Calico SW 0017 by Sherwin Williams

Imagine stepping into a space that instantly makes you feel calm, like a gentle breeze rustling through a serene garden. That’s the magic of Calico, Sherwin Williams’ soft, muted green with a hint of gray. This color isn’t just paint on a wall; it’s an invitation to create an atmosphere that wraps you in tranquility.

Calico (SW 0017) is a delightful choice for anyone looking to elevate their home decor with a touch of nature-inspired elegance. With its medium brightness and subtle earthy tones, Calico strikes the perfect balance, making it suitable for various rooms and styles. Whether you’re rethinking your living room, dreaming of a peaceful bedroom retreat, or designing a cozy nursery, Calico has you covered.

One of the standout features of Calico is its adaptability. This green hue masters the art of transformation in different lighting conditions. In bright daylight, it reveals its fresh and airy qualities, while in the evening, it takes on a more intimate, enveloping feel. This means you can confidently apply it in spaces that require versatility, adapting to the time of day and mood.

When considering how to incorporate Calico into your home, think about the types of rooms that benefit from a soothing palette. It’s perfect for living rooms, where you want to create a welcoming atmosphere for family and friends. In a bedroom, Calico fosters a restful environment, ideal for winding down after a long day. Even in a home office, this color encourages focus and creativity, making tasks feel a little less daunting.

Let’s talk about decor styles. Calico plays well with a variety of aesthetics. It shines in modern farmhouse designs, bringing a touch of rustic charm while maintaining sophistication. If you lean toward coastal decor, this gentle green can evoke images of seafoam and dune grass, creating a breezy vibe. For those embracing Scandinavian simplicity, Calico complements minimalist designs beautifully, offering warmth without overwhelming the senses. Transitional spaces can also benefit from this versatile hue, seamlessly bridging classic and contemporary elements.

Now, about the application process. If you’re a DIY enthusiast or just starting with home projects, you’ll be pleased to know that Calico is beginner-friendly. It applies smoothly whether you’re using a roller or a brush, making the painting process enjoyable rather than daunting. Coverage is good, often requiring just one to two coats, but keep in mind that it might appear darker in low-light areas. So, it’s wise to test it out in your specific space before fully committing.

Let’s not overlook the practical aspects. Calico is highly washable, which is a huge plus for high-traffic areas, though it’s better suited for spaces like bedrooms or offices. If you’re painting a nursery, the low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) level ensures that it’s a safe choice for your little one. This makes Calico an excellent option for parents who want to create a beautiful yet healthy environment for their child.

When it comes to pairing Calico with other colors, the possibilities are endless. If you want a crisp contrast, consider pairing it with whites like White Dove, which provides a fresh outline that highlights Calico’s softness. For those who appreciate metallic accents, brass fixtures can create a stunning visual interplay, enhancing the warmth of the green without clashing.

To further expand your palette, you can look at complementary shades that harmonize well with Calico. Colors like SW 6826, SW 6016, and SW 9076 create a cohesive look, perfect for accent walls or furnishings. You could even layer different green hues for a monochromatic scheme that adds depth and interest to your decor.

As with any paint color, understanding its undertones is crucial. Calico has a green undertone, which is essential in determining how it will interact with your existing decor. Take the time to test it in your space, observing it against furniture and flooring throughout the day. This will help you see how the color breathes and changes, allowing you to make informed decisions.

While Calico is undoubtedly stunning, it’s important to recognize its limitations. It’s best in lower-traffic areas to maintain its beauty over time. For high-traffic spaces like hallways or busy living rooms, consider a more durable finish to keep it looking fresh.

In terms of mood, Calico is all about calm, inviting you to relax and unwind. Its earthy tone creates a restful atmosphere that’s perfect for those moments when you just want to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Finally, let’s talk about the finishing touches. Choosing the right finish can enhance Calico’s appeal. Whether you prefer a matte, eggshell, or satin finish, each offers a different aesthetic. Matte finishes provide a soft, velvety touch, while satin adds a subtle sheen that can brighten up a room. Think about the look you want to achieve and how it fits with your overall design vision.

In conclusion, Calico is more than just a paint color; it’s a versatile, calming choice that enhances the beauty of your home while promoting a peaceful ambiance. Its ability to adapt to various lighting conditions and decor styles makes it a designer favorite. So, if you’re ready to transform your space into a serene oasis, consider Calico as your go-to color. With its inviting qualities and practical benefits, you’ll find it’s the perfect backdrop for creating a home that feels as good as it looks.

Real Room Photo of Calico SW 0017

Undertones of  Calico ?

The undertones of Calico 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: #8CA49C

RGB code: 140, 164, 156

Is  Calico Cool or Warm?

With its cool undertones, Calico leans more toward the serene side of the color spectrum. It’s perfect for creating a calm environment, making it a great choice for spaces where relaxation is key.

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 Calico

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 Calico

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Calico is 12%, which places it in the Dark colors category. This means it does not reflect 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  Calico

Calico is an enchanting hue that effortlessly combines tranquility and sophistication. The muted green tone is not only versatile but also soothing, making it ideal for spaces meant for relaxation and creativity. Whether you’re painting a nursery or a cozy reading nook, Calico invites a sense of calm that’s hard to resist. Its adaptability shines through in various lighting conditions, transforming from a gentle earthy green to a more pronounced shade as daylight shifts. Additionally, its finish options—whether you prefer a matte look or a satin sheen—allow for customization based on your aesthetic preferences. Overall, Calico stands out as a paint color that enhances the beauty of your home while promoting a peaceful ambiance.

Pros & Cons of  SW 0017 Calico

Colors that go with Sherwin Williams Calico

FAQ on SW 0017 Calico

Is Calico suitable for high-traffic areas?

While Calico is a beautiful choice, it’s best used in lower-traffic areas like bedrooms or home offices. For high-traffic spaces like hallways or living rooms, consider a more durable finish and ensure proper maintenance to keep it looking fresh.

Can I use Calico in a small room?

Absolutely! Calico can help create a cozy feeling in smaller rooms. Its muted tones add depth without overwhelming the space. Just ensure you have enough natural light to avoid it feeling too dark.

Comparisons Calico with other colors

Official Page of Sherwin Williams Calico SW 0017