ScandinavianSouth-Facing

Zen

Valspar · V101-2

The Analysis

Zen is a muted, mid-toned teal that absorbs a fair amount of light, given its LRV of 32.6. It leans toward a 'heavy' aesthetic, meaning it will pull walls inward and make a large room feel more intimate rather than expanding the space.

It functions best as a saturated backdrop for a room where you want a moody, curated feel. It is too dark for a small, windowless hallway, but excellent for adding depth to a primary bedroom or a study.

LRV 33

History & Origin

This is a distinctly modern color. It lacks the chalky, dusty quality of historical heritage palettes, making it a perfect fit for contemporary renovations that value crisp, clean lines.

Undertonecool
FamilyGreen

How to Use It

Pair this with light oak wood tones or warm brass hardware to prevent the room from feeling too cold. It also looks sharp against matte black accents, which highlight the green undertones in the paint.

The Mood

Living with this color feels stable and grounded. It is a restful, low-stimulation shade that works well in spaces where you want to switch off your brain after a busy day.

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.

  • Mill Springs Blue

    Benjamin Moore · HC-137

  • Antiqued Aqua

    Benjamin Moore · CSP-705

  • Composed

    Sherwin-Williams · SW6472

  • GREEN SHADOW

    Jotun · 6270

  • Venus Teal

    Behr · PPU13-8

  • Tower Bridge

    Behr · S440-4

Lighting

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

  • Natural