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Mid-Century ModernSouth-Facing

Notorious

Behr · M570-6

The Analysis

Notorious is a deep, moody purple-grey that absorbs significant light, making a room feel intimate and enclosed rather than expansive. Because of its low LRV of 15.35, it will make a space feel smaller and more grounded, effectively pulling the walls inward to create a cozy atmosphere.

This is a bold, high-drama choice best suited for accent walls, powder rooms, or libraries. It is too heavy for a main living area unless you are intentionally aiming for a dark, monochromatic 'cove' look.

LRV 15

History & Origin

This shade leans into a contemporary aesthetic, though its depth mirrors the Victorian love for moody, saturated interiors. It feels fresh and modern when paired with clean lines, rather than traditional or period-specific.

Undertonecool-purple
FamilyPurple

How to Use It

Pair this with warm wood tones like walnut or mid-tone oak to prevent the room from feeling too cold. Brushed brass hardware pops beautifully against the purple undertones, while matte black fixtures will enhance its moody, industrial edge.

The Mood

This color provides a restful and stable environment, ideal for spaces where you want to signal to your brain that it is time to slow down. It feels sophisticated and grounded, avoiding the 'electric' energy of brighter purples while maintaining a rich, consistent character throughout the day.

Colour harmonies

Complementary

Opposite on the colour wheel — bold, high-contrast pairings. Use for a feature wall or furniture you want to command attention.

Analogous

Neighbouring hues — cohesive and calm, great for layered schemes that feel collected rather than matched.

Split complementary

Near-opposites for strong contrast with a little less tension than a pure complement. A favourite of interior designers.

Triadic

Three evenly spaced hues — balanced, vibrant, and versatile. Keep one dominant and use the others sparingly.

Tetradic (square)

Four hues in a square on the wheel — rich, dynamic palettes. Best when one colour leads and the others accent.

Monochromatic

Dark, mid, and light steps on the same hue — a failsafe gradient for trim, walls, and accents without shifting colour family.

Brand Matches

Perceptually similar colours from across all brands in our database.

  • TAALUK

    Jotun · 4214

  • Mystical Purple

    Behr · 650B-7

  • Vivacious Violet

    Valspar · V038-5

  • Cupid's Dart

    Benjamin Moore · 1385

  • Violet Vixen

    Behr · MQ5-41

  • Purple Sage 2

    Dulux

Lighting

See how this colour shifts across natural and artificial light conditions.

  • Natural
  • Morning
  • Afternoon
  • Evening
  • Overcast
  • 2700K
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