North Creek Brown 1001 by Benjamin Moore

If you’re searching for a paint color that brings warmth, depth, and a touch of nature into your home, Benjamin Moore’s North Creek Brown (1001) might just be your perfect match. This rich, earthy hue is more than just a dark beige—it’s a versatile shade that can transform a space into a cozy retreat or a sophisticated haven, depending on how you use it. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to decide if this color is right for your next project.

North Creek Brown is a deep, warm brown with subtle red undertones, giving it an inviting and grounded feel. Its LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 10.23% means it reflects very little light, making it ideal for creating intimate, snug spaces. In natural light, it glows with an earthy warmth, while under artificial lighting, it deepens slightly, adding to its cozy charm. This makes it a fantastic choice for living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and home offices—anywhere you want to cultivate a sense of comfort and relaxation.

One of the standout qualities of this color is its versatility. Whether your style leans rustic, contemporary, modern farmhouse, or even industrial, North Creek Brown adapts beautifully. Pair it with crisp white trim like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove for a classic look, or let it play off brass fixtures and warm wood tones for a more organic feel. It also works well as an accent wall, adding depth without overwhelming a room. Just keep in mind that in smaller spaces, its dark tone might make the area feel more enclosed—so if you’re working with limited square footage, consider balancing it with lighter furnishings and plenty of lighting.

When it comes to application, North Creek Brown is beginner-friendly. It offers good coverage, often needing just one or two coats, and it’s touch-up friendly, so minor fixes won’t be a headache. You’ll find it in Matte, Eggshell, and Satin finishes, each bringing its own vibe. Matte gives a flat, velvety look that’s great for hiding imperfections, while Satin adds a soft sheen that elevates the color’s richness. And because it’s low-VOC, you won’t have to worry about strong fumes during or after painting.

Now, let’s talk about the undertones. That hint of red is what gives North Creek Brown its warmth, making it feel more inviting than cooler, grayer browns. But undertones can be tricky—they shift depending on lighting and surrounding colors. Before committing, test a swatch in your space and observe it at different times of day. You’ll notice how it interacts with your furniture, flooring, and decor, ensuring it’s the right fit.

If you love the idea of North Creek Brown but aren’t sure about going all-in, consider using it on furniture or cabinetry. A dresser, bookshelf, or even kitchen island painted in this shade can add a touch of sophistication without overwhelming the room. And if you’re worried about maintenance, don’t be—its washable and scrubbable finish means it’ll hold up well in high-traffic areas, though darker colors like this can show fingerprints or smudges over time.

For those who want to explore similar shades, Benjamin Moore’s Chocolate Truffle or Sherwin-Williams’s Espresso are close equivalents. If you’re looking for something lighter, try shades like HC-85 or CW-70, or go darker with options like 2137-10 or HC-145. And if you’re playing with complementary colors, blues work beautifully against North Creek Brown’s warm base, creating a balanced, harmonious contrast.

At the end of the day, North Creek Brown is a color that invites you in. It’s not just paint—it’s a mood. Whether you’re curling up with a book in a bedroom wrapped in this hue or hosting friends in a dining room that feels both elegant and relaxed, this shade delivers. It’s a classic favorite for a reason, blending timeless appeal with modern adaptability. So if you’re ready to bring a little warmth and a lot of character into your home, grab a sample and see how North Creek Brown can work its magic in your space.

Real Room Photo of North Creek Brown 1001

Undertones of  North Creek Brown ?

The undertones of North Creek Brown 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: #65594A

RGB code: 101, 89, 74

Is  North Creek Brown Cool or Warm?

This color leans warm, creating a cozy atmosphere that feels welcoming and grounded. It’s an excellent choice for spaces where you want to relax and unwind, providing a soft backdrop that complements natural materials beautifully.

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 North Creek Brown

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 North Creek Brown

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of North Creek Brown is 10.23%, which places it in the Medium Dark category. This means it reflects very little 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  North Creek Brown

When it comes to North Creek Brown, you’re looking at a color that embodies warmth and sophistication. This shade stands out with its earthy undertones, making it perfect for spaces designed to be inviting and relaxing. Whether you’re painting an accent wall or transforming an entire room, this color provides depth without overwhelming the senses. The color’s versatility means it can effortlessly transition between styles, from rustic cabins to sleek modern homes. Just be mindful of lighting; it appears richer in dimmer environments, adding a cozy vibe that’s perfect for evenings. If you’re contemplating North Creek Brown, rest assured it will bring character and warmth to your home.

Pros & Cons of  1001 North Creek Brown

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore North Creek Brown

FAQ on 1001 North Creek Brown

What finishes are available for North Creek Brown?

North Creek Brown comes in several finishes, including Matte, Eggshell, and Satin. Each finish has its own unique qualities; for instance, Matte offers a flat look that can hide imperfections, while Satin provides a slight sheen that adds subtle elegance. Choose the finish that best suits your needs and the atmosphere you want to create in your space.

Is North Creek Brown suitable for small rooms?

While North Creek Brown can add warmth and character to any room, it may not be the best choice for very small spaces, as its darker tone can make them feel more cramped. However, if you’re looking to create a cozy nook or a dramatic effect, it can work beautifully. Pair it with lighter accessories and ample lighting to balance its depth.

Comparisons North Creek Brown with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore North Creek Brown 1001