Holly
General Information about #001916
#001916, also known as Holly, is a very dark shade of green, almost appearing black to the casual observer. It belongs to the green color family but possesses very low brightness and saturation. The color is named after the Holly plant, which is not quite right since Holly has very green leaves. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 0 red, 25 green, and 22 blue. In the CMYK color model, it consists of 100% cyan, 0% magenta, 12% yellow, and 90% black. This color is often associated with nature, earthiness, and sophistication. Due to its dark nature, it's often used to convey feelings of mystery, depth, or understated elegance, making it appropriate for designs aiming for a subtle yet refined appearance.
The hex color #001916, also known as Holly, presents significant accessibility challenges. Its extremely low luminance makes it difficult to perceive, especially for individuals with visual impairments. The contrast ratio against white is very poor, failing to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for text and non-text elements. To ensure inclusivity, this color should not be used as the primary foreground color on a light background. If used, it must be paired with a very light color that offers a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Avoid using it for critical interactive elements like buttons or links, as users may struggle to identify them. Always provide sufficient visual cues and alternative text descriptions to enhance usability for everyone. Consider using a color contrast checker to verify accessibility.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design Accent
In web design, #001916 can be used sparingly for decorative elements or as a subtle background accent in dark-themed websites. Due to its low visibility, it's best suited for areas where contrast is not crucial, such as dividers or non-interactive graphics. When using this color, ensure that any text or interactive elements have sufficient contrast. It's also essential to provide alternative visual cues to ensure usability and accessibility. Consider using it for website footers or as a background for graphic elements that don't require prominent user interaction, for example a non-interactive logo.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, #001916 can be incorporated as a sophisticated accent color in spaces aiming for a muted, natural aesthetic. It works well in combination with lighter neutral tones like beige, cream, or light gray. It can be applied on walls, furniture upholstery, or decorative accessories like vases or cushions. When using it in larger areas, ensure the space is well-lit to avoid a somber or enclosed feeling. The color can be a nice contrast to wood furniture, for example in combination with a wooden floor.
Fashion Accent
In fashion, #001916 can be used as an understated color choice for clothing items or accessories, providing a subtle earthy tone. It can be incorporated into garments like jackets, skirts, or trousers, or used in accessories like scarves or handbags. When pairing #001916 with other colors, consider complementary shades like gold, bronze, or other earth tones to create a harmonious and balanced look. It can also be combined with neutral colors like white, black, or gray for a more subdued and classic aesthetic. The color provides a nice contrast to skin.