Open Air
What Open Air Actually Looks Like
Open Air reads as a whisper of blue with just enough teal to keep it from feeling icy. Think of a very pale robin's egg that has been washed out in bright daylight. It sits at an LRV of 70.1, which makes it light enough to open up a room without disappearing into white. On a fan deck it can look more saturated than it will on a full wall, so expect it to dry lighter and softer than the swatch suggests. In north-facing rooms the cool blue side comes forward. In south-facing rooms you will notice more of that subtle green-teal warmth sneaking through.
Open Air Undertones
The primary undertone is blue, but there is a secondary teal quality that divides opinions. Some designers see Open Air as a clean, almost spa-like blue. Others insist the green component is real and that the color leans more aqua than blue. Both readings are valid, and the answer depends on what you put next to it. Pair it with warm wood tones and the teal becomes obvious. Place it against a cool gray and it reads as a straightforward light blue. There is essentially no gray muddiness here, which is what separates Open Air from many other popular pale blues. It stays clear.
Where Open Air Works Best
Open Air works well on walls in rooms where you want a sense of calm without going full nursery blue. It is a natural fit for bathrooms, where the teal undertone connects with water and tile. In bedrooms it creates a restful backdrop without feeling cold, especially when paired with warm white trim and linen textiles. In kitchens it gives cabinets or an accent wall a clean coastal feel. Living rooms benefit from it on all four walls when you want a subtle color envelope rather than bold contrast. It also performs nicely on ceilings in any room, simulating the look of a pale sky overhead. On exteriors it can serve as a body color for cottages and bungalows, though it will read even lighter outdoors in direct sun.
Where to put Open Air
Roll Open Air on every wall and use Greek Villa on the trim and ceiling. The effect is quiet and cocooning without being dark. Layer in warm brass hardware, natural linen bedding, and a warm-toned wood nightstand to keep the room from feeling sterile. It works in both primary suites and guest rooms.
This is where Open Air really shines. The teal undertone pairs naturally with white subway tile and marble-look counters. Use it on walls above a tile wainscot to give the room a spa-like quality. Matte black or brushed nickel fixtures both work here, though brushed nickel will keep things calmer.
Painting all four walls in Open Air creates a gentle color wash that does not compete with artwork or furniture. It reads as a sophisticated neutral from across the room, and the color only reveals itself up close. Pair it with a warm white on built-ins and crown molding. A deep charcoal sofa or warm leather chair will ground the space.
Open Air on lower cabinets or a large island can give a kitchen personality without overwhelming it. On walls behind open shelving, it provides a soft backdrop for dishes and glassware. Keep upper cabinets and trim in a warm white like Greek Villa to balance the cool tones.
What to Pair With Open Air
Greek Villa (SW 7551) is the coordinating trim color for good reason. It is a warm, creamy white that prevents Open Air from turning chilly. The slight yellow in Greek Villa anchors the cool blue and lets the teal peek through in a flattering way. For accent furniture or deeper wall moments, reach for a navy or a deep forest green to create contrast without clashing.
Open Air vs similar colors
All comparisons are matched against Open Air at LRV 70.1.
Colors that clash with Open Air
North light amplifies the cool blue side and can make Open Air feel cold, almost clinical, especially in winter months.
At LRV 70.1, Open Air can look nearly white on a ceiling, especially in a bright room, losing the color you paid for.
Because Open Air sits in the blue-teal range, strong warm oranges or corals can create a jarring complementary clash that feels unintentional.
Common questions
Open Air has an LRV of 70.1, which puts it in the light range. It will reflect a good amount of light and keep rooms feeling open and airy without washing out to white.
It reads primarily as a soft blue with a secondary teal, or blue-green, lean. The exact balance shifts depending on the light in your room and the colors around it. In warm light or next to warm wood, the green side becomes more visible. In cool light it looks more straightforwardly blue.
Greek Villa (SW 7551) is a go-to choice. Its warm, creamy white tone prevents Open Air from looking cold and highlights the teal undertone in a pleasant way. Avoid bright, blue-white trims, which can make the walls look slightly dingy by comparison.
Yes. At an LRV of 70.1 it reflects enough light to keep a small bathroom from feeling cramped. The color adds personality without closing the space in. Pair it with white tile and warm metal fixtures for the best result.
Benjamin Moore Quiet Moments (1563) is often cited as the nearest match. It shares a similar pale blue-teal character, though it can lean a touch grayer in some lighting. Always test large samples side by side before committing.