Cardin Green
General Information about Cardin Green
Cardin Green, represented by the hexadecimal color code #02321C, is a very dark shade of green. It is composed of 0.8% red, 19.6% green, and 11% blue. In the RGB color space, this translates to 2 red, 50 green, and 28 blue. The CMYK representation is 96% cyan, 0% magenta, 65% yellow, and 80% black. The color's darkness arises from the high percentage of black ink required to create it in print. Perceptually, Cardin Green evokes feelings of nature, depth, and quiet sophistication. It’s a color often associated with forestry, and conservation efforts. Its dark hue makes it suitable for creating a sense of grounding and stability.
The color #02321C, also known as Cardin Green, presents several accessibility challenges, especially when used as a foreground color on a white or light background. Its very low lightness value (approximately 2%) results in extremely poor contrast, failing WCAG standards for both AA and AAA levels. Text rendered in this color may be nearly illegible for users with normal vision and completely inaccessible for users with low vision. To improve accessibility, consider pairing it with much lighter colors that provide a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Using color contrast checking tools is crucial to ensure readability. Furthermore, avoid relying solely on color to convey information; use supplementary cues like text labels or icons to support users with color vision deficiencies. When used for interactive elements, provide sufficient visual cues for hover, focus, and active states, ensuring those cues are also highly contrasting.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #2e5249
A slightly lighter green that provides better contrast against white backgrounds, enhancing readability.
- #388e3c
A more vibrant green option that stands out more effectively, making it suitable for accents and highlights.
- #1a4d2e
This dark green offers a subtle, muted tone while still providing better contrast against lighter backgrounds compared to Cardin Green.
Applications
Subtle Website Accents
Cardin Green can be used sparingly as an accent color in website designs, particularly for elements where a subtle, natural feel is desired. For instance, it can be applied to decorative borders, icons, or as a secondary color in a website's color scheme. However, it's important to ensure that it's paired with much lighter colors for text or interactive elements to maintain accessibility. It can evoke feelings of nature and tranquility if used carefully.
Interior Design - Accent Color
In interior design, Cardin Green works well as a background or accent color for spaces aiming for a natural or earthy aesthetic. Think of it as a wall color in a dimly lit study or as upholstery for accent chairs. It is better suited for rooms with plenty of natural light or intentional complementary lighting due to it's dark value.
Fashion - Garment and Accessory Color
In fashion, Cardin Green is a refined and understated choice for garments such as velvet jackets or silk scarves. It can provide a grounding element when paired with brighter hues. When used in accessories such as handbags or belts, this dark green can add a touch of sophistication to an ensemble without being overly bold. Designers can leverage its subtle richness to create pieces that are both elegant and timeless.