Aegean Olive 1491 by Benjamin Moore

If you’re searching for a paint color that effortlessly brings the warmth and serenity of nature into your home, Benjamin Moore’s Aegean Olive (1491) might just be your perfect match. This muted green with its rich, earthy undertones is like a breath of fresh air—grounded yet sophisticated, versatile yet distinctive. Whether you’re revamping a living room, bedroom, or even a home office, this shade has a way of making spaces feel both cozy and polished. Let’s dive into what makes Aegean Olive so special and how you can make it work in your home.

First, let’s talk about the color itself. Aegean Olive sits in the beige hue family, but don’t let that fool you—it’s far from bland. With an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 11.54%, it’s a medium-dark shade that absorbs more light than it reflects, giving it a deep, enveloping quality. That means it’s perfect for creating intimate, inviting spaces, though you’ll want to be mindful of lighting in smaller rooms. Natural light brings out its vibrant, almost sage-like qualities, while dimmer lighting deepens it into a more muted, tranquil tone. It’s this chameleon-like adaptability that makes it such a standout choice.

One of the biggest strengths of Aegean Olive is its warm yellow undertones. These give the color a soft, earthy richness that pairs beautifully with natural materials like wood, linen, and rattan. If you’re going for a modern farmhouse or rustic look, this shade will feel right at home. But don’t think it’s limited to those styles—its versatility shines in coastal, bohemian, and even contemporary spaces too. Pair it with crisp white trim (Benjamin Moore’s White Dove is a classic choice) for a fresh contrast, or let it mingle with brass fixtures and warm wood tones for a more organic, layered feel.

When it comes to application, Aegean Olive is beginner-friendly. It’s roller-ready, dries quickly, and offers good coverage—usually one to two coats will do the trick. The finish options (matte, eggshell, or satin) give you flexibility depending on the room’s use. Eggshell is a great all-around pick for living areas, while satin works well in kitchens where you might need a bit more washability. And because it’s low-VOC and eco-certified, you can feel good about using it in any space, especially if you’re sensitive to strong paint odors.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: can Aegean Olive work in small spaces? The answer is yes, but with some strategy. In a well-lit room, it’ll feel cozy without being overwhelming. But if your space lacks natural light, you might want to balance it with lighter furniture, mirrors, or even an accent wall rather than covering all four walls. That way, you still get the richness of the color without the room feeling too closed in.

As for pairings, this color plays well with others. For a clean, modern look, pair it with whites and creams. If you want something earthier, try warm browns, terracottas, or even muted golds. And if you’re feeling bold, a pop of blue (its complementary hue) can create a striking contrast—think navy throw pillows or cerulean artwork. The key is to let Aegean Olive anchor the space while the other colors add dimension.

So, who is this color for? If you love warm, nature-inspired hues and want a shade that feels both current and timeless, Aegean Olive is a winner. It’s ideal for anyone looking to create a calm, inviting atmosphere without sacrificing style. Whether you’re painting an accent wall in a home office or giving your kitchen cabinets a refresh, this color brings depth and character to any project.

At the end of the day, the best way to know if Aegean Olive is right for you is to test it. Paint a large swatch on your wall and observe it at different times of day. Notice how it changes with the light, how it interacts with your furniture, and how it makes you feel. Because the best paint color isn’t just about trends—it’s about how it transforms your space into a place you love coming home to. And with its warm, adaptable charm, Aegean Olive just might be the one to do that for you.

Real Room Photo of Aegean Olive 1491

Undertones of  Aegean Olive ?

The undertones of Aegean Olive are a key aspect of its character, leaning towards 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: #5D594C

RGB code: 93, 89, 76

Is  Aegean Olive Cool or Warm?

Aegean Olive leans towards the warm side of the color spectrum. Its earthy base makes it feel cozy and inviting, perfect for creating a nurturing environment in your home. This warmth allows it to harmoniously blend with other warm colors and natural materials.

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 Aegean Olive

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 Aegean Olive

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Aegean Olive is 11.54%, 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  Aegean Olive

Aegean Olive is a color that truly stands out while maintaining a soft presence. It’s perfect for creating an inviting atmosphere, whether it’s in a cozy living room or a serene bedroom. The warm undertones give it a grounding quality, making it ideal for spaces where you want to feel relaxed and at home. What’s particularly appealing is how this color changes throughout the day; it can appear more vibrant in natural light, while taking on a deeper, richer tone in the evening. When paired with white or warm woods, it creates a beautiful contrast that feels both fresh and timeless. Overall, Aegean Olive is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to infuse their space with a touch of nature and sophistication.

Pros & Cons of  1491 Aegean Olive

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Aegean Olive

FAQ on 1491 Aegean Olive

Is Aegean Olive suitable for small spaces?

While Aegean Olive can work in small spaces, it’s essential to consider lighting. Using it in well-lit areas can help maintain an open feel, but in dimmer settings, it may feel a bit cozy or even dark. Pair it with lighter accents or furnishings to brighten the space and balance the depth of the color.

How does Aegean Olive pair with other colors?

Aegean Olive pairs beautifully with a variety of colors. For a fresh look, combine it with whites or creams for a crisp contrast. If you’re aiming for a more earthy palette, consider pairing it with warm browns, soft terracottas, or muted golds. This color is versatile enough to complement both modern and rustic decor styles.

Comparisons Aegean Olive with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Aegean Olive 1491