Audubon Russet HC-51 by Benjamin Moore

If you’re searching for a paint color that wraps a room in warmth and sophistication, let me introduce you to Benjamin Moore’s Audubon Russet (HC-51). This isn’t just another red—it’s a rich, earthy russet with a depth that feels both timeless and inviting. Whether you’re redesigning a living room, bedroom, or dining space, this shade has the versatility to elevate your decor while creating a cozy, grounded atmosphere.

Audubon Russet sits beautifully in the medium color range with an LRV of 20.95%, meaning it reflects a fair amount of light without losing its depth. That makes it a fantastic choice for rooms where you want warmth but don’t want to sacrifice brightness entirely. In natural daylight, the russet tones shine, giving off a warm, autumnal vibe. But under artificial lighting, it deepens slightly, adding a touch of drama. Always test a swatch in your space at different times of day to see how it plays with your lighting—it’s a small step that makes a big difference.

One of the standout qualities of this color is its versatility. It pairs effortlessly with rustic wood finishes, traditional molding, or even bohemian textiles. Imagine it on an accent wall behind a reclaimed wood bookshelf or covering all four walls in a bedroom with crisp white linens and brass fixtures. The warmth of Audubon Russet makes it a natural companion for wood trim, but it also pops against cooler metals like brushed brass, creating a balanced, layered look. If you’re working with an open-concept space, this hue can help define areas without feeling disjointed—just keep in mind that in smaller rooms, it might feel a bit more intimate. If that’s not the goal, consider using it on a single wall or balancing it with lighter decor.

Application is a breeze, even if you’re a DIY beginner. The paint offers excellent coverage, often needing just one or two coats, and it’s self-priming, which saves time and effort. It’s also touch-up friendly, so if life happens (and it always does), fixing small scuffs or marks won’t be a headache. Choose from matte, eggshell, or satin finishes depending on the room’s function. Matte is perfect for low-traffic areas where you want a velvety look, while eggshell or satin works well in spaces that need a bit more durability, like dining rooms or home offices.

Now, let’s talk undertones. Audubon Russet leans into its red base, giving it that warm, earthy character. But here’s the thing—undertones can shift depending on what’s around them. Pair it with cool grays, and the red might feel more pronounced. Place it next to creamy whites or warm woods, and it’ll feel softer and more neutral. That’s why sampling is key. Paint a large swatch and live with it for a few days. Notice how it changes from morning to evening, and how it interacts with your furniture and flooring.

If you’re worried about commitment, start small. An accent wall in Audubon Russet can add instant depth to a room without overwhelming it. Or use it in a space where you want to cultivate coziness—think a reading nook or a bedroom where the goal is relaxation. For trim, warm wood tones or even a soft cream can keep things balanced. And if you love the color but want to lighten things up, layer in textiles or artwork with complementary shades like muted greens or soft blues to create contrast.

A few practical perks? This paint is low-VOC and eco-certified, so it’s a great choice if you’re mindful of air quality. It’s also scrubbable and stain-resistant, making it practical for high-traffic areas. And while it’s a classic favorite, it doesn’t feel dated—it’s the kind of color that adapts to trends while staying rooted in timeless appeal.

So, is Audubon Russet right for you? If you’re drawn to warm, earthy tones and want a color that feels both sophisticated and welcoming, absolutely. It’s a hue that invites you to slow down, settle in, and enjoy the space you’ve created. Just remember: paint is personal. What feels cozy to one person might feel too dark to another. Trust your instincts, test before you commit, and don’t be afraid to play with textures and finishes to make it your own. After all, the best rooms aren’t just designed—they’re lived in.

Real Room Photo of Audubon Russet HC-51

Undertones of  Audubon Russet ?

The undertones of Audubon Russet are a key aspect of its character, leaning towards Red. These subtle underlying hues are what give the color its depth and complexity. For example, a gray with a blue undertone will feel cooler and more modern, while one with a brown undertone will feel warmer and more traditional. It’s essential to test this paint in your home and observe it next to your existing furniture, flooring, and decor to see how these undertones interact and reveal themselves throughout the day.

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HEX value: #AE6B55

RGB code: 174, 107, 85

Is  Audubon Russet Cool or Warm?

This paint color is distinctly warm, radiating a cozy and inviting vibe. Its russet tone is enriched with warm undertones that make a space feel snug and welcoming. Ideal for creating a homey and comfortable environment, Audubon Russet can make a room feel intimate and nurturing.

Understanding Color Properties and Interior Design Tips

Hue refers to a specific position on the color wheel, measured in degrees from 0 to 360. Each degree represents a different pure color:

• 0° represents red
• 120° represents green
• 240° represents blue

Saturation describes the intensity or purity of a color and is expressed as a percentage:

• At 0%, the color appears completely desaturated—essentially a shade of gray
• At 100%, the color is at its most vivid and vibrant

Lightness indicates how light or dark a color is, also expressed as a percentage:

• 0% lightness results in black
• 100% lightness results in white

Using Warm Colors in Interior Design

Warm hues—such as reds, oranges, yellows, warm beiges, and greiges—are excellent choices for creating inviting and energetic spaces. These colors are particularly well-suited for:

• Kitchens, living rooms, and bathrooms, where warmth enhances comfort and sociability
• Large rooms, where warm tones can help reduce the sense of emptiness and make the space feel more intimate

For example:

• Warm beige shades provide a cozy, inviting atmosphere, ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways.
• Warm greige (a mix of beige and gray) offers the warmth of beige with the modern appeal of gray, making it a versatile backdrop for dining areas, bedrooms, and living spaces.

However, be mindful when using warm light tones in rooms with limited natural light. These shades may appear muted or even take on an unpleasant yellowish tint. To avoid a dull or flat appearance:

• Add depth by incorporating richer tones like deep greens, charcoal, or chocolate brown
• Use textured elements such as curtains, rugs, or cushions to bring dimension to the space

Pro Tip: Achieving Harmony with Warm and Cool Color Balance

To create a well-balanced and visually interesting interior, mix warm and cool tones strategically. This contrast adds depth and harmony to your design.

• If your walls feature warm hues, introduce cool-colored accents such as blue or green furniture, artwork, or accessories to create contrast.
• For a polished look, consider using a complementary color scheme, which pairs colors opposite each other on the color wheel (e.g., red with green, orange with blue).

This thoughtful mix not only enhances visual appeal but also creates a space that feels both dynamic and cohesive.

Light Temperature Affects on Audubon Russet

Natural Light

Natural daylight changes in color temperature as the sun moves across the sky. At sunrise and sunset, the light tends to have a warm, golden tone with a color temperature around 2000 Kelvin (K). As the day progresses and the sun rises higher, the light becomes cooler and more neutral. Around midday, especially when the sky is clear, natural light typically reaches its peak brightness and shifts to a cooler tone, ranging from 5500 to 6500 Kelvin. This midday light is close to what we perceive as pure white or daylight-balanced light.

These shifts in natural light can significantly influence how colors appear in a space, which is why designers often consider both the time of day and the orientation of windows when planning interior color schemes.

Artificial Light

When choosing artificial lighting, pay close attention to the color temperature, measured in Kelvin (K). This determines how warm or cool the light will appear. Lower temperatures, around 2700K, give off a warm, yellow glow often used in living rooms or bedrooms. Higher temperatures, above 5000K, create a cool, bluish light similar to daylight, commonly used in kitchens, offices, or task areas.

Use the slider to see how lighting temperature can affect the appearance of a surface or color throughout a space.

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LRV of Audubon Russet

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Audubon Russet is 20.95%, which places it in the Medium colors category. This means it reflect a lot of light. Understanding a paint’s LRV is crucial for predicting how it will look in your space. A higher LRV indicates a lighter color that reflects more light, making rooms feel larger and brighter. A lower LRV signifies a darker color that absorbs more light, creating a cozier, more intimate atmosphere. Always consider the natural and artificial lighting in your room when selecting a paint color based on its LRV.

Detailed Review of  Audubon Russet

Audubon Russet is a beautifully warm and earthy paint color that can transform a room into a cozy retreat. It has a rich, russet tone that adds depth and interest to any space. This color is especially suitable for living rooms and bedrooms, where a calm and inviting atmosphere is desired. It pairs well with natural materials like wood and stone, making it ideal for rustic and traditional decor styles. The paint’s coverage is excellent, often requiring just one to two coats for full opacity. Its self-priming nature makes it a convenient choice for DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike. The finish options, from matte to satin, allow for versatility in creating the desired look and feel in your home.

Pros & Cons of  HC-51 Audubon Russet

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Audubon Russet

FAQ on HC-51 Audubon Russet

Is Audubon Russet suitable for small spaces?

While Audubon Russet is a warm and inviting color, it can make small spaces feel more intimate, which might be a drawback for those looking to create a sense of openness. If your goal is to maintain a light and airy feel, you might consider using it as an accent wall rather than covering all walls. Additionally, pairing it with lighter trim or decor elements can help prevent the space from feeling too enclosed.

How does Audubon Russet perform in different lighting conditions?

Audubon Russet tends to look warm and earthy in natural daylight, which highlights its russet tones beautifully. However, under artificial light, it can take on a deeper, more intense appearance. It’s always a good idea to test the paint in your specific environment to see how it reacts to your room’s lighting throughout the day. This way, you can ensure it complements the mood you want to achieve.

Comparisons Audubon Russet with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Audubon Russet HC-51