Asphalt

General Information about #12090B

The hex color #12090B, also known as Asphalt, is a very dark, muted shade of red with minimal saturation and low luminance. It closely resembles black and is often perceived as a deep, neutral tone. In the RGB color model, it consists of 7.06% red, 3.53% green, and 4.31% blue. Its primary characteristic is its darkness, making it suitable for applications where a subtle, understated hue is desired. The color evokes a sense of sophistication and can be used to create an atmosphere of depth and mystery. It is commonly associated with urban landscapes and industrial settings, reflecting the color of asphalt roads and weathered surfaces. Due to its low luminance, it's important to use it carefully in designs, especially regarding accessibility.

The hex color #12090B, a very dark shade of red, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly for users with visual impairments. Its extremely low luminance results in very poor contrast against lighter backgrounds, making text or other visual elements difficult to discern. According to WCAG guidelines, the contrast ratio between text and background should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text to meet AA compliance. Given the darkness of #12090B, achieving sufficient contrast would require using a very light color for text or interactive elements, which might not align with the desired aesthetic. For optimal accessibility, careful consideration and testing with assistive technologies are essential. Using this color sparingly and combining it with appropriate contrast-enhancing techniques, like text shadows or outlines, can improve usability for all users.

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Applications

• Web Design - Background Accent

  In web design, #12090B can be used sparingly as a background color for specific sections to create a sense of depth or mystery. For example, a website for a film noir festival could use this color to evoke the genre's dark and shadowy aesthetic. However, it should be used cautiously due to its low visibility and potential accessibility issues. Ensure sufficient contrast with foreground elements to maintain readability and usability. Avoid using it for large blocks of text or interactive elements.

• Interior Design - Accent Color

  In interior design, #12090B can serve as an accent color in rooms with plenty of natural light. It works well on small surfaces such as throw pillows, decorative vases, or picture frames. Combining it with lighter, contrasting colors such as beige or light gray can create a sophisticated and balanced atmosphere. Avoid using it on large wall surfaces or in dimly lit rooms, as it can make the space feel smaller and more enclosed. Proper lighting is essential to showcase its subtle nuances.

• Fashion - Accessory Base

  In fashion, #12090B can be used as a base color for accessories like belts, shoes, or handbags. Its dark, muted tone complements both warm and cool color palettes. When incorporating it into clothing, consider using it as a foundation for layering with lighter or brighter pieces to create visual interest. For example, a dark #12090B skirt could be paired with a cream-colored blouse and a statement necklace. Its versatility allows it to be styled for both casual and formal occasions.

Complementary color

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