diff --git a/settings/stylix.nix b/settings/stylix.nix
index 820312c..ad923f6 100644
--- a/settings/stylix.nix
+++ b/settings/stylix.nix
@@ -12,18 +12,17 @@
       # under home-manager.users.fred.stylix.targets.<x>.enable = false.
       autoEnable = true;
 
-      # Keep accent slots (base08..0F) wallpaper-derived for that
-      # character, but neutralise the surfaces (base00..07) so the
-      # background doesn't pick up the wallpaper tint.
+      # Hybrid: keep wallpaper-derived surfaces (base00..02) so dark
+      # backgrounds still carry the image's tint, but neutralise the
+      # foreground (base05..07) and mid-tones (base03..04) so text and
+      # syntax read crisply instead of being washed in warm cream.
+      # Accents (base08..0F) stay wallpaper-derived for character.
       override = {
-        base00 = "1a1a1a"; # default background
-        base01 = "262626"; # lighter background (status bars, line numbers)
-        base02 = "383838"; # selection background
-        base03 = "5a5a5a"; # comments, invisibles, line highlight
-        base04 = "828282"; # dark foreground (status bar)
-        base05 = "e0e0e0"; # default foreground
+        base03 = "5a5a5a"; # comments, invisibles
+        base04 = "9a9a9a"; # muted foreground
+        base05 = "e0e0e0"; # default foreground (was warm cream)
         base06 = "f0f0f0"; # light foreground
-        base07 = "ffffff"; # light background
+        base07 = "ffffff"; # lightest
       };
 
       cursor = {