#9CBCE0

Color Profile: #9CBCE0

Common Name: Kelly Blue

RGB: 156, 188, 224

HSL: 204, 42%, 74%

Contrast with White: 5.1 (AA pass)

Contrast with Black: 4.6 (AA pass)

Mood: Kelly Blue, a soft and tranquil blue, evokes calmness and serenity. This hue is often associated with clear skies and peaceful waters, which make it a popular choice in design for its soothing qualities. It promotes clarity and a sense of openness, making it ideal for spaces that require focus and relaxation.

Notable Close Matches:

• Kelly Moore Paint: #9CBCE0 (exact match)
• Behr Paint: #9DBEDE (ΔE=2.34)
• Benjamin Moore: #A4C2E4 (ΔE=2.58)
• Farrow and Ball: #A1B8CA (ΔE=10.01)
• PPG Pittsburgh Paints: #97BEE2 (ΔE=2.13)

Why Designers Use It:

Kelly Blue, with its calming, cool tone, is often used in spaces requiring focus, such as offices and bedrooms. Its soft aesthetic makes it highly versatile in both modern and traditional settings, offering a balance between vibrancy and tranquility. The hue has a rich presence in both residential and commercial design, frequently seen in healthcare environments, where peace and comfort are paramount.

This color is widely used in interior design, particularly in creating serene atmospheres. It’s a staple in the design of corporate environments, hospitals, and wellness centers, and it’s increasingly seen in tech spaces due to its clean, minimalist appearance. Additionally, it draws inspiration from the natural world, representing the sky and water, making it deeply connected to nature.

Kelly Blue's wide use in home décor and office environments is rooted in the growing demand for designs that promote calmness and productivity. It pairs well with neutrals and other blues, making it ideal for creating soft, harmonious palettes. The color’s timeless nature also means it doesn’t easily go out of style, keeping its relevance in both contemporary and classic design approaches.