Storm AF-700 by Benjamin Moore

Imagine stepping into a space that instantly makes you feel calm and relaxed. You know, that moment when you walk into a room and everything just feels right. One of the secrets to achieving that serene ambiance is the right paint color, and today, I want to introduce you to a stunning option: Storm by Benjamin Moore. This sophisticated hue, characterized by its muted green-gray tone, has been gaining popularity among homeowners looking to create a tranquil atmosphere in their interiors.

Storm is more than just a color; it’s a mood enhancer. With a light reflectance value of about 35.60%, it reflects a good amount of light while still maintaining a cozy, inviting vibe. This means that whether you have a bright, sunlit room or a space with softer lighting, Storm adapts beautifully, shifting its character depending on the light conditions throughout the day. In bright light, it appears lighter and fresher, while in dim conditions, it deepens into a rich, tranquil tone.

What makes Storm particularly versatile is its unique blend of undertones. It leans cool but has subtle warm hints that prevent it from feeling too stark or cold. This balance makes it an excellent choice for a variety of decor styles, from modern and transitional to rustic and minimalist. You’ll find it seamlessly fits in whether you’re going for a sleek contemporary look or a cozy, traditional feel.

Now, let’s talk about where to use this lovely shade. Storm is ideal for spaces where you want to foster a sense of calm, making it perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, home offices, and even bathrooms. Imagine your bedroom painted in this soothing color, creating a restful retreat for those much-needed nights of sleep. Or think about your home office—how much more productive and focused you could feel in a serene environment enveloped in Storm.

When applying Storm, you’ll find it beginner-friendly. It’s roller-ready and brush smooth, which means even if you’re not a pro painter, you can achieve a professional finish. Plus, it dries quickly, so you won’t be left waiting around for hours before you can admire your handiwork. It’s also highly washable, making it a practical choice for high-traffic areas where scuffs and marks are a concern. If you’re considering a space that gets a lot of use, like a hallway or playroom, I recommend going with a satin finish for added durability while still enjoying the beauty of this color.

One common concern with colors like Storm is how they interact with other shades. It’s true that careful pairing is essential to avoid clashing, but the good news is that Storm provides a neutral backdrop that complements a wide range of colors. For accents, consider pairing it with whites, creams, or even darker hues for a more dramatic effect. White Dove by Benjamin Moore is a gorgeous trim option that can really make Storm pop. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a bolder contrast, deeper blues or rich purples can create a stunning visual dynamic.

You might be wondering how Storm works in smaller spaces. Absolutely, it’s a fantastic choice! Its muted tone helps create a sense of depth without overwhelming the area. If you’re working with a snug nook or a compact bathroom, pairing Storm with lighter accents can enhance that feeling of openness and airiness. It’s all about finding that balance.

If you’re a bit hesitant about committing to a color, that’s completely understandable. One of the best ways to see how Storm works in your space is to get a sample and test it out. Paint a small section of the wall and observe how it changes throughout different times of the day. You’ll notice how its undertones can shift based on the light, creating a dynamic visual experience that can be quite enchanting.

As for color equivalents, if you’re considering other options, you might also want to look at Benjamin Moore’s ‘Gray Owl’ or Sherwin-Williams’ ‘Sea Salt.’ These colors share similar qualities but can offer a slightly different feel depending on your specific needs and the environment you’re working with.

In terms of maintenance, you’ll appreciate that Storm is designed to be touch-up friendly, which means keeping your walls looking fresh is a breeze. With its low VOC formulation, it’s also a healthier choice for your home, making it a win-win for both aesthetics and your well-being.

While Storm has an array of benefits, it’s worth noting that it can appear darker in low light. This is a crucial factor to consider, especially in rooms that don’t receive much natural sunlight. However, this characteristic can also add a cozy, intimate feel to your space if that’s what you’re aiming for.

If you’re still on the fence about whether Storm is the right choice for your project, think about the overall mood you want to create. Do you crave tranquility and calm? Storm is a fantastic option that embodies those qualities. Its versatility and easy-going nature allow it to mesh seamlessly with various decor styles, making it a classic favorite for many.

In conclusion, Storm by Benjamin Moore is a sophisticated, serene shade that can transform any room into a peaceful sanctuary. Its unique blend of muted green-gray tones, along with its adaptability to different lighting conditions and decor styles, makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking to elevate their home’s ambiance. Whether you’re painting a living room, bedroom, or bathroom, Storm can help you create a space that feels inviting, restful, and beautifully curated.

So, are you ready to make your walls a little more tranquil? Storm might just be the color you’ve been searching for. Don’t hesitate to dive in and embrace the calming vibes it brings to your home. After all, your space should be a reflection of you, and with a color like Storm, you’re sure to showcase your unique style while promoting a sense of peace and harmony.

Real Room Photo of Storm AF-700

Undertones of  Storm ?

Storm has delicate undertones of both green and gray, which become more pronounced in different lighting. This unique blend helps the color to remain versatile, allowing for various decor combinations without clashing.

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HEX value: #9FA09E

RGB code: 159, 160, 158

Is  Storm Cool or Warm?

While Storm leans toward the cool side of the color spectrum, its warm undertones prevent it from feeling too stark or cold. This balance makes it suitable for a wide range of settings.

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 Storm

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 Storm

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Storm is approximately 40, indicating it reflects a moderate amount of light while still maintaining a cozy vibe. This makes it ideal for both bright and softly lit rooms.

Detailed Review of  Storm

Storm is a truly versatile color that can transform any space into a serene retreat. Its muted green-gray tone brings a soothing ambiance, making it perfect for bedrooms or living areas where relaxation is key. The color works beautifully in natural light, enhancing the room’s brightness while maintaining a cozy feel. Whether you pair it with white trim for a crisp look or darker hues for a more dramatic effect, Storm adapts well to various surroundings. Its subtle undertones can even shift slightly depending on the time of day, creating a dynamic visual experience. Overall, if you’re looking for a color that exudes calm and sophistication, Storm is a fantastic choice.

Pros & Cons of  AF-700 Storm

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Storm

FAQ on AF-700 Storm

Can Storm be used in small spaces?

Absolutely! Storm is a great choice for small spaces. Its muted tone helps to create a sense of depth without overwhelming the room. Pair it with lighter accents to enhance the feeling of openness.

How does Storm perform in high-traffic areas?

Storm holds up well in high-traffic areas due to its washable nature. It’s recommended to use a satin finish in these spaces for added durability while still enjoying the beautiful color.

Comparisons Storm with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Storm AF-700