Guilford Green HC-116 by Benjamin Moore

Have you ever stepped into a room and instantly felt at peace? That’s the magic of color in home design, and today, I’m excited to dive into one that really embodies tranquility—Guilford Green by Benjamin Moore. This soft, muted green is more than just a color; it’s a feeling, an atmosphere, and a versatile choice for various spaces in your home.

Imagine your living room or bedroom bathed in a gentle hue that whispers warmth and calmness while still feeling fresh and inviting. Guilford Green does exactly that, allowing you to create a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Its subtle warmth makes it a versatile choice for any decor style, from modern farmhouse to contemporary chic.

With a color code of HC-116, Guilford Green sits comfortably within the green family, but it’s its unique undertones that make it so special. It leans slightly towards yellow, providing that extra layer of warmth that can be the difference between feeling cold and stark or warm and inviting. When you paint with this shade, you’re not just choosing a paint color; you’re creating an experience.

One of the things I love about Guilford Green is its adaptability. Whether you’re looking to refresh your dining room or create a peaceful home office, this color serves as a perfect backdrop. Its soft tone works beautifully in natural light, softening the overall ambiance and making spaces feel more inviting. I often recommend it for open-concept areas, where it encourages a sense of flow, tying different spaces together while still allowing each to maintain its unique character.

Let’s talk about how it interacts with light. With a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 57.22%, Guilford Green reflects most of the incident light, making it an excellent choice for both bright and dimly lit rooms. In well-lit spaces, it creates that airy, open feel that many of us crave. However, in darker areas, it may appear a bit heavier. This is where careful consideration comes into play—think about your room’s lighting and how it will influence the color’s appearance throughout the day.

Applying Guilford Green is a breeze, which makes it a favorite among DIY enthusiasts. It’s beginner-friendly and works beautifully whether you’re using a brush or a roller. You’ll be pleased to know it has a good coverage rate, typically requiring only one to two coats, and is touch-up friendly, so any mistakes can be easily fixed. Plus, with its low VOC formula, you can breathe easy knowing you’re making a healthier choice for your home.

As for finishes, you have plenty of options. A matte finish lends a soft, understated elegance, while eggshell or satin can add a sophisticated sheen, perfect for spaces like kitchens or bathrooms where a bit of durability is necessary. I often suggest satin for kitchen cabinets, as it strikes a lovely balance between ease of cleaning and visual appeal. The soft green will bring a refreshing touch to your cooking space, inviting warmth and comfort during family meals.

Let’s not forget about color pairing. Guilford Green shines on its own, but it also plays well with others. It beautifully complements whites, especially Benjamin Moore’s White Dove, creating a fresh contrast that feels timeless. If you’re looking to add a touch of warmth, brass fixtures can be a perfect match. They bring out the yellow undertones in Guilford Green, enhancing its inviting nature. And if you’re feeling a bit adventurous, consider using it as an accent color alongside deeper blues or warm neutrals for a more layered, sophisticated look.

Now, you might be wondering how Guilford Green would fare in smaller spaces. The answer? Perfectly! This color can actually make small areas feel expansive thanks to its light-reflective qualities. It maintains an airy feel while adding warmth, making it ideal for cozy nooks or even nurseries. Just remember that in lower light settings, it can feel a bit heavier, so consider pairing it with lighter accents to keep the space feeling open.

When you’re selecting paint, it’s always crucial to observe how it interacts with your existing furnishings and decor. I recommend getting samples and testing them in your home first. Observe how the color changes with the light throughout the day and how it complements your furniture, flooring, and decor styles. You’ll find that the undertones come alive in different lighting, revealing the depth and character of the color.

For those of you who appreciate a classic yet modern vibe, Guilford Green is an ideal choice. It works beautifully in traditional settings, offering a familiar comfort, while its soft, muted quality aligns well with contemporary tastes. Whether you’re going for a calming bedroom sanctuary, a cozy living area, or a productive home office, this color can help you achieve the mood you desire.

Let’s also touch on the practicality of this paint. Guilford Green is not just about aesthetics; it’s designed to perform. It’s washability makes it easy to wipe off fingerprints or smudges, especially if you choose a glossy finish for trim or cabinetry. And with its low odor profile, you can repaint your home without worrying about overwhelming scents lingering in the air.

In conclusion, Guilford Green by Benjamin Moore is a wonderful choice for anyone looking to create a serene, inviting space. Its warm, muted tone complements various styles and lighting conditions while offering ease of application and maintenance. Whether you use it for an entire room or as an accent, this color has a timeless quality that will make your home feel welcoming and grounded. So, if you’re ready to transform your space into a cozy oasis, consider bringing Guilford Green into your home. You won’t regret it.

Real Room Photo of Guilford Green HC-116

Undertones of  Guilford Green ?

The undertones of Guilford Green 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: #CBCDAE

RGB code: 203, 205, 174

Is  Guilford Green Cool or Warm?

This paint leans slightly warm, offering a welcoming vibe that can make a room feel cozy and inviting. It’s not overly saturated, which helps maintain a balanced atmosphere without feeling too heavy or dark.

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 Guilford Green

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 Guilford Green

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Guilford Green is 57.22%, which places it in the Light colors category. This means it reflect most of the incident 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  Guilford Green

Guilford Green stands out for its ability to transform any space into a serene oasis. Whether you’re looking to refresh a bedroom or create a peaceful home office, this color provides a perfect backdrop that doesn’t overwhelm the senses. The muted tone works beautifully in natural light, softening the overall ambiance and making rooms feel more inviting. It’s also a fantastic choice for open-concept spaces, as it encourages a sense of flow and continuity throughout your home. The finish options available help you customize the look to suit your personal style, whether you prefer a matte for a more understated vibe or a satin for a touch of elegance.

Pros & Cons of  HC-116 Guilford Green

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Guilford Green

FAQ on HC-116 Guilford Green

Is Guilford Green suitable for small spaces?

Absolutely! Guilford Green can actually make small spaces feel more expansive, thanks to its light-reflective qualities. When used in smaller rooms, it maintains an airy feel while adding warmth. Just be mindful of the lighting; in darker areas, it may feel a bit heavier, so consider pairing it with lighter accents.

What type of finish works best for kitchen cabinets?

For kitchen cabinets, a satin or eggshell finish is ideal with Guilford Green. These finishes provide a nice balance of durability and sheen, making them easier to clean while still looking sophisticated. Plus, the soft green will add a refreshing touch to your kitchen space, creating a welcoming atmosphere for family and guests.

Comparisons Guilford Green with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Guilford Green HC-116