Acadia

General Information about Acadia (#181203)

The hex color code #181203 represents a very dark shade of brown, often referred to as Acadia. It's composed of 9.4% red, 7.1% green, and 1.2% blue. In the RGB color space, it's a very muted color with exceedingly low saturation and brightness. It closely resembles a very dark umber or a deep, shadowed earth tone. Due to its darkness, it is rarely used as a primary color, but rather as an accent or background element. This hex code is most effective when paired with significantly lighter colors to provide necessary contrast, ensuring readability and visual clarity. Colors with this profile are often associated with nature, antiquity, and a sense of groundedness. Its use in design evokes feelings of stability, history, and a quiet sophistication.

The color #181203, also known as Acadia, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly in text-based applications. Its very low lightness value of 3% means that it provides insufficient contrast against commonly used background colors like white. 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. Acadia fails to meet these standards when paired with light backgrounds. Therefore, it's crucial to use Acadia sparingly, especially for text or interactive elements. When using this color, ensure a sufficiently light or high contrast background to guarantee readability and usability for users with visual impairments. A color contrast checker should be utilized to validate the contrast ratio. Also avoid using this color for critical user interface elements.

Shades

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Alternative colors

Applications

• Website Backgrounds

  Acadia, with its deep, earthy tone, is well-suited for backgrounds in website designs that aim for a natural or rustic aesthetic. It can create a sense of warmth and grounding, especially when used in conjunction with lighter, complementary colors for text and accents. This color is ideal for websites related to nature, outdoor activities, or artisanal products, providing a visual connection to organic elements. However, it's vital to ensure sufficient contrast with text and interactive elements to maintain readability and usability. Careful consideration of color pairings can maximize its impact while ensuring an accessible user experience.

• Interior Design Accent

  In interior design, Acadia can be used as an accent color for walls, furniture, or decorative elements to add depth and richness to a space. Its dark, grounding presence can create a sense of coziness and sophistication, especially when paired with lighter neutrals or contrasting textures. This color works well in spaces designed for relaxation or contemplation, such as libraries, studies, or bedrooms. It can also be used to highlight architectural features or artwork, providing a subtle yet impactful visual anchor. When using Acadia in interior design, consider the overall lighting scheme and the size of the space to ensure a balanced and harmonious effect.

• Packaging Design

  Acadia's rich, understated hue makes it an excellent choice for packaging design, conveying a sense of quality, authenticity, and natural origin. It is particularly effective for products like coffee, chocolate, or artisanal goods, where the color reinforces the brand's commitment to natural ingredients and craftsmanship. Acadia can be used for boxes, labels, or wrapping, creating a premium feel that appeals to discerning consumers. When incorporating this color into packaging, consider the overall brand identity and target audience to ensure a cohesive and impactful design. Proper material choices are also important to ensure the integrity of the color on various packaging types.

Complementary color

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