Farrow & Ball does not publish LRV; this value is estimated from the color’s hex using standard relative-luminance calculation. The matte estate finish typically reads lower.
Sutcliffe Green is a mid-tone sage with a noticeable warmth that keeps it from feeling clinical or cold. It reads as a muted, slightly dusty green, the kind of color you might find on lichen-covered stone or dried herbs. It is clearly green, but it never screams at you.
In person, it has a soft, grounded quality. In rooms with plenty of natural light it can look surprisingly fresh, almost like a washed olive. In dimmer spaces or on overcast days, it deepens and gets earthier, pulling closer to a warm khaki green. The finish you choose matters here. Estate Emulsion gives it a chalky, flat depth that feels very organic. A Modern Eggshell on woodwork will bring out a bit more of the green saturation.
The dominant undertone is green, but it is a distinctly warm green. There is a golden, slightly yellow base running through it, which is what prevents Sutcliffe Green from tipping into cool or blue-green territory. Think warm meadow, not eucalyptus.
In strong afternoon sunlight, that golden warmth becomes more apparent and the color can momentarily read almost olive. Under cooler north-facing light, the green becomes more pronounced and the warmth recedes a bit, giving it a slightly more traditional sage character. Under incandescent or warm LED lighting, the yellow undertone gets amplified and it can lean a touch more khaki.
Because of that warm base, it sits comfortably alongside other earthy, natural tones without clashing. It is one of those greens that gets along with warm whites and creams far better than it does with stark, blue-based whites.
This is a versatile mid-tone green that works in more places than you might expect. It is deep enough to feel intentional on walls but not so dark that it closes a room in. It is a natural fit for studies, living rooms, and dining rooms where you want a sense of calm without going neutral.
It is particularly good in rooms that connect to outdoor views, gardens, or natural landscapes. It picks up on foliage and sky in a way that makes the transition from inside to outside feel seamless. Period homes and transitional interiors suit it well, but it can hold its own in a more contemporary setting if the furnishings are clean-lined.
For exterior use, it works beautifully on front doors or garden-facing woodwork, where it reads as a heritage green without going too dark or too bright. On kitchen cabinetry it gives a muted, sophisticated result, especially against warm wood countertops or open shelving.
Sutcliffe Green turns a study into a focused, grounded retreat. It is dark enough to reduce glare on screens but warm enough to feel inviting for long reading sessions. Pair it with Lime White on the ceiling and Jitney on built-in shelving for a layered, bookish feel.
In a living room, Sutcliffe Green sets a relaxed, organic mood. It works on all four walls without feeling heavy, especially in rooms with decent natural light. Layer in warm wood tones, linen upholstery, and Berrington Blue accents for depth.
A dining room in Sutcliffe Green feels warm by candlelight, where the golden undertone really comes alive. It flatters skin tones and food alike. Try it with brass hardware and a warm white on the trim for a room that feels generous without being fussy.
In a bedroom, this color is restful without being cold. The warmth helps it feel cocooning at night, and it reads fresh and calm in morning light. Keep bedding in soft creams and warm whites, and let the green do the heavy lifting on the walls.
Sutcliffe Green responds best to pairings that either echo its earthy warmth or provide a crisp contrast. Lime White (No. 1) is the natural trim partner. It is a warm, slightly creamy white that picks up on the golden undertone without fighting it. On ceilings, Lime White keeps things light and cohesive.
For accent color, Berrington Blue (No. 14) offers a surprising but grounded contrast, a deep, warm blue that sits across the wheel from Sutcliffe Green and creates quiet drama in a scheme. Jitney (No. 293), a warm straw-like neutral, is excellent on trim, doors, or adjacent hallways. It bridges the gap between the green walls and any lighter surfaces. Together, these three give you a full, layered scheme that feels collected rather than decorated.
A stark, blue-based white on trim or ceilings will make Sutcliffe Green look muddy and disconnected. The warm golden undertone clashes with icy whites and both colors suffer.
Hot pinks and bright corals overwhelm the quiet, earthy quality of Sutcliffe Green. The contrast feels jarring rather than complementary, and the green can look drab by comparison.
Blue-toned grays sit uncomfortably next to this warm green. The room can feel confused, as if two different color temperatures are competing for attention.
Sutcliffe Green has a green base with a warm, golden undertone. It reads as a warm sage or soft olive, never cool or blue-green. That golden warmth is what makes it so livable and easy to pair with natural materials.
It is warm. The yellow and golden notes underneath the green keep it firmly on the warm side of the spectrum. In north-facing rooms it can seem a touch more neutrally green, but it never tips cool.
Lime White (No. 1) is the go-to trim white. Jitney (No. 293) adds a warm straw-toned contrast on woodwork or adjacent rooms. For a deeper accent, Berrington Blue (No. 14) creates a grounded, complementary pairing. Warm wood tones, brass, and creamy linens all work naturally alongside it.
Estate Emulsion is the best choice for walls. Its chalky, matte finish brings out the organic, earthy character of the color. For woodwork or high-traffic areas, Modern Eggshell holds up well and adds a gentle sheen that highlights the green undertone. Use Exterior Eggshell for front doors or garden woodwork.
The hex code for Sutcliffe Green (No. 78) is #889677. Its LRV is 28.4, which places it in the mid-tone range. It will not make a room feel bright, but it will not swallow light either. Expect it to feel balanced and grounding in most lighting conditions.
Yes, but with a caveat. In north-facing rooms, the cooler light will pull the green forward and tone down some of the golden warmth. The result is a slightly more traditional sage. If you want to keep the warmth feeling strong, use warm-toned lighting and pair with warm whites like Lime White rather than anything cool.
