Rosemary and Basil: the documented difference
Rosemary has an LRV of 14; Sherwin-Williams Basil SW-6194 is 15. The difference is 1 points, with Basil returning more light under the reference measurement. Choose by the material relationship as well as the number. Rosemary is deep enough that pairing it with black counters creates a question about the outline between two dark planes. Basil is a deep green with blue-gray undertones.
| Color | Brand / code | LRV |
|---|---|---|
| Rosemary | Sherwin-Williams SW-6187 | 14 |
| Basil | Sherwin-Williams SW-6194 | 15 |
The choice beside black counters and pale wood stools
Pale wood stools add room-level contrast, but the countertop-to-cabinet join still needs to remain intentional under working lights.
Set up both candidates with black counters and pale wood stools. Use equal-sized boards with the intended finishes and place them in the same orientation. Do not put one directly beside a window and leave the other in shadow. A difference that follows the position rather than the board is a lighting observation, not evidence that the formula changed.
What the comparison can—and cannot—settle
The alternative Pewter Green has an LRV of 12.
Retain a visible boundary between the two dark surfaces or introduce a lighter separating surface. Assess Rosemary and Basil alone as well as side by side. The unchosen board will not remain in the finished room, and a preference created only by that neighbor may not survive its removal. Before ordering samples, compare room-planning features in the paint color visualizer roundup.
Sources & notes
Color specifications: Sherwin-Williams Rosemary SW-6187. The recorded LRV is 14. Named comparison values come from the respective manufacturers; material schemes are editorial suggestions.
This guide reviews published color information and proposes practical sample checks. It does not claim first-hand paint testing or customer-review scores. Sherwin-Williams does not sponsor or endorse this site. Product names and trademarks belong to their respective owners. Confirm the color in a physical sample and select the coating for the actual surface and finish.