If you live in a cold climate like I do you’ll be spending a lot more time indoors over the next couple of months. While most of us just resign ourselves to catching up on all the tv we’ve missed in the warmer months it’s not the only option.
It’s a good time to tackle those decorating projects you’ve been putting off, including painting. If that’s sounding like you but you’re hesitant because you feel you can’t pick the right colour I may have the answer for you. This month’s colour review is a beautiful taupe colour that will work in many different spaces.
Quick Facts About Muddy York:
- Benjamin Moore Muddy York CC-392
- Medium taupe with mauve undertones
- Works best on
- Pairs well with warm cream and deep colours like navy and chocolate brown
Why I Love This Colour
I’m a big fan of taupe because it can act as a neutral backdrop and allow you to be bold or soft with the rest of the decorating. You can change the entire mood of a room using Muddy York because it pairs so well with cream but also with deep, saturated colours.
Is There An Undertone?
There is a definite mauve or purple undertone with Muddy York but don’t panic. Undertones are present in all colours so you can’t avoid it but it’s not something to be feared. The undertone is not always present but is affected by lighting conditions and the room’s orientation.
This is a great paint colour to use with any exposure because the warmth of the colour can work even in a cooler northern exposure. Generally I try to avoid using cool colours with a northern exposure as it can leave your room feeling too cold.
Will Muddy York Work In Your Home?
Always begin selecting a paint colour by reviewing the fixed elements of the room you’re painting. This refers to anything immovable in your space like flooring, tiles, countertops and architectural features like fireplaces.
You want to be sure that the paint colour works with those features that won’t be replaced. By comparing your Muddy York sample to the room’s fixed materials you’ll instantly see whether it works or not. It’s not important whether you can explain why a colour works or doesn’t. It only matters that you can see whether they work well together.
Why I Love Using Muddy York
Neutrals are very popular right now and topping the list of favourites is any cream, sand or taupe colour. These warmer colours have replaced the decade of white walls as we move towards more colour in our homes.
I love all neutrals but I particularly love a taupe paint because it has a lot of depth while still being a soft neutral colour. Muddy York is a very beautiful colour that I think works well in a single room or throughout an entire floor of your home.
The warmth that the violet undertone brings will make it feel cozy and it’s a perfect colour to be used everywhere including living rooms, bedrooms and even in a basement.
Trim Colours to Use With Muddy York
This colour plays well with others so it’s easy to find a trim colour to use. I prefer to use a white with a cream undertone to match the warmth of Muddy York. I love the combination of warm with warm when selecting paint pairings.
Having said that, if you prefer a cool white this will work as well but the white trim will stand out more and create a bit more contrast between walls and trim.
1/ Cloud White CC-40
If you’re looking for a warm white, look no further than the OG of white paint. This may appear on the chip to be a cream but it is in fact a white. It’s really warm but without any yellow undertones.
This is a colour, like Muddy York, that works well regardless of the orientation of your room but can help to warm up the cooler light of a northern facing space.
2/ Chantilly Lace OC-65
This beautiful white pairs well with both warm and cool colours which is what makes it so incredibly popular. While all white has an undertone we all love this colour because it reads like a neutral without any undertone whatsoever.
One of my favourite aspects of this colour is that it will change with the room’s orientation. It might feel a bit cooler with a tiny hint of gray in a northern facing room and will appear to be a pure white in a southern facing room.
Regardless of the orientation it will pair perfectly with Muddy York. If you’re painting your kitchen walls Muddy York and need a complementary colour for your cabinets I would definitely suggest giving this colour a try.
3/ Simply White OC-117
This is a very popular trim colour because of how warm it is so yes, it’s going to pair well with the warmth of Muddy York.
This colour has a slight hint of a yellow undertone but will only appear when it’s used in a very sunny spot so consider that when making your trim selection.
Best Paint Colours to Pair with Muddy York
1/ Mississippi Mud 2114-20
Like I mentioned earlier, Muddy York works really well with deeply saturated colours and I think chocolate is the perfect pairing for a bold impact.
2/ Steel Wool 2121-20
If you are working with gray furniture you may want to consider this pairing. I love to use a blue gray when there’s gray furniture to make it feel more current. This colour pairs so well with the warmth of the taupe and the violet undertones.
3/ Swiss Coffee OC-45
If you’re looking for a paint colour that will work with Muddy York but not add another “colour” this is what you’re looking for. The creaminess of this colour will let Muddy York be the star but will add a complementary colour to the equation.
My Final Word on Muddy York
I’m excited by this colour and hope to see a lot of it this year. I love that it’s a neutral but feels more like a colour. It’s a perfect transition colour for anyone who’s been loving the gray trend over the last decade. It will introduce colour into your space without going too bold and is the perfect gateway colour back into the land of colour.
If you still feel confused and overwhelmed by selecting your own colour you can reach out to me. I can help you find the perfect colour for your home.
If you know your design style but you struggle with which paint to use, take a look at my Made-For-You paint palettes. They take the guesswork out and give you the confidence to get started.
