English Holly
General Information
The hexadecimal color code #022911 represents a very dark shade of green, often associated with deep forests and natural environments. In the RGB color model, it consists of 0.78% red, 16.08% green, and 6.67% blue. This translates to a dominant green component, giving it its characteristic verdant hue. Its CMYK representation is C:95%, M:0%, Y:31%, K:84%, indicating a high concentration of cyan and black inks are needed to produce this color in print. Perceived subjectively, this color evokes feelings of tranquility, nature, and serenity. In color psychology, dark greens are often linked to growth, stability, and endurance. It closely resembles colors found in the leaves of evergreen trees like English Holly, hence the implicit association.
The color #022911, a deep forest green, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly for users with visual impairments. Its low luminance value of approximately 2.23% results in very poor contrast against both white and black backgrounds. According to WCAG guidelines, it fails all contrast ratio tests for normal text (4.5:1) and large text (3:1) even against a pure white background (#FFFFFF). This means text rendered in #022911 on a white or similar light background would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, for many users to read. Similarly, using white text on a #022911 background would also fail accessibility standards. To improve accessibility, designers should use a much lighter color for text or interactive elements against this dark green background, or a much darker color for the background when using a lighter shade of green. Consider alternative color pairings with substantially higher contrast ratios to ensure readability and usability for all users, including those with low vision or color blindness.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #2e8b57
A lighter green shade that provides better contrast against white backgrounds, making it more accessible for text and interactive elements.
- #333333
A dark gray that complements green tones and offers improved contrast for text when used as a background color.
- #8fbc8f
A desaturated, muted green that avoids the depth of the original color. It can be a less severe alternative when contrast with white or light backgrounds is a priority.
Applications
Web Design Accent
In web design, #022911 can serve as an accent color to convey a sense of nature, tranquility, or sophistication. Use sparingly for backgrounds of non-essential elements to avoid accessibility issues due to poor contrast. Consider it for borders, subtle graphic elements, or as a highlight color on images, where its depth and richness can add visual interest without compromising readability. It's especially suitable for websites promoting eco-friendly products or services, organic food brands, or companies with a strong connection to nature. Pair it judiciously with lighter, more accessible colors to maintain a user-friendly and visually appealing interface.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, #022911 works well as an accent color to bring the outdoors inside. Use it for painting a single wall in a living room or bedroom to create a focal point. It complements natural materials like wood and stone, enhancing a nature-inspired aesthetic. Accessorize with plants and woven textures to complete the look. Since it's a dark color, balance it with lighter neutrals such as cream or beige to prevent the space from feeling too dark or closed in. It is an excellent choice for creating a calming and relaxing atmosphere in a home office or study.
Fashion Accent
In fashion, #022911 can be used as a sophisticated and grounding color. It's a great choice for outerwear or accessories like scarves and handbags. It can be paired with neutral colors like black, gray, or beige for a classic look, or with brighter colors like gold or mustard for a more bold and fashionable statement. Because of its association with nature, it can also be used for creating a sustainable and eco-friendly aesthetic. To create a balanced outfit, use this shade in combination with lighter and brighter colors to ensure a lively overall look.