Mediterranean Olive 2142-10 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 Mediterranean Olive (2142-10) might just be your perfect match. This rich, earthy green with its subtle yellow undertones evokes the serene beauty of sunlit olive groves, making it an ideal choice for creating a calming yet sophisticated atmosphere. Whether you’re redesigning a living room, bedroom, or home office, this hue has the versatility to adapt to your vision while adding a grounded, inviting feel to any space.

Mediterranean Olive sits firmly in the green family, but don’t let that fool you—it’s far from a typical bright or grassy green. Instead, it leans into muted, almost dusty tones, giving it an understated elegance. With an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 11.05%, it’s a medium-dark shade that absorbs more light than it reflects, making it perfect for cozy, intimate spaces. That said, it doesn’t have to feel heavy. Pair it with crisp white trim like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove, and suddenly, the room feels balanced, with the olive tone adding warmth without overwhelming the space.

One of the standout qualities of Mediterranean Olive is its adaptability across different decor styles. If you love the rustic charm of a modern farmhouse, this color will complement exposed wood beams and linen textiles beautifully. For a bohemian vibe, layer it with woven textures, terracotta pots, and brass accents—the warmth in the undertones will tie everything together. Even in a more contemporary setting, this shade holds its own, especially when paired with sleek furniture and minimalist decor. It’s a chameleon of a color, shifting slightly depending on the light and the finishes around it.

Speaking of light, this is where Mediterranean Olive truly shines. In natural daylight, the green undertones come alive, giving the room a fresh, organic feel. As the sun sets and artificial lighting takes over, the color softens into a deeper, more muted version of itself, creating a cocoon-like effect that’s perfect for winding down in the evening. If you’re worried about it darkening a small room, don’t be—strategic lighting and reflective surfaces (think mirrors or metallic finishes) can keep the space feeling open and airy.

When it comes to application, Mediterranean Olive is beginner-friendly. It’s roller-ready, dries quickly, and typically requires just one or two coats for full coverage. The finish options—matte, eggshell, or satin—each bring something different to the table. A matte finish will give you that soft, velvety look, while eggshell or satin will add a subtle sheen, making the color feel richer and more dynamic. Plus, it’s low-VOC and eco-certified, so you can breathe easy knowing you’re making a healthier choice for your home.

Now, let’s talk pairings. This color loves warm neutrals—think creamy whites, soft beiges, and warm woods. For a pop of contrast, consider deep blues or navy, which play off the complementary orange undertones in Mediterranean Olive. Brass or gold fixtures add a touch of luxury, while natural materials like jute, rattan, or linen keep things grounded. If you’re feeling bold, an accent wall in this shade can make a striking statement, especially in a dining room or home office where you want a bit of drama without going overboard.

Of course, no color is without its considerations. If your room gets very little natural light, you might find Mediterranean Olive feels darker than expected. In that case, balance it with plenty of light-colored decor or opt for one of its lighter sibling shades, like 2142-20 or 2142-30. And while it’s generally easy to maintain, darker colors can show scuffs more easily, so a satin finish might be the way to go in high-traffic areas.

At the end of the day, Mediterranean Olive is more than just a paint color—it’s a mood. It’s the feeling of a quiet afternoon in a sun-dappled garden, the warmth of a well-loved leather chair, the sophistication of a curated bookshelf. Whether you’re using it to create a serene bedroom retreat or a stylish living room that welcomes guests with open arms, this hue delivers. So grab a sample, test it in your space, and see how it transforms your home into a place that feels both timeless and uniquely yours.

Real Room Photo of Mediterranean Olive 2142-10

Undertones of  Mediterranean Olive ?

The undertones of Mediterranean 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: #5E5A42

RGB code: 94, 90, 66

Is  Mediterranean Olive Cool or Warm?

Mediterranean Olive is predominantly warm, providing a welcoming atmosphere that feels grounded and inviting. The warmth in this color makes it an ideal choice for spaces where comfort is a priority.

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 Mediterranean 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 Mediterranean Olive

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Mediterranean Olive is 11.05%, 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  Mediterranean Olive

Mediterranean Olive stands out for its versatility and elegance. This color exudes a comforting vibe, making it an excellent choice for both contemporary and traditional spaces. When applied, the paint provides a smooth finish that enhances the natural light in the room, creating a cozy yet sophisticated environment. It pairs beautifully with neutral furnishings and can serve as a stunning accent in more colorful settings. One of the key highlights is its ability to adapt, allowing it to shine in various lighting conditions. Whether you’re aiming for a relaxed reading nook or an inviting dining area, this hue delivers a perfect backdrop.

Pros & Cons of  2142-10 Mediterranean Olive

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Mediterranean Olive

FAQ on 2142-10 Mediterranean Olive

Can Mediterranean Olive be used in small rooms?

Absolutely! While Mediterranean Olive does have a rich depth, its warm undertones can make small rooms feel cozy rather than cramped. To enhance the effect, consider pairing it with lighter trim or decor accents. Just be mindful of the lighting in the room; natural light can help keep the space feeling airy.

What finishes work best with Mediterranean Olive?

For Mediterranean Olive, finishes like eggshell and satin work beautifully, as they add a slight sheen without being overwhelming. These finishes enhance the color’s depth and richness while providing durability. If you’re looking for a more subdued look, a matte finish can also be a great choice, offering a soft and sophisticated appearance.

Comparisons Mediterranean Olive with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Mediterranean Olive 2142-10