Somerville Red HC-62 by Benjamin Moore

If you’re searching for a paint color that brings warmth, sophistication, and a touch of timeless elegance to your home, let me introduce you to Benjamin Moore’s Somerville Red (HC-62). This isn’t your typical bold, in-your-face red—it’s a muted, earthy shade with just enough depth to make a statement without overwhelming a space. Whether you’re painting an accent wall, refreshing your living room, or giving your bedroom a cozy makeover, Somerville Red has the versatility to work beautifully in a variety of settings.

One of the first things you’ll notice about Somerville Red is its rich, warm undertones. It leans into its red base but carries a subtle earthiness that keeps it from feeling too vibrant or loud. This makes it an excellent choice for creating an inviting atmosphere, especially in rooms where you want to encourage relaxation and connection. Think of it as the color equivalent of a warm hug—comforting, sophisticated, and effortlessly stylish.

Because it has a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 19.43%, Somerville Red falls into the medium-dark category, meaning it absorbs more light than it reflects. This gives it a cozy, intimate feel, perfect for spaces where you want to dial down the brightness and create a snug environment. That said, it’s not so dark that it will make a room feel cave-like. Pair it with plenty of natural light or well-placed artificial lighting, and you’ll find it strikes the perfect balance between warmth and depth.

When it comes to application, this color is a dream to work with. It offers excellent coverage—often needing just one or two coats—and it’s beginner-friendly, whether you’re rolling it on or brushing it in. The finish options (eggshell, satin, or semi-gloss) give you flexibility depending on the look and durability you’re after. Eggshell is great for walls where you want a soft sheen, while satin and semi-gloss are ideal for areas that need a bit more wipeability, like dining rooms or home offices. Plus, it’s low-VOC, odor-free, and eco-certified, so you can breathe easy knowing you’re making a healthier choice for your home.

Now, let’s talk about where this color shines. Somerville Red is a natural fit for living rooms, bedrooms, and dining rooms—spaces where you want to cultivate warmth and sophistication. In a living room, it creates an inviting backdrop for gatherings, especially when paired with neutral furniture and warm wood tones. In a bedroom, it adds a sense of intimacy and relaxation, making it feel like a true retreat. And in a dining room? It sets the stage for memorable meals, especially when complemented by brass fixtures or a statement chandelier.

If you’re worried about it feeling too heavy in a smaller space, don’t be. While it’s true that darker colors can make a room feel cozier (and sometimes smaller), Somerville Red’s muted quality keeps it from being overwhelming. To keep things balanced, pair it with light-colored trim, plenty of mirrors, and strategic lighting. You can also use it on an accent wall to add depth without committing to the full room.

Decor styles are another area where Somerville Red excels. It’s incredibly versatile, working just as well in a traditional setting with antique wood furniture as it does in a modern farmhouse with sleek lines and industrial accents. For a rustic look, pair it with natural textures like jute rugs and reclaimed wood. For something more contemporary, let it play against crisp white walls and minimalist decor. The key is in the undertones—its earthy warmth makes it adaptable to almost any style.

Lighting plays a huge role in how this color shows up in your space. In natural light, its richness comes through beautifully, while warm artificial lighting enhances its cozy vibe. Cooler lighting, on the other hand, will bring out its more subdued, earthy side. That’s why it’s always a good idea to test a swatch in your room at different times of day before committing.

As for pairings, Somerville Red loves company. Its complementary hue is green, so think about incorporating plants or olive-toned accents to create a harmonious contrast. Warm metals like brass and gold add a touch of luxury, while creamy whites and soft beiges keep things balanced. If you’re feeling bold, deep navy or charcoal can create a striking, moody contrast.

At the end of the day, Somerville Red is more than just a paint color—it’s a mood. It’s the feeling of sinking into a plush armchair with a good book, the glow of candlelight at a dinner party, the quiet elegance of a well-designed space. If you’re looking for a color that brings warmth, sophistication, and versatility to your home, this might just be the one. Test it out, play with pairings, and see how it transforms your space. You might be surprised at how much you fall in love with it.

Real Room Photo of Somerville Red HC-62

Undertones of  Somerville Red ?

The undertones of Somerville Red 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: #9A6D6B

RGB code: 154, 109, 107

Is  Somerville Red Cool or Warm?

Somerville Red is a warm color, which means it naturally invites coziness and a sense of comfort into a space. Warm colors like this are great for creating environments that feel welcoming and snug. The warmth in Somerville Red is subtle yet effective, making it suitable for rooms where you want to encourage relaxation and conversation. Its warmth also means it pairs well with other warm tones, like beiges and browns, creating a harmonious and balanced palette. If you’re looking to add energy and vibrancy to a space, Somerville Red will do so without overwhelming the senses.

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 Somerville Red

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 Somerville Red

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Somerville Red is 19.43%, 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  Somerville Red

Somerville Red is a delightful shade that brings warmth and depth to any space. Its rich, muted red tones are perfect for homeowners looking to add a touch of sophistication and coziness to their interiors. The color works wonderfully in living rooms and dining areas, where it can enhance the overall ambiance and make the space feel more inviting. It pairs beautifully with neutral decor, adding a pop of color without overwhelming the senses. The paint’s coverage is excellent, often requiring only one to two coats, which makes application straightforward and efficient. Its versatility is a definite plus, as it complements both modern and traditional decor styles effortlessly.

Pros & Cons of  HC-62 Somerville Red

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Somerville Red

FAQ on HC-62 Somerville Red

Is Somerville Red suitable for small spaces?

Somerville Red can be used in small spaces, but it’s essential to consider lighting and room size. In smaller rooms, the rich tones of this color can make the space feel more intimate and cozy, which is excellent for rooms like reading nooks or small dining areas. However, it can also make a room feel smaller if not balanced with lighter colors or adequate lighting. To make the most of Somerville Red in a small space, pair it with light-colored trim and furnishings to open up the space visually. Additionally, using mirrors or strategic lighting can help enhance the room’s perceived size.

What decor styles work best with Somerville Red?

Somerville Red is a versatile color that can complement various decor styles, from traditional to modern and rustic to industrial. In traditional settings, it adds a touch of elegance and warmth, pairing beautifully with classic wooden furniture and gold or brass accents. For a modern look, Somerville Red works well with sleek lines and contemporary furnishings, adding a pop of color without overwhelming the minimalist aesthetic. In rustic and industrial spaces, its earthy undertones enhance natural materials like wood and metal, creating a harmonious and grounded environment. This adaptability makes it a popular choice for homeowners looking to incorporate a sophisticated red into their decor.

Comparisons Somerville Red with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Somerville Red HC-62