Cushing Green HC-125 by Benjamin Moore

If you’re searching for a paint color that effortlessly blends sophistication with a touch of nature’s calm, Benjamin Moore’s Cushing Green (HC-125) might just be your perfect match. This muted, earthy green has a way of grounding a space while still feeling fresh and inviting. Whether you’re refreshing a living room, creating a serene bedroom retreat, or designing a home office that inspires focus, Cushing Green brings a balanced, timeless elegance to any room.

One of the first things you’ll notice about Cushing Green is its versatility. It’s a medium-dark shade with an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 17.98%, meaning it absorbs more light than it reflects, creating a cozy, intimate atmosphere. In natural daylight, it appears soft and muted, almost like the quiet green of moss-covered stones. Under artificial lighting, it deepens slightly, revealing richer, earthier undertones that add warmth to your space. This subtle shift makes it a dynamic choice—never flat, always interesting.

What really sets Cushing Green apart is its ability to work across different design styles. If you love modern farmhouse aesthetics, it pairs beautifully with crisp white trim and natural wood accents. For a more traditional or transitional look, try it alongside creamy off-whites or warm neutrals. Even in rustic spaces, it feels right at home, especially when layered with textured fabrics like linen or wool. And if you’re going for a contemporary vibe, it makes a striking statement when used on an accent wall or even painted onto furniture for a bold touch.

Application is a breeze, which is great news if you’re a DIY enthusiast. The coverage is excellent—you’ll likely only need one or two coats—and it’s touch-up friendly, so small fixes won’t leave obvious marks. It’s also beginner-friendly, rolling on smoothly without streaks or uneven patches. Choose between matte for a velvety, understated finish or eggshell if you prefer a subtle sheen that enhances the color’s depth. Both finishes are washable, making it practical for high-traffic areas like living rooms or dining spaces.

Now, let’s talk about pairing. Cushing Green has a cool undertone, so it plays nicely with other muted, earthy hues. For trim, Benjamin Moore’s White Dove is a classic choice—clean without being stark, letting the green take center stage. If you want to add contrast, consider deep charcoal or warm taupe accents. Complimentary shades like soft purples (think lavender or mauve) can add a subtle pop, while creamy yellows or muted golds bring warmth. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing it with rich, moody blues for a sophisticated, nature-inspired palette.

Small rooms can handle Cushing Green, too, but there’s a trick to keeping the space feeling open. If the room lacks natural light, consider using it on just one wall or balancing it with plenty of light-colored furnishings and decor. Mirrors and metallic accents can also help bounce light around, preventing the space from feeling too enclosed. In larger, open-concept areas, it shines, creating a seamless flow between rooms while adding depth and character.

A few things to keep in mind: Because it’s a darker shade, test it in your space before committing. Paint a large swatch and observe it at different times of day to see how the light affects it. And while it’s a forgiving color, pairing it with the right trim is key—opt for soft whites or cool neutrals to avoid clashing undertones.

Ultimately, Cushing Green is more than just paint—it’s a mood. It evokes calm, invites relaxation, and connects your home to the natural world in the most effortless way. Whether you’re going for a full-room transformation or just a subtle refresh, this color has the depth and flexibility to make your vision come to life. So grab a sample, imagine the possibilities, and get ready to fall in love with your space all over again.

Real Room Photo of Cushing Green HC-125

Undertones of  Cushing Green ?

The undertones of Cushing Green are a key aspect of its character, leaning towards Green. 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: #687666

RGB code: 104, 118, 102

Is  Cushing Green Cool or Warm?

Cushing Green leans more towards the cool side of the spectrum, offering a refreshing touch that can balance warmer hues in your decor.

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 Cushing 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 Cushing Green

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Cushing Green is 17.98%, which places it in the Medium Dark category. This means it reflects very little 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  Cushing Green

Cushing Green is a versatile choice that beautifully fits various design aesthetics, whether you’re aiming for a fresh, modern look or a cozy, rustic vibe. The color can shift subtly in different lighting, appearing softer in natural light and deeper in the evening, which adds depth to your decor. It’s particularly stunning when used in open spaces, where its calming effect can be fully appreciated. The finish options available, including matte and eggshell, allow you to customize the look to your liking, whether you prefer a flat finish or something with a little sheen. Overall, Cushing Green is not just a color; it’s an experience that enhances your environment, making it feel more inviting and serene.

Pros & Cons of  HC-125 Cushing Green

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Cushing Green

FAQ on HC-125 Cushing Green

Can Cushing Green be used in small rooms?

Absolutely! While Cushing Green is a medium shade that can darken smaller spaces, it can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. To keep it feeling open, consider pairing it with lighter accents or using it as an accent wall to add depth without overwhelming the room.

What finishes work best with Cushing Green?

Cushing Green pairs well with various finishes, but matte and eggshell are particularly popular choices. Matte provides a soft, elegant look, while eggshell offers a subtle sheen that enhances its earthy tones. Depending on your decor style, you can mix and match finishes for a unique look.

Comparisons Cushing Green with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Cushing Green HC-125