Acadia
General Information about Acadia (#170F02)
The hexadecimal color code #170F02 represents a very dark shade of brown, often referred to as Acadia. It is composed of 9.02% red, 5.88% green, and 0.78% blue. In the RGB color space, it has the values R:23, G:15, and B:2, with corresponding CMYK values of C:0, M:0.35, Y:0.91, and K:0.91. The color is perceived as a muted, deep tone, leaning heavily towards black due to the low values in all three primary color channels. Acadia is typically associated with earth tones, natural elements, and rustic aesthetics, evoking a sense of grounding and stability. It can be utilized to create a vintage or antique atmosphere and is found in nature (wood, earth, and similar).
The color #170F02, also known as Acadia, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly in web design. Its very dark nature results in extremely low contrast against typical light backgrounds, like white (#FFFFFF). This poor contrast can make text and other elements virtually illegible for users with visual impairments, including those with low vision or color blindness. Therefore, it is crucial to use this color sparingly and always pair it with very light text or foreground elements to ensure sufficient contrast ratio, ideally aiming for a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text as per WCAG guidelines. Thoroughly test any color combinations with accessibility tools to verify compliance and ensure a usable experience for all users. Avoid using it for interactive elements without careful consideration of the visual feedback provided to the user.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #3d2b1f
A slightly lighter shade of brown that maintains a sense of earthiness while providing improved contrast against light backgrounds.
- #4e342e
A warmer brown tone with hints of red, offering a richer and more inviting feel compared to Acadia.
- #212121
Dark grey, almost black, provides better contrast with lighter foreground elements
Applications
Web Design Accent
In web design, Acadia (#170F02) can be utilized as a subtle background accent for sections intending to evoke a sense of rustic charm or vintage aesthetics. This color can also be effective for decorative elements or dividers to add depth without overwhelming the overall design. However, caution is advised when using Acadia for text or interactive elements, due to its low contrast. It's better applied to static components or in conjunction with highly contrasting foreground colors like off-white or cream, ensuring optimal readability and accessibility for all users.
Interior Design Accent
Acadia's deep, earthy tone finds excellent application in interior design, especially when aiming for a natural or vintage-inspired aesthetic. It can be used as a wall color in spaces seeking a cozy and enveloping atmosphere, such as studies or reading nooks. Alternatively, Acadia can serve as an accent color in furniture, textiles, or decorative items, providing a grounding element within a room. Its neutrality allows it to complement a wide range of materials, from natural wood to stone, and it pairs exceptionally well with lighter, warmer hues to create balance and visual interest. When utilizing Acadia, ensure the room is well-lit to prevent a sense of darkness.
Fashion Accents
Acadia can be used in fashion design as accents on garments to convey a sense of ruggedness or earthiness. It could be used on accessories, such as belts, bags or shoes. For example, a leather belt of this color could contrast well with a pair of light jeans.