Oregano 2147-10 by Benjamin Moore

If you’re searching for a paint color that effortlessly brings the outdoors in while adding warmth and depth to your space, Benjamin Moore’s Oregano (2147-10) might just be your perfect match. This earthy green with its subtle yellow undertones is like a breath of fresh air—grounded, versatile, and full of character. Whether you’re revamping a living room, kitchen, or home office, Oregano has a way of making any room feel inviting and intentional. Let’s dive into what makes this color so special and how you can make it work in your home.

Oregano is a medium-dark green with an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 22.57%, meaning it reflects a fair amount of light while still maintaining its rich, saturated look. This makes it ideal for rooms with decent natural light, where it can truly shine without feeling too heavy. In spaces with limited light, it might lean a bit darker, so if you’re working with a small or dimly lit room, consider using it as an accent wall rather than covering all four sides. That said, its warmth can make even a snug space feel cozy rather than cramped—think of it like wrapping your room in a soft, earthy hug.

One of the standout qualities of Oregano is its versatility. It plays well with a variety of decor styles, from modern farmhouse to mid-century eclectic. Pair it with crisp white trim like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove for a classic, clean look, or let it mingle with natural wood finishes for a rustic, organic vibe. If you’re feeling bold, brass fixtures and warm metallic accents can elevate its golden undertones, adding a touch of sophistication. And because it’s a muted green, it won’t clash with other colors—instead, it acts as a harmonious backdrop that lets your furniture and decor take center stage.

When it comes to application, Oregano is beginner-friendly. It offers excellent coverage, often needing just one or two coats for full opacity, and its high-hide formula means fewer touch-ups down the line. Whether you’re rolling it on or brushing it smooth, you’ll appreciate how little splatter it produces, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, it’s available in finishes like eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss, so you can choose the right sheen for your space. Eggshell is great for most walls, offering a soft, velvety finish, while semi-gloss works beautifully on trim or cabinets for added durability and a slight shine.

Durability is another strong suit. Oregano is highly washable and stain-resistant, making it a smart choice for high-traffic areas like kitchens and entryways. Spills and scuffs wipe away easily, and its fade-resistant properties mean it’ll stay vibrant even in sun-drenched rooms. And because it’s low-VOC and eco-certified, you can breathe easy knowing you’re using a paint that’s as kind to your home as it is to the environment.

Now, let’s talk about lighting—because it can make or break how Oregano looks in your space. In natural daylight, its green tones take center stage, giving off a fresh, organic vibe. Under warm artificial light, those yellow undertones come alive, casting a golden glow that feels cozy and intimate. If your room has cooler lighting, Oregano might read as a more subdued olive, so it’s always a good idea to test a swatch on your walls and observe it at different times of day.

If you’re wondering what colors to pair with Oregano, think earthy and warm. Creams, taupes, and soft grays complement it beautifully, while deeper shades like navy or charcoal can add contrast and drama. For a monochromatic look, layer it with lighter greens like Saybrook Sage or darker hues like Hunter Green. And if you want to play up its warmth, terracotta or mustard accents can create a striking, autumnal palette.

So, is Oregano right for your project? If you’re drawn to colors that feel grounded, warm, and effortlessly stylish, then absolutely. It’s a color that adapts to your space rather than overpowering it, making it a fantastic choice for everything from a serene home office to a lively kitchen. Just remember to consider your lighting and test a sample before committing—because the best color is the one that makes you feel at home the moment you walk in the room.

At the end of the day, paint is more than just color on a wall—it’s the backdrop to your life. And with Oregano, you’re choosing a hue that’s as inviting as it is enduring. Whether you’re going for a full-room transformation or just a subtle refresh, this earthy green has the depth and versatility to make your space feel uniquely yours. So grab a brush, trust your instincts, and let Oregano work its magic. Your walls will thank you.

Real Room Photo of Oregano 2147-10

Undertones of  Oregano ?

The undertones of Oregano 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: #8C883F

RGB code: 140, 136, 63

Is  Oregano Cool or Warm?

Oregano is definitely on the warm side of the color spectrum. Its earthy green hue is infused with golden undertones that evoke a sense of warmth and comfort. This makes it an excellent choice for creating cozy, inviting spaces where friends and family can gather. If you’re looking to add a sense of warmth to a room, Oregano is a great option. It works particularly well in living rooms and kitchens, where its warm tones can create a welcoming atmosphere.

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 Oregano

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 Oregano

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Oregano is 22.57%, 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  Oregano

The Oregano paint color, with its HEX code #8C883F, is a splendid choice for anyone looking to infuse a room with the calming essence of nature. Its muted green tone is reminiscent of fresh herbs in a kitchen garden, making it particularly suited for spaces where relaxation and rejuvenation are desired. This color can complement a wide range of design elements, from rustic wooden beams to sleek modern furniture. It works beautifully in living rooms and kitchens, creating an inviting atmosphere that encourages conversation. Oregano pairs well with natural materials like wood and stone, and its earthy hue can be enhanced with warm lighting. While its coverage is good, requiring about 1–2 coats for full opacity, its rich pigment ensures a high-hide finish. The result is a smooth, even appearance that stands the test of time.

Pros & Cons of  2147-10 Oregano

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Oregano

FAQ on 2147-10 Oregano

Is Oregano suitable for small spaces?

Oregano can work in small spaces if there is sufficient natural light to balance its medium-dark tone. Its warm, earthy green hue can create a cozy and intimate atmosphere, which is ideal for spaces like a small study or reading nook. However, in areas with limited lighting, it might make the room feel smaller. To counteract this, consider using lighter accessories or trim to add contrast and ensure the space doesn’t feel too enclosed. If you’re concerned about making the space feel larger, using Oregano on an accent wall could provide the desired warmth without overwhelming the room.

What trim colors work best with Oregano?

Oregano pairs well with a variety of trim colors, depending on the mood you want to create. For a classic look, consider white trims like Simply White or White Dove. These colors provide a crisp contrast that highlights Oregano’s warmth and depth. If you’re aiming for a more contemporary feel, soft gray trims can provide a subtle complement without overpowering the main wall color. Wood trims also work beautifully with Oregano, adding to its organic appeal. When choosing a trim color, it’s important to consider the overall palette of the room to ensure harmony and balance.

Comparisons Oregano with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Oregano 2147-10