Acadia
General Information about Acadia (#170F04)
The hexadecimal color code #170F04 represents a very dark shade of brown, often referred to as Acadia. It resides in the lower range of the color spectrum, possessing minimal brightness and saturation. In the RGB color model, it consists of 9.02% red, 5.88% green, and 1.57% blue. Its CMYK representation is characterized by high percentages of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, indicative of its darkness. This color often evokes feelings of earthiness, warmth, and stability. Due to its deep tone, it is rarely used as a primary color, but can be utilized for a secondary colour as an accent to draw eyes to particular parts of a design. Its usage requires careful consideration to ensure legibility and visual appeal, especially in digital contexts.
The color #170F04, a very dark shade of brown, presents significant accessibility challenges. Its low luminance results in poor contrast against most background colors, especially white. Text rendered in this color may be difficult or impossible for users with visual impairments to read. To ensure accessibility, it is crucial to use this color sparingly and pair it with very light background colors to achieve a contrast ratio that meets WCAG guidelines (ideally 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text). Avoid using #170F04 for essential user interface elements or conveying critical information. Consider providing alternative high-contrast color schemes for users who require them. Using tools to check color contrast is highly recommended during the design process. Furthermore, never rely solely on color to convey meaning; always provide redundant cues, such as text labels or icons.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design Accent
In web design, Acadia (#170F04) can be employed sparingly as a background accent for sections intended to evoke a sense of earthiness, antiquity, or understated elegance. However, due to its poor contrast, it must be paired with significantly lighter text and graphic elements to ensure readability and accessibility. It is well suited for use as a subtle border color or as part of a complex textured background where its darkness contributes to the overall depth, but should not be used for important elements, as it is very hard to read. This colour is best used to accent and to draw the eye to certain areas of a design.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, Acadia can create a cozy and grounding atmosphere. It's suitable for accent walls in large, well-lit rooms or as a color for furniture upholstery. The deep brown color can complement natural materials like wood and stone, enhancing a rustic or earthy theme. To avoid making a room feel too dark, pair it with lighter, brighter colors for walls and accessories. Used carefully, Acadia can add warmth and sophistication to a space, however, it is best to use the colour in well lit rooms, or rooms with plenty of natural light.
Fashion Accent
In fashion, this colour is suitable for leather accessories such as bags, belts, and shoes, providing a sophisticated and classic touch. Acadia's dark brown evokes a sense of tradition and can be a good choice for garments intended for an elegant, understated look. The colour can also be very versatile, being suitable for formal and informal settings, especially during the autumn or winter. Pair with lighter colors like beige, cream, or pastels for a balanced outfit. In more autumnal settings, the colour is best paired with orange, yellows or reds.