North-facing rooms in Ottawa never receive direct sunlight, so the natural light is consistently cool and slightly blue. This shifts every color on the wall toward its cooler undertone.
Reliable warm choices: Benjamin Moore Pale Oak (OC-20), White Dove (OC-17), Manchester Tan (HC-81), Soft Fern (2144-40) or Hawthorne Yellow (HC-4) for a sunnier feel.
Avoid pure grays, blues and stark whites in north-facing spaces — they almost always look gloomy. If you love a cool palette, save it for east- or south-facing rooms.