Hampshire Gray HC-101 by Benjamin Moore

Imagine stepping into your living room, where the walls beckon with a gentle, soothing hue that instantly makes you feel at ease. This is the kind of welcoming atmosphere Hampshire Gray by Benjamin Moore can create. It’s more than just a paint color; it’s an experience waiting to unfold in your home.

Hampshire Gray (HC-101) is that sweet spot between warm and cool. With its soft gray appearance, it doesn’t just sit on the walls; it dances gracefully with the light. You’ll notice how it can transform a room, creating a cozy vibe while maintaining an airy feel. It’s the perfect backdrop, whether you’re looking to refresh your space or completely overhaul it.

One of the standout features of Hampshire Gray is its versatility. This color can seamlessly fit into a variety of decor styles, from modern and transitional to rustic and farmhouse. You might be wondering how a single shade can be so adaptable. The answer lies in its unique blend of warm yellow undertones that beautifully complement other colors. It doesn’t compete for attention; instead, it enhances the entire aesthetic of a room.

When considering Hampshire Gray for your project, think about the spaces where it can shine. Picture it in your living room, where it invites conversation and relaxation. Imagine it wrapping your bedroom in a soft embrace, creating a tranquil retreat at the end of a long day. Even in a dining room, it sets the stage for memorable gatherings with friends and family, all while keeping the mood calm and inviting. It’s also an excellent choice for a home office, invoking focus without feeling harsh or sterile.

Let’s talk about application. Hampshire Gray is beginner-friendly, applying smoothly whether you choose a brush or roller. It offers great coverage, typically needing just one or two coats, which means less time painting and more time enjoying your freshly transformed space. Plus, with its washable finish, you won’t have to stress about those little scuffs or spills that come with everyday life.

Now, you might be curious about how it interacts with lighting. In bright, airy spaces, Hampshire Gray reflects light beautifully, creating a soft glow that fills the room. However, be mindful of its behavior in dimmer environments. While it remains inviting, it can appear a touch darker than you might expect, which is something worth considering if you’re working with a smaller or less naturally lit area.

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Hampshire Gray is 25.45%, placing it comfortably in the medium color spectrum. This means it will absorb some light while still reflecting enough to keep the space feeling open. Understanding the LRV of a color is essential; higher values reflect more light, making a room feel larger, while lower values create a cozier atmosphere. Hampshire Gray strikes that perfect balance, making it suitable for nearly any room in your home.

If you’re planning to pair Hampshire Gray with other colors, you’re in luck. It plays well with a variety of shades, allowing you to express your personal style freely. For a harmonious look, consider pairing it with crisp whites, like White Dove, or even rich brass fixtures that can add a touch of warmth and sophistication. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, try contrasting it with deeper colors for a more dramatic effect, or go with softer shades for a serene palette.

You might also want to explore its complementary colors. If you’re leaning towards a bolder statement, hues like deep blues or earthy greens can make for a striking combination. Just remember to test your chosen palette in your space before making a final decision. Observing how the colors interact with each other and the lighting can make a world of difference in your overall design.

Hampshire Gray is also a designer favorite, and for good reason. It works wonders in rental properties, too. If you’re looking to sell your home, its neutral yet sophisticated tone can appeal to potential buyers, allowing them to envision their own style within your walls.

As you consider Hampshire Gray, keep in mind that its balanced tones make it an excellent choice for any room. Whether you’re painting an entire space or creating an accent wall, it’s sure to impress. Its earthy, warm feel invites you in without overwhelming the senses, making it an ideal backdrop for everyday living.

Don’t forget about the importance of testing paint colors before committing. Grab a few sample pots and apply patches on your walls. Watch how Hampshire Gray changes throughout the day as the sunlight shifts. You might find that it brings out unexpected beauty in your existing decor or inspires entirely new ideas.

In the world of home decor, the right paint color can transform an ordinary room into an extraordinary one. Hampshire Gray is a thoughtful option that caters to both minimalists and those who appreciate a bit of character in their space. Its inviting nature and adaptability make it a timeless choice, ensuring it won’t feel dated as trends come and go.

So, if you’re ready to add a touch of tranquility and elegance to your home, Hampshire Gray might just be the perfect solution. Whether it’s for a cozy reading nook or an elegant dining room, this color promises to enhance the atmosphere of your space. It’s more than just a color; it’s a canvas for your life, inviting warmth, comfort, and style into your home.

Real Room Photo of Hampshire Gray HC-101

Undertones of  Hampshire Gray ?

The undertones of Hampshire Gray 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: #908972

RGB code: 144, 137, 114

Is  Hampshire Gray Cool or Warm?

Hampshire Gray strikes a perfect balance between warm and cool tones. Its warmth makes it inviting, while its cooler elements keep it from feeling heavy or dark. This makes it a versatile option for any room, regardless of the lighting conditions.

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 Hampshire Gray

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 Hampshire Gray

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Hampshire Gray is 25.45%, 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  Hampshire Gray

Hampshire Gray is a delightful choice for homeowners seeking a neutral yet sophisticated color. Its balanced undertones make it incredibly adaptable, seamlessly fitting into various decor styles from rustic to modern. The paint applies smoothly, offering a lovely matte finish that adds depth without overwhelming the senses. It works well in both bright and dimly lit environments, shifting its character slightly depending on natural light. This gray is especially appealing in larger spaces, where it can create a calming effect while still feeling warm and inviting. Whether you’re painting an accent wall or an entire room, Hampshire Gray is sure to impress with its transformative ability.

Pros & Cons of  HC-101 Hampshire Gray

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Hampshire Gray

FAQ on HC-101 Hampshire Gray

Can Hampshire Gray be used in small spaces?

Absolutely! Hampshire Gray can work beautifully in small spaces, especially if paired with plenty of natural light. Its balanced tones make it feel cozy without overwhelming the room. Just be mindful of the lighting; in dimmer areas, it might appear a bit darker than expected. If you’re looking to make a small room feel inviting, this color is a great choice!

What finishes are available for Hampshire Gray?

Hampshire Gray comes in several finishes, including Matte, Eggshell, and Satin. Each finish has its unique characteristics: Matte offers a soft, non-reflective surface, while Eggshell provides a slight sheen that’s easy to clean. Satin gives a more polished look, perfect for areas that might require more durability. Choose the finish that best suits your room’s function and style!

Comparisons Hampshire Gray with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Hampshire Gray HC-101