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Notre Dame Palette

My life doesn’t always allow me to travel as much as I’d like, so sometimes I live vicariously through other folks who are actually globe trotting. Or at least driving farther than their local elementary school.

Fortunately, my parents just took a trip to France, so I’ve been devouring all their stories and photos. This one particularly intrigued me, due to its unusual orientation and full spectrum of colors. It’s the view upwards toward the top of the dome of the Basilica Notre Dame, in Lyon. (Not to be confused with THE Notre Dame, in Paris.)Color palette based on mosaic dome in Notre Dame

The colors, by Valspar, are (left to right):

  • Relaxed Navy
  • Swiftly Green
  • Pebble Creek
  • Billiards Room

I’ve come to look at everything that attracts my eye with the question, “How would I decorate around that?” Decorating around a piece that contains every color can be challenging. How do you pick just a few?

In this case, I was most drawn to the greens and blues, and of course the gold accents. They seem so regal. At first I had a royal red too, which is definitely in there, but when I pulled it out into a color swatch, it seemed to stick out a little bit too much.

You might find that issue in decorating too. For instance, if you’re working from a pillow that has an accent color in it, that color may look completely different when you paint a wall with it. You need to be able to translate that color from what your eye actually sees, to what your brain interprets.

Lots of times, the original color just needs to be muted a little, either lightened or grayed out a bit. If you find yourself struggling with this, I can help you out!

For some reason, this palette strikes me as a good one for a man cave, or a study. Maybe it’s the blues and greens. Either way, it’s a classic. If you don’t believe me, just go to Basilica Notre Dame and check it out for yourself!

*By the way, I’m always looking for new photos for color palette inspiration. If you have one you’d like to share, please send it to me and I’ll make a color palette for you out of it, and share it here.

niekkamcdonald

Saturday 2nd of August 2014

This color scheme is really nice. You said something that stands out to me about translating the colors your eyes see to what your brain interprets. I have had that problem many times in the past and it is a little frustrating.

Meredith

Tuesday 5th of August 2014

Thanks Niekka, yes it can be really frustrating. It even happens to me still, even thought I feel like I should know better by now. So much depends on lighting and surrounding colors, so don't feel bad. :)

TheRecipeHunter

Saturday 2nd of August 2014

I have been to Notre Dame and that palette is amazing. There is so much truth to what you said about an accent color you may see in a pillow looking completely different on a wall. I'll have to call upon you when my husband and I start redoing our ranch home!

Meredith

Tuesday 5th of August 2014

Thanks! Color can be really tricky, but also so fun!

valerieremymilora

Saturday 2nd of August 2014

I love how you pulled these colors out Meredith! And I love those colors and think they'd be a great palette for an office. I find them soothing and I love an office that has enough color to be inspiring but remains a calm environment! Thanks for sharing that beautiful photo of Notre Dame in Lyon! Dreamy! I grew up in Paris but never made it to Lyon.

Meredith

Tuesday 5th of August 2014

Thank you Valerie. I'm sure there are so many wonderful sights all across France, that it would be almost impossible to make it to them all, even in a whole lifetime!

Holly Higbee-Jansen

Saturday 2nd of August 2014

Love those colors, definitely inspires me to make some changes in my office. Have you seen the Adobe Kuller app? I think it's only for iphone. Check it out, it pulls colors from images to create unique palettes. I am a retired interior designer, now photographer - so love all of this! Holly www.jansenphotoexplorations.com

Meredith

Tuesday 5th of August 2014

Thanks Holly, so fun to meet another designer! I have an android phone, but I'll check for that app anyway. I'd love to use one of your photos someday for a palette, if you ever have one you think would work...

Deidre M. Simpson

Friday 1st of August 2014

I like the palette you created. Slowly, I am learning the point of it, having been everywhere seeking paint swatches. Palettes are the way to go!

Meredith

Tuesday 5th of August 2014

Thanks Deidre! Yes, sometimes it helps to have to colors pre-coordinated for you!

ABOUT MEREDITH


Creating a color-filled life. Conquering my little world one DIY project at a time. With lots of coffee and chocolate. Albuquerque NM. Pinterest ~ Instagram ~ Facebook