected-over-time character.

Undertonewarm
FamilyOrange

How to Use It

It pairs beautifully with dark walnut or medium oak wood tones and brushed brass hardware for a classic look. If you want a sharper, modern edge, matte black fixtures provide a clean contrast that prevents the red from feeling too traditional.

The Mood

This colour is naturally energizing and stimulating, making it an excellent choice for areas where you want to spark conversation or appetite. It feels warm and grounded rather than clinical, creating a steady, confident atmosphere.

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.

  • Romantic Night 1138

    Colourtrend

  • King's Red

    Benjamin Moore · CW-335

  • Red 02

    Lick · Red 02

  • Wild Rose 0066

    Colourtrend

  • Tucson Red

    Benjamin Moore · 1300

  • Northern Fire

    Benjamin Moore · CC-94

Lighting

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

  • Natural