Acadia
General Information about Acadia
Acadia, represented by the hexadecimal color code #171704, is a very dark shade of brown, almost black with subtle yellow undertones. It evokes a sense of earthiness and nature, reminiscent of fertile soil or deep forests. This color belongs to the brown color family, characterized by its muted and grounded appearance. In the RGB color model, Acadia is composed of 9.02% red, 9.02% green, and 1.57% blue. Its CMYK values are 0% cyan, 0% magenta, 82.5% yellow, and 90.98% black. The color's low saturation and brightness contribute to its subdued and understated character, making it suitable for applications where a subtle and refined aesthetic is desired. Acadia is not a commonly used color due to its darkness, requiring careful consideration in design to ensure adequate contrast and legibility.
The color #171704, also known as Acadia, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially in web design. Its extremely dark hue results in very low contrast against white backgrounds, making it difficult for users with visual impairments to read text or distinguish interface elements. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text. Acadia falls far short of these recommendations. To improve accessibility, it's crucial to pair Acadia with significantly lighter colors, such as whites, creams, or very light yellows. Alternatively, using Acadia sparingly for decorative elements rather than functional components can minimize accessibility issues. Ensuring sufficient contrast benefits all users, including those with low vision, color blindness, or those viewing content on screens with poor display quality. Careful consideration of color combinations is essential when incorporating dark shades like Acadia into designs.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #2e2e14
A slightly lighter shade that provides better contrast while maintaining a similar earthy tone.
- #333333
A more neutral gray that works well as a background color, offering better readability.
- #301e0e
A dark brown that is more commonly used and recognized, making it a safer choice for general applications.
Applications
Website Design
Acadia, with its deep and grounding tone, can be applied in website design to create a sense of sophistication and earthiness. It's particularly suitable for websites in the environmental, agricultural, or artisanal sectors, where a connection to nature is desired. The color can be used for headers, footers, or as an accent color to highlight key elements. When paired with lighter, contrasting colors, it can effectively draw attention to calls to action or important information. However, care must be taken to ensure sufficient contrast for readability, especially for text-heavy sections. This ensures that the aesthetic appeal does not compromise usability.
Interior Design
In interior design, Acadia can serve as a subtle, elegant accent color. It works well in spaces aiming for a natural, organic feel. Consider using it for small furniture pieces, decorative trims, or as a wall accent in rooms with plenty of natural light. The color's grounding quality makes it suitable for creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere. However, because Acadia is a dark shade, it should be balanced with lighter colors to prevent the space from feeling too enclosed or somber. It pairs well with creams, beiges, and light woods to achieve a harmonious and balanced aesthetic.
Fashion
In fashion, Acadia can be used as a sophisticated and understated choice for accessories or accent pieces. Think of belts, handbags, or even as a subtle color in patterned fabrics. Its dark and muted tone makes it versatile for pairing with a variety of colors, from earthy neutrals to brighter, bolder hues. For example, an Acadia-colored belt can add a touch of elegance to a casual outfit, or an Acadia scarf can complement a winter coat. It's a great way to add depth and richness to an outfit without being too loud or flashy.