Powell Buff HC-35 by Benjamin Moore

Ever walked into a room and immediately felt at ease? That’s the magic of the right paint color—it doesn’t just cover walls; it sets the tone for how you live in a space. Today, let’s talk about Benjamin Moore’s Powell Buff (HC-35), a shade that’s been quietly winning over homeowners and designers alike. It’s not just another beige. It’s a warm, inviting hug for your walls, with just enough depth to keep things interesting.

Powell Buff is a soft, light yellow with an LRV of 59.43%, meaning it reflects plenty of light without feeling stark. That makes it perfect for rooms where you want brightness but also warmth. The undertones lean red, giving it a cozy, earthy vibe that’s far from sterile. Imagine sunlight streaming through your windows, bouncing off walls that glow like a cup of chai—comforting, familiar, and effortlessly stylish.

Where does this color shine? Pretty much everywhere. Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens—it’s a chameleon. In a modern farmhouse setting, it pairs beautifully with crisp white trim (try White Dove for a seamless look) and rustic wood accents. For a coastal vibe, layer it with breezy blues and woven textures. Even in a traditional space, Powell Buff holds its own, adding warmth without overpowering ornate details. And if you’re working with an open-concept layout, this color’s versatility helps tie different areas together cohesively.

One of the best things about Powell Buff is how it plays with light. North-facing room? It’ll warm up the space. South-facing? It’ll keep things bright but balanced. In the evening under artificial light, it softens into a richer, almost honeyed tone. That adaptability makes it a safe bet if you’re not sure how a color will behave in your home. Just remember: always test a swatch on your walls. Paint a large poster board and move it around the room at different times of day. You’ll see how those red undertones come alive or recede depending on the light.

Now, let’s talk application. Powell Buff is beginner-friendly—it covers well in one to two coats, and touch-ups are a breeze. The finish options (matte, eggshell, satin) give you flexibility. Eggshell is my go-to for most walls; it’s durable enough for high-traffic areas but still has a soft sheen. Satin works wonders on trim or furniture if you’re going for a unified look. And because it’s low-VOC, you won’t have to vacate your home for days while it dries.

Is it perfect? Well, no color is. If you love bold, dramatic spaces, Powell Buff might feel too subtle. And in very small rooms, that warmth could make the space feel tighter (though pairing it with light-colored furniture and mirrors can offset that). But for most homes, it’s a workhorse—neutral enough to live with long-term, but with enough personality to keep things interesting.

Pairing it with other colors is where the fun begins. Those red undertones mean it plays nicely with blues (think navy throw pillows or a slate-blue sofa). For a monochromatic look, layer it with deeper taupes or caramel tones. And don’t shy away from metallics—brass fixtures or gold accents add a touch of luxury that feels just right against this backdrop.

So, is Powell Buff right for you? If you’re after a color that feels timeless but not boring, warm but not yellow, and versatile enough to adapt to your changing style—yes, absolutely. It’s the kind of shade you won’t tire of, the quiet hero that makes everything else in your home look better. Grab a sample, paint a test spot, and see how it makes you feel. Sometimes, the best design choices are the ones that whisper rather than shout.

Real Room Photo of Powell Buff HC-35

Undertones of  Powell Buff ?

The undertones of Powell Buff are a key aspect of its character, leaning towards Red. 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: #DECCA7

RGB code: 222, 204, 167

Is  Powell Buff Cool or Warm?

This color leans warm, which contributes to its cozy and welcoming feel. The warmth of Powell Buff makes it particularly effective in creating a serene atmosphere in any room.

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 Powell Buff

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 Powell Buff

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Powell Buff is 59.43%, 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  Powell Buff

When it comes to choosing a paint color, Powell Buff stands out as a versatile and warm option that can transform any room. Its soft beige hue adds a touch of elegance and coziness, making it ideal for spaces where you want to create a welcoming environment. Whether you’re using it in a living room or a bedroom, this shade beautifully interacts with natural light, enhancing the overall ambiance. The finish options of matte, eggshell, and satin provide flexibility based on your personal preference and the desired effect. It’s also a great choice if you’re looking to pair it with darker furniture or vibrant accents, as it creates a perfect balance without overpowering other elements in the room.

Pros & Cons of  HC-35 Powell Buff

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Powell Buff

FAQ on HC-35 Powell Buff

What surfaces can I use Powell Buff on?

Powell Buff is highly versatile and can be applied to a variety of surfaces including drywall, wood, and even previously painted surfaces. Just ensure that the surface is clean and properly prepared for the best results. It works really well on interior walls and trim, and can also be used for furniture if you’re looking to create a cohesive look throughout your home.

How does Powell Buff compare to other neutral colors?

Compared to other neutral colors, Powell Buff offers a warm glow that feels inviting and cozy. While grays and cool-toned neutrals can sometimes feel stark or cold, Powell Buff strikes a balance by adding warmth without being overwhelming. This makes it an excellent choice for creating a welcoming atmosphere, especially in spaces where you entertain or relax.

Comparisons Powell Buff with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Powell Buff HC-35