Here’s a refined color palette with 11 less vibrant colors that still stand out against black text in Excel:

json
{
  "palette_name": "Subtle Excel Colors",
  "colors": [
    {
      "name": "Muted Red",
      "hex_code": "
          
          #C1443E
       "
    },
    {
      "name": "Soft Green",
      "hex_code": "
          
          #A8D5BA
       "
    },
    {
      "name": "Steel Blue",
      "hex_code": "
          
          #4682B4
       "
    },
    {
      "name": "Mustard Yellow",
      "hex_code": "
          
          #D6B431
       "
    },
    {
      "name": "Dusty Pink",
      "hex_code": "
          
          #D29EB5
       "
    },
    {
      "name": "Pale Turquoise",
      "hex_code": "
          
          #AFEEEE
       "
    },
    {
      "name": "Lavender",
      "hex_code": "
          
          #E6E6FA
       "
    },
    {
      "name": "Salmon",
      "hex_code": "
          
          #FA8072
       "
    },
    {
      "name": "Slate Gray",
      "hex_code": "
          
          #708090
       "
    },
    {
      "name": "Burgundy",
      "hex_code": "
          
          #800020
       "
    },
    {
      "name": "Sea Green",
      "hex_code": "
          
          #2E8B57
       "
    }
  ]
}

This palette features softer colors that maintain good contrast with black text, making them suitable for a more understated look in Excel.

Would you like more examples or any specific adjustments to this palette?