If you’re seeking a neutral color that evokes a sense of calm, warmth, and subtle sophistication, I’m excited to share my experience with Hemp (CC-578) by Benjamin Moore.
This warm, earthy beige has quickly become one of my go-to colors, offering a perfect balance between elegance and coziness.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- What Hemp color looks like in real homes
- Which rooms work best with this color
- Colors that pair perfectly with it
- How to test it properly before buying
- My tips for making this warm, neutral color work in your space
Having used Hemp in various rooms under different light conditions, I can confidently share what works and what doesn’t. Let’s look into the world of Hemp and see if it’s the right choice for your home.
What Kind of Color Is Hemp?
Hemp (CC-578) is a soft, warm beige with subtle yellow and green undertones, giving it a grounded, natural feel. It’s a rich yet understated neutral that offers a sense of tranquility, like the quiet calm of nature.
This color evokes the warmth of natural fibers and is perfect for creating a space that feels both relaxed and refined.
Throughout the day, Hemp’s appearance shifts slightly based on the lighting in your room. In natural light, it appears as a soft, golden beige, but under artificial light, it takes on a slightly warmer tone.
With an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 58.52, it’s a medium-light color that reflects a good amount of light, making it versatile for various spaces.
What stands out about Hemp is its adaptability. It blends well with a variety of styles, adding warmth and sophistication without feeling too bold or overwhelming.
This color offers a timeless look that can complement both modern and traditional interiors.
What Rooms Work Best with Hemp?
Based on my experience, here are the spaces where Hemp truly shines: from cozy living rooms to calm bedrooms, this warm beige enhances any setting with its natural beauty.
Living Rooms
Hemp creates an inviting, comfortable backdrop in living rooms, giving the space a natural and grounded feel. It pairs beautifully with neutral furniture and soft lighting, creating a cozy yet stylish atmosphere.
In my living room, the Hemp walls create a serene atmosphere that complements my light wood furniture and muted-colored accents. This color is perfect for creating a welcoming space where you can unwind with family and friends.
Bedrooms
For bedrooms, Hemp is an ideal choice. The warm undertones create a calm and relaxing atmosphere, making it perfect for unwinding at the end of the day.
When I painted my bedroom in Hemp, it instantly became a peaceful retreat. It pairs wonderfully with soft whites, sage greens, or muted blues, creating a soothing and restful vibe that promotes relaxation.
Bathrooms
Hemp’s warm, neutral tones also work wonderfully in bathrooms, creating a spa-like environment. The earthy feel adds a touch of luxury while maintaining a soft, calming presence.
In my guest bathroom, Hemp walls are paired with marble accents and soft gold fixtures, giving the room a serene, high-end look. It’s an excellent choice for anyone who wants a bathroom that feels both luxurious and relaxing.
Home Offices
For home offices, Hemp adds warmth and professionalism to the space, helping create an environment conducive to focus and productivity. It’s a neutral shade that won’t overwhelm the room, while still providing depth and character.
In my home office, Hemp creates a soothing backdrop that doesn’t distract from my work. It pairs beautifully with natural wood furniture, adding a touch of warmth and sophistication to the space.
Kitchens
Hemp can be used in kitchens for a soft, natural touch. It’s perfect for both walls and cabinetry, offering a light and airy feel without being too stark.
I helped a friend repaint her kitchen island in Hemp, and the result was stunning. The warm beige paired beautifully with white cabinetry and natural wood accents, creating a timeless, inviting kitchen that feels both fresh and cozy.
What Colors Go Well with Hemp?
- White: Crisp, clean contrast that enhances Hemp’s warmth.
- Soft Grays: Adds a cool, modern touch that balances the warmth of Hemp.
- Muted Greens: Complements the natural undertones of Hemp for a peaceful, earthy look.
- Deep Browns: Rich, dark tones add sophistication and depth when paired with Hemp.
- Light Wood Tones: Natural wood elements enhance Hemp’s earthy appeal, creating a harmonious look.
For example, in my living room, I paired Hemp walls with white trim and dark wood furniture. The combination of warm and cool tones creates a balanced, inviting atmosphere that feels both elegant and relaxed.
What Style Works Well with This Color?
Hemp is incredibly versatile and can be incorporated into a wide range of design styles. In modern homes, it provides a soft, neutral backdrop that complements minimalist furniture and clean lines.
For more traditional spaces, Hemp and a classic, natural look that enhances both vintage and contemporary pieces.
I’ve used Hemp in both modern and traditional settings, and it always creates a warm, inviting vibe.
Whether you’re designing a sleek, contemporary living room or a cozy, classic family space, Hemp brings a sense of timeless elegance to the room.
Color Characteristics of Hemp Paint Color
Hemp is a versatile, earthy paint color that brings warmth and an organic feel to interiors.
Its balanced undertones and moderate light reflectance make it suitable for various lighting conditions and seasons, making it a popular choice for both modern and rustic design styles.
| Characteristic | Hemp | What This Means For Your Space |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | Warm | Adds coziness and natural warmth to any room. |
| Undertones | Yellow/Green | Offers a grounded, organic feel that connects your space to nature. |
| Light Reflectance Value | 58.52 | Reflects light well, brightening up the space without being too stark or cold. |
| Seasonal Feel | Year-round | Works well in all seasons—adds warmth in winter and a breezy, light quality in summer. |
| North vs. South Rooms | Adaptable | Performs well in both cool northern light and bright southern exposure, maintaining its warmth. |
How to Test This Color in Your Space?
- Buy a sample: Purchase a small container of Hemp.
- Paint a board: Use a 2×2-foot piece of white poster board to test the color.
- Move it around: Test the color in different locations at different times of the day.
- Live with it for 3 days: Let it settle before deciding if it’s the right choice.
When I tested Hemp, I noticed how different lighting conditions affected the color’s appearance. In my north-facing room, it had a softer, more muted feel, while in my south-facing room, it appeared warmer and more vibrant.
Real Home Ideas Using Hemp
Full Room: Painting all walls in Hemp creates a warm, inviting space.
Accent Wall: Use it as an accent wall in a lighter room for a sophisticated focal point.
Trim: Pair Hemp with white or light-colored walls for a custom touch.
Furniture: Use Hemp to paint furniture pieces like cabinets or side tables for a natural, earthy look.
Exterior: A Hemp-colored front door can make a chic, welcoming statement.
One of my friends painted her bathroom cabinets in Hemp, and it turned out beautifully. The soft, neutral color brought a sense of calm to the space and paired well with white fixtures.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Not using enough lighting: Hemp requires adequate lighting to shine and reveal its natural warmth truly.
- Using warm yellow lighting: This can make Hemp appear dull, so stick to balanced lighting for the best effect.
- Not testing it in your actual space: Always test the color in your room before committing.
- Too much cool-toned decor: Pair Hemp with warm wood tones or metals to prevent the space from feeling too cold.
Conclusion
Hemp by Benjamin Moore is a beautifully balanced color that combines warmth, lightness, and an organic feel, making it a versatile choice for nearly any room in your home.
Its soft beige tone with yellow-green undertones brings a sense of calm and connection to nature, while its moderate light reflectance keeps spaces feeling open and inviting.
Whether you’re designing a cozy bedroom, a bright hallway, or a cozy living room, Hemp adapts effortlessly to different styles and lighting conditions.
Its ability to work well in both north- and south-facing rooms, as well as across all seasons, makes it a reliable and timeless option.
If you’re searching for a grounded neutral that adds depth without overpowering your space, Hemp offers both comfort and reliable. It’s an ideal backdrop for a good and welcoming home environment that never feels flat or dull.