Sherwin Williams Rosemary (SW 6187) Color Review

Rosemary: A Deep, Organic Green That Grounds and Refines a Space

Today, I’m diving into a color that feels both bold and grounded – Rosemary by Sherwin-Williams. This earthy green brings the outdoors in, but in a way that feels sophisticated and curated. If you’re looking to move beyond soft sage or dusty olive and want something with more depth, Rosemary might be your perfect pick.

Sherwin-Williams Rosemary (SW 6187) is a rich, muted herbal green with a soft gray undertone. It’s elegant, natural, and surprisingly flexible – a shade that can work on walls, cabinetry, and even exteriors for a dramatic, architectural finish.

What Does Rosemary Look Like?

Rosemary is best described as a deep, forest-inspired green with a touch of olive and a smoky, gray backdrop. It’s a clean green – not mossy, not minty, and definitely not bright. It brings a cozy, botanical quality to the room, yet always feels refined rather than rustic.

In daylight, Rosemary looks structured and modern. In dimmer settings, it deepens into a velvety green that makes the space feel grounded and serene. It can feel traditional, minimalist, or even moody depending on what you pair it with.

What Are the Undertones?

Rosemary has a cool gray undertone that mutes the green and keeps it from feeling overly vibrant. It leans ever so slightly toward olive, but it stays neutral enough to avoid going yellow or chartreuse.

In north-facing or shadowy light, the gray becomes more apparent. In warmer southern or western light, the green warms slightly and feels more saturated. These undertones make Rosemary extremely versatile and easy to layer with wood, metal, and stone.

What Is the LRV of Rosemary?

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Rosemary is 14, which means it reflects a low amount of light. It’s a dark shade, but not so deep that it feels flat or blackened.

This low LRV gives Rosemary its grounding effect. It brings intimacy and structure to a room, making it ideal for accent walls, cabinetry, or even an entire room if you want a cozy, cocoon-like feel. Just make sure your lighting supports it.

Is Rosemary Warm or Cool?

Rosemary leans cool, primarily because of its gray base. However, the green itself has enough softness to keep it from feeling icy or sterile.

In practice, this makes Rosemary an excellent middle ground. It behaves like a cool neutral but still carries warmth from the green. This makes it easy to pair with both warm woods and cooler finishes without clashing.

What Lighting Directions Work Best?

Rosemary shifts in beautiful ways depending on natural light:

• North-facing rooms – Appears cooler and more muted, with stronger gray tones
• South-facing rooms – Feels warmer and slightly more olive in direct light
• East-facing rooms – Morning light gives it clarity, while afternoon tones bring softness
• West-facing rooms – Glows slightly greener in evening light, with more visual depth

Because of its depth, Rosemary benefits from strategic lighting. Consider layering with warm bulbs or reflective surfaces to keep the room feeling balanced.

Best Rooms to Use Rosemary In

Rosemary adds richness and maturity to a space. Some of the best uses include:

• Kitchens – On cabinetry, paired with brass hardware and marble counters
• Dining Rooms – Brings intimacy and warmth to entertaining spaces
• Bedrooms – Ideal for creating a moody, restful retreat
• Living Rooms – Adds visual weight and coziness to an open-concept layout
• Offices or Libraries – Inspires focus and feels timeless in more structured spaces

What Wood Tones Pair Beautifully?

Rosemary was made for layered wood pairings. Top choices include:

• Natural oak or ash – Lightens the palette and adds contrast
• Walnut and dark-stained woods – Echoes the richness of Rosemary and adds formality
• Reclaimed or rustic finishes – Emphasize the earthiness of the color and soften its structure

Avoid heavily red-toned woods like cherry or mahogany, which may compete with the undertones.

What Materials and Finishes Complement SW Rosemary?

Rosemary feels best when styled with natural, tactile finishes. Try:

• Matte black or aged bronze – Adds contrast and structure
• Brushed brass – Warms the cool undertone and adds refinement
• Natural stone or quartzite – Keeps the palette elevated and organic
• Woven textures like linen, jute, or seagrass – Softens the depth and adds movement
• Cream or ivory textiles – Brings in airiness and balance

Stick to matte or low-sheen finishes to let the color speak for itself.

What Colors Pair Well With Rosemary?

Because Rosemary is complex and grounded, it works with a wide range of palettes. Consider:

• Warm whites – Like Alabaster or Greek Villa for trim and ceiling contrast
• Soft blush or clay – Adds earthiness and subtle warmth
• Charcoal or graphite gray – Enhances the depth and modernity of Rosemary
• Dusty lavender or mauve – Offers unexpected softness and elegance
• Muted mustard or ochre – Warms up the palette and adds heritage charm
• Greige tones – Like Accessible Beige or Shoji White for a quieter transition

You can go neutral, tonal, or richly layered – Rosemary is a strong foundation either way.

And if you’re building a color story and want expert coordination, explore my color guides on Etsy – each one is designed to make paint pairing easier and more beautiful.

What Styles Work Best with SW Rosemary?

Rosemary can anchor many design styles. It feels especially at home in:

• Modern Traditional – A timeless color for classic architecture or cabinetry
• Scandinavian Farmhouse – Adds depth to light wood, cream, and linen palettes
• Mid-Century Modern – Works with walnut furniture and vintage silhouettes
• Cottage or English Revival – Feels botanical, refined, and heritage-driven
• Contemporary Organic – A smart way to bring in nature-inspired calm

It’s bold without being flashy – the kind of color that makes a space feel curated.

Would I Use This for Trim or Doors?

Yes – and it can look stunning in the right application:

• Interior doors – Adds depth and elegance in an all-white hallway
• Base cabinets or built-ins – A modern classic when paired with light counters or walls
• Trim in a tonal space – Beautiful with greige walls and warm wood floors

For full-house trim, Rosemary is likely too strong unless the walls are equally deep. It’s best used for contrast or in select rooms where drama is the goal.

Who Is Rosemary Best For?

This color is perfect for:

• Homeowners who want a bold green that still feels classic
• Designers seeking depth without sacrificing versatility
• Anyone updating a kitchen or office with timeless cabinetry
• Clients who love a cozy, earthy palette with a touch of elegance
• People tired of gray or beige and looking for a color with presence

Final Thoughts

Rosemary is a confident, grounded green that brings depth and calm to any space. Whether you use it for cabinetry, walls, or built-ins, it creates a sense of style that feels both natural and refined. It’s a designer’s secret weapon for adding color that never feels too loud or trendy.

Thinking of trying it? Grab a peel-and-stick sample to see how it shifts in your lighting. And if you’re building a palette around Rosemary, I’ve created curated color guides that make it easy to get started.

• SW Rosemary & Perfect Pairings
• SW Alabaster & Perfect Pairings
• SW Greek Villa & Perfect Pairings

Happy decorating!
Franzi
Casa Ferrier