Sherwin Williams Succulent (SW 9650) has emerged as one of the most captivating paint colors of recent years, capturing attention with its sophisticated blend of sage and gray undertones.
This versatile shade strikes a perfect balance – dark but not overwhelming, green but not too bold, and cool but never frosty.
What truly sets Succulent apart in the sage green family is its remarkable adaptability.
Whether gracing kitchen cabinets, adorning living room walls, or enhancing exterior facades, this Sherwin-Williams color consistently delivers a refined, natural aesthetic that designers and homeowners love.
Its popularity comes from bridging traditional and modern design, making it a top choice for a timeless, fresh color that remains relevant over time.
Succulent (SW 9650) Color Characteristics
Basic Specifications
Sherwin Williams Succulent (SW 9650) is a distinguished member of the gray-green color family, featured in the exclusive Emerald Designer Edition – Rustic + Refined collection.
This premium positioning reflects its sophisticated character and versatility in modern design schemes.
Technical Details
At the core of Succulent’s unique appeal is its technical composition:
- LRV of 14, placing it in the medium-dark range
- RGB values: R:97, G:108, B:100
- Undertones predominantly show cool blue-gray notes, with deep mossy green undertones that emerge under certain lighting conditions.
- Hex Code: #616c64
Color Temperature & Personality
Succulent leans definitively cool, but its personality is far from cold. This complex shade:
- Creates a sophisticated, grounded atmosphere perfect for both traditional and contemporary spaces
- Maintains remarkable consistency across different lighting conditions, unlike many gray-green colors that can shift dramatically
- Shows beautifully year-round, providing a fresh, natural feel in spring/summer and cozy sophistication in fall/winter
- Acts as a “new neutral” – distinctive enough to make a statement but restrained enough to serve as a backdrop for various design elements
Where To Use Succulent
Interior Applications
1. Living Rooms
Succulent creates an elegant, calming atmosphere in living spaces. It works exceptionally well as:
- A full room color when paired with white trim
- An accent wall behind key furniture pieces
- A backdrop for artwork and natural wood elements
2. Bedrooms
The color’s soothing nature makes it perfect for bedrooms by:
- Creating a cozy, cocoon-like feeling in master suites
- Offering a sophisticated option for guest rooms
- Providing a gender-neutral choice for teen rooms
3. Kitchen Cabinets
One of Succulent’s most popular applications:
- Pairs beautifully with both light and dark countertops
- Creates visual interest without overwhelming the space
- Maintains its appeal in both natural and artificial light
- Works well with various hardware finishes, especially brass and matte black
4. Bathrooms
In bathrooms, Succulent offers:
- A spa-like atmosphere when used on all walls
- An elegant accent when used on vanities
- Beautiful coordination with marble and natural stone
5. Home Offices
The color promotes focus and calm in workspaces by:
- Reducing glare from computer screens
- Creating a professional backdrop for video calls
- Complementing wood furniture and metal accents
Exterior Applications
1. Siding
As an exterior color, Succulent:
- Provides sophisticated curb appeal
- Changes beautifully with natural light throughout the day
- Works well with both traditional and modern architecture
2. Front Doors & Shutters
As an accent color:
- Creates a welcoming entrance
- Offers enough contrast to stand out without being bold
- Coordinates well with various brick and stone facades
- Provides a fresh alternative to traditional black or navy
Coordinating Colors
Core Coordinating Colors
1. White Sand (SW 9582)
- Creates a soft, warm neutral backdrop
- Perfect for adjacent rooms or upper cabinets
- Helps balance Succulent’s cool undertones
2. Warm Winter (SW 9506)
- Offers a cozy, greige complement
- Excellent for creating depth without contrast
- Works beautifully in open floor plans with Succulent
3. Carriage Stone (SW 9614)
- Provides a rich, grounding accent
- Ideal for creating subtle contrast
- Perfect for architectural details or accent pieces
Complementary Color Scheme
For a dynamic design strategy, consider pairing Succulent SW 9650 with its color wheel opposites.
Purple shades like SW Radiant Lilac and Ruby Violet create striking contrasts with Succulent’s gray-green base.
This complementary approach adds visual energy while maintaining sophistication.
Use these purple complements as accents rather than dominant colors for best results.
Tips for Using Succulent
Lighting Considerations
- Test large paint samples (at least 12×12 inches) in different areas of your space
- Observe the color at different times of day for at least 24 hours
- In rooms with limited natural light, increase artificial lighting to maintain color vibrancy
- Consider adding light fixtures at different heights to create balanced illumination
Room Orientation Effects
- North-facing rooms: Add warm metallic accents to balance the cooler appearance
- South-facing rooms: Color will appear most true to swatch
- East-facing rooms: Color appears warmer in morning cooler in afternoon
- West-facing rooms: Expect a cooler look until late afternoon
Best Applications
- Use as a “whole room” color in well-lit spaces
- Consider for kitchen cabinets or bathroom vanities
- Excellent choice for millwork and built-ins
- Perfect for exterior accent areas like doors and shutters
- Ideal for creating focal walls in living spaces
Design Style Integration
- Modern: Pair with clean lines and minimal decor
- Traditional: Combine with classic millwork and antique pieces
- Transitional: Mix with both contemporary and traditional elements
- Farmhouse: Use with natural woods and vintage accessories
- Coastal: Partner with sandy beiges and crisp whites
Pro Tips
- Always use high-quality paint for best coverage
- Apply minimum two coats for consistent color
- Use samples on all walls before committing
- Consider the color flow from room to room
- Remember that sheen level will affect the final look
Cost Considerations For Using Sherwin-Williams Succulent
Succulent comes from the Emerald Designer Edition line, which makes it pricier than basic paint options.
Here’s a quick cost breakdown:
- Regular SW Paint: $50-60 per gallon
- Succulent (Emerald Designer): $80-100 per gallon
Tips for Budgeting When Using Sherwin Williams Succulent
1. Use Paint Samples: Sherwin Williams offers Succulent samples to test the color in your space before purchasing a full gallon.
Samples cost $5-$10, helping ensure the color complements your lighting and room elements.
2. Buy in Bulk: If you’re painting multiple rooms or large surfaces, purchasing paint in larger quantities can help you save money in the long run.
Often, buying 5-gallon containers of paint will lower the price per gallon.
3. Look for Sales and Discounts: Sherwin-Williams often has seasonal sales and promotions that offer discounts of up to 30% off.
Look for deals during holidays or back-to-school season when the brand runs promotions.
4. Consider DIY: Hiring a professional painter increases project costs.
If you’re confident in your skills, a DIY approach can save money.
Just be sure to invest in quality brushes and tools to achieve a smooth, professional-looking finish.
5. Plan for Touch-Ups: As with any paint color, you will eventually need to do some touch-ups.
Make sure to purchase a quart of paint for maintenance over time.
Understanding Color Variations and Matching
Working with Paint Samples
When selecting paints like Succulent, understanding how color variations appear in your specific space is crucial. Each paint sample reveals different aspects of this green succulent hue depending on your room’s unique conditions. The gray succulent undertones may appear more prominent in certain lighting, while the pine succulent notes emerge in others. Professional designers recommend testing multiple samples to see how this versatile shade performs throughout the day.
For perfect color matching, consider how Succulent interacts with existing elements in your space. The subtle shifts in this complex hue can either complement or clash with your current decor. To achieve the best match, compare paint samples against your flooring, furniture, and textiles in both natural and artificial light.
Conclusion
Sherwin Williams Succulent (SW 9650) is a masterful blend of gray and green undertones, offering versatility without overwhelming spaces.
Its adaptability shines in multiple applications, from kitchen cabinets to exterior facades, while harmoniously pairing with whites like Chantilly Lace and coordinating colors such as White Sand, Warm Winter, and Carriage Stone.
If you want a color that feels timeless yet fresh, Succulent is a fantastic choice!
It balances boldness and subtlety, providing sophistication that aligns with evolving design trends. Consider the lighting to showcase its charm!
