Hancock Green HC-117 by Benjamin Moore

Imagine walking into a room that instantly makes you exhale—a space that feels like a gentle embrace, soft and welcoming. That’s the magic of Benjamin Moore’s Hancock Green (HC-117). This isn’t just another green paint; it’s a whisper of nature, a muted blend of green and yellow undertones that brings warmth without overwhelming a space. Whether you’re refreshing a tired living room or dreaming up a serene bedroom retreat, Hancock Green might just be the color you’ve been searching for.

Let’s talk about what makes this shade special. With an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 66.06%, Hancock Green sits comfortably in the light color category, meaning it reflects plenty of light to keep rooms feeling open and airy. But here’s the thing—it’s not a stark, clinical light. It’s soft, almost diffused, like sunlight filtering through leaves. In bright spaces, it feels fresh and invigorating. In dimmer corners, it becomes cozy and intimate, adapting effortlessly to the mood you want to create.

One of the biggest strengths of Hancock Green is its versatility. It plays well with a range of decor styles, from modern farmhouse to coastal chic. Picture it in a kitchen with crisp white cabinetry and brass hardware—suddenly, your morning coffee feels like a retreat. Or imagine it in a bohemian bedroom layered with textured linens and woven baskets, creating a grounded, earthy vibe. It even works in traditional settings, especially when paired with rich wood tones and classic moldings. This color doesn’t demand attention; it enhances what’s already there.

Now, let’s address the undertones because they matter. Hancock Green leans slightly warm, thanks to its subtle yellow base, but it’s balanced by just enough coolness to keep it from feeling too golden. That makes it incredibly forgiving with different lighting conditions and materials. But here’s a pro tip: always test it in your space. Paint a large swatch and observe it at different times of day. You’ll notice how it shifts—sometimes more green, sometimes more neutral—but always soothing.

If you’re worried about application, don’t be. Hancock Green is beginner-friendly, with good coverage (often just one or two coats) and easy touch-up capabilities. It’s available in matte, eggshell, and satin finishes, so you can choose based on your room’s needs. High-traffic areas like kitchens and hallways? Go for eggshell or satin—they’re durable and washable. Bedrooms or low-traffic spaces? Matte will give you that velvety, sophisticated look. And because it’s low-VOC, you won’t have to deal with harsh fumes, making it a great choice for families or anyone sensitive to strong odors.

Small spaces? Absolutely. Hancock Green’s lightness prevents it from feeling heavy or closed-in, but to maximize the effect, pair it with light-colored furniture or sheer window treatments. If you’re feeling bold, try it on built-in bookshelves or a piece of furniture—it’s a fantastic way to add subtle color without committing to an entire room.

For trim, you can’t go wrong with Benjamin Moore’s White Dove. The contrast is soft yet defined, letting Hancock Green shine without competing. And if you love metallics, brass fixtures are a match made in heaven—they amplify the warmth of the yellow undertones beautifully.

Of course, no color is perfect for every situation. In rooms with very little natural light, Hancock Green can read slightly darker, so consider supplementing with layered lighting. And while it’s forgiving, proper wall prep (filling holes, sanding, priming) will ensure the smoothest, most even finish.

So, is Hancock Green right for you? If you’re craving a color that feels both timeless and fresh, calming yet sophisticated, the answer is probably yes. It’s the kind of shade that makes a house feel like a home—a backdrop for life that never feels loud or demanding. Whether you’re painting one wall or an entire home, Hancock Green is a choice you’re unlikely to regret. After all, the best colors don’t just look good—they make you feel something. And this one? It feels like peace.

Real Room Photo of Hancock Green HC-117

Undertones of  Hancock Green ?

The undertones of Hancock Green are a key aspect of its character, leaning towards Green and Yellow. 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: #D4DABF

RGB code: 212, 218, 191

Is  Hancock Green Cool or Warm?

This paint leans slightly cool, thanks to its gray undertone, but it still feels warm and inviting in most settings. It creates a calming environment, perfect for spaces meant for relaxation or creativity.

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 Hancock Green

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 Hancock Green

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Hancock Green is 66.06%, which places it in the Light colors category. This means it reflect most of the incident 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  Hancock Green

Hancock Green is a delightful choice for anyone looking to infuse their home with a touch of nature. Its soft and muted tone makes it incredibly versatile, working well in both contemporary and traditional settings. Whether you’re painting a feature wall or an entire room, Hancock Green delivers a soothing vibe that invites relaxation. The color’s understated elegance pairs beautifully with various decor styles, from rustic farmhouse to modern chic. One of the standout features of Hancock Green is its ability to change with the light—appearing more vibrant in natural daylight while softening in the evening glow. Overall, it’s a color that can enhance your living spaces while maintaining a grounded feel.

Pros & Cons of  HC-117 Hancock Green

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Hancock Green

FAQ on HC-117 Hancock Green

Can Hancock Green be used in small spaces?

Absolutely! Hancock Green can work beautifully in small spaces, as its muted tone can create a sense of calm without overwhelming the area. Just ensure that you have adequate lighting to keep the space feeling open and airy. Pair it with lighter accents or furnishings to enhance the effect.

What finishes are recommended for Hancock Green?

For Hancock Green, both eggshell and satin finishes are recommended, especially in high-traffic areas. These finishes not only offer a touch of sheen but also provide durability, making them easier to clean. If you prefer a more matte look, the matte finish works beautifully in low-traffic spaces such as bedrooms.

Comparisons Hancock Green with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Hancock Green HC-117