Metropolitan AF-690 by Benjamin Moore

Imagine walking into a serene space where the walls cradle you in a soft embrace of color. That’s the magic of Metropolitan by Benjamin Moore. This paint color, AF-690, is like a breath of fresh air, offering a perfect blend of sophistication and tranquility. As someone who’s spent years exploring the world of color in home design, I can confidently say that Metropolitan is a top contender if you’re seeking a versatile and calming backdrop for your home.

Metropolitan is a soft gray that leans toward the cool side of the spectrum, making it ideal for modern and contemporary interiors. Its medium brightness allows it to reflect a good amount of light, creating that airy feel in spaces like living rooms, bedrooms, and home offices. With a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of around 50, it strikes a beautiful balance, making your rooms feel open yet cozy.

What truly sets Metropolitan apart are its subtle green undertones. Under natural light, these undertones come alive, adding depth and character to this otherwise muted hue. It’s fascinating how this color adapts to its surroundings. In bright spaces, it reflects light beautifully, enhancing the overall ambiance. Conversely, in dim settings, it can appear more neutral, maintaining its elegance without overpowering the room.

If you’re considering this color for a smaller space, you’re making a wise choice. Metropolitan’s light-reflective qualities can create the illusion of a larger area. It’s an excellent option for a cozy nook or a compact dining room. Just keep in mind that good lighting is key; in dimmer environments, it can lean cooler, so it’s essential to test it in your specific space before fully committing.

Now, let’s talk about finishes. Metropolitan is available in flat, matte, eggshell, and satin finishes. For most living areas or bedrooms, an eggshell or satin finish is perfect. These finishes provide a subtle sheen and are easy to clean, which is especially handy in high-traffic areas. If you’re painting a bathroom or kitchen, consider opting for the satin finish. It not only ensures durability but also maximizes washability, perfect for those inevitable spills and splashes.

One of the fantastic aspects of Metropolitan is its versatility with other colors. Whether you want to create a bold contrast or a soft palette, this gray teams up beautifully with various shades. It complements warm and cool trim, allowing you to express your personal style effortlessly. Pair it with crisp whites like White Dove for a classic look, or go for warmer tones to create a more inviting atmosphere.

When it comes to accent colors, Metropolitan shines. You can play around with deeper hues like navy or even muted pastels to add character to your space. Think about a statement piece of furniture or vibrant artwork against a Metropolitan backdrop. The soft gray will elevate these elements, allowing them to take center stage without overwhelming the eyes.

For those of you who love to change things up frequently, Metropolitan is touch-up friendly. It applies smoothly, whether you’re using a roller or brush, and dries quickly, making it beginner-friendly. This easy application means you won’t be stuck painting for days, and you can enjoy your refreshed space sooner.

Let’s not overlook the eco-friendly aspect of Metropolitan. With low VOC levels, you can feel good about using this paint in your home, knowing it’s better for the environment and your indoor air quality. It’s a thoughtful choice for those who are conscious of their health and the planet.

But, as with any color, there are some considerations to keep in mind. While Metropolitan is a beautiful shade, it can appear cooler in dim lighting. For spaces that don’t receive much natural light, it’s crucial to consider the overall illumination when choosing this color. Testing it on your walls before making a final decision is always a good idea. This way, you can see how it interacts with the light throughout the day.

In terms of performance, Metropolitan boasts qualities that every homeowner appreciates. It’s washable, fade-resistant, and low in odor, making it an excellent option for any room. Its quick-drying nature means you won’t have to wait long before adding those finishing touches to your décor.

Metropolitan isn’t just a paint color; it’s a mood setter. It creates an inviting atmosphere that feels both calm and sophisticated. Imagine curling up with a book in a room adorned in this soft gray, or hosting a dinner party with friends, where the walls effortlessly enhance the ambiance.

This color is particularly well-suited for open-concept spaces, where it can unify different areas while still allowing for individual character in each section. Whether you’re refreshing your living room, bedroom, home office, or dining room, Metropolitan will provide that cohesive look you’re after.

As you embark on your color journey, keep in mind that the right shade can transform your space, enhancing not just the aesthetic but also the feeling of your home. Metropolitan is a designer favorite, and it’s easy to see why. It combines modern elegance with timeless appeal, making it a wise choice for today’s homeowner.

Ready to take the plunge? Grab a sample of Metropolitan, paint a small section of your wall, and watch how it changes with the light throughout the day. You’ll discover its true beauty and versatility, making your home a serene sanctuary that reflects your style and personality.

So, let’s get to painting and creating that beautiful space you’ve always envisioned! Remember, it’s not just about the color; it’s about the experience and the feelings it evokes. Metropolitan is here to help you achieve that serene, sophisticated vibe you’ve been dreaming of. Enjoy the journey!

Real Room Photo of Metropolitan AF-690

Undertones of  Metropolitan ?

Metropolitan has cool blue undertones that come alive under natural light, adding depth and character to the color. In dimmer settings, it can appear more neutral, making it an adaptable choice for various lighting conditions.

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HEX value: #BABDB8

RGB code: 186, 189, 184

Is  Metropolitan Cool or Warm?

This color leans towards the cool side of the spectrum, which helps create a soothing environment. It’s perfect for spaces where you want to unwind, yet it still maintains a level of warmth that keeps it inviting.

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 Metropolitan

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 Metropolitan

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Metropolitan is around 50, which means it reflects a good amount of light while still providing enough depth to keep the space feeling cozy.

Detailed Review of  Metropolitan

Metropolitan stands out with its ability to create a tranquil atmosphere without feeling dull or lifeless. The gentle gray hue is versatile enough to work in both bright and low-light environments, making it a favorite among homeowners and designers alike. When applied, it reflects light beautifully, enhancing the space and making it feel larger and more airy. One of the best features of this paint is its adaptability; it pairs well with both bold and muted accent colors, allowing you to express your personal style with ease. Whether you’re looking to refresh a single room or an entire home, Metropolitan delivers a refined and polished finish that feels both current and timeless. Just make sure to apply it in well-ventilated areas for the best results.

Pros & Cons of  AF-690 Metropolitan

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Metropolitan

FAQ on AF-690 Metropolitan

Can I use Metropolitan in a small room?

Absolutely! Metropolitan is an excellent choice for smaller spaces. Its light-reflective qualities help to make the room feel larger and more open, while its soft gray tone adds sophistication without overwhelming the area. Just be mindful of your lighting; in dimmer spaces, it may lean cooler.

What type of finish should I choose for my walls?

Choosing the right finish for Metropolitan depends on the room’s purpose. An eggshell or satin finish is ideal for living areas or bedrooms, as it offers a subtle sheen while being easy to clean. For higher moisture areas like kitchens or bathrooms, a satin finish is recommended to ensure durability and washability.

Comparisons Metropolitan with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Metropolitan AF-690