Acadia
General Information about Acadia (#181603)
The hexadecimal color #181603, also known as Acadia, is a very dark shade of brown, almost black. It belongs to the brown color family and possesses a low saturation and brightness. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 9.41% red, 8.63% green, and 1.18% blue. This composition results in a color that is perceived as muted and earthy. Acadia evokes feelings of stability, groundedness, and nature. It can also be associated with tradition, history, and warmth. Its subtle nature makes it a versatile color for various design applications, especially when paired with lighter and brighter colors to create contrast and visual interest. In small doses, it can provide a level of sophistication.
The color #181603, also known as Acadia, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly regarding color contrast. When used as text against a white background, it fails to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) AA standards for normal text (4.5:1 contrast ratio). This means users with moderate visual impairments may struggle to read content. Similarly, it falls short for large text (3:1 contrast ratio). To improve accessibility, consider using a lighter background or a significantly lighter text color. Tools like contrast checkers can help to determine if a color combination meets accessibility standards. In user interface design, avoid using #181603 for essential interactive elements like buttons or links without careful consideration of contrast. Testing with users is crucial to ensure readability and usability for everyone.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Website Backgrounds
Acadia, with its deep and muted tone, can be effectively used in website backgrounds to evoke a sense of nature and earthiness. Its subtlety allows content to stand out without overwhelming the user. Consider it for websites related to environmental conservation, organic products, or rustic themes. In user interface design, use it sparingly for decorative elements or dividers, avoiding its use for primary interactive components due to low contrast. Pair it with lighter text colors to ensure readability and accessibility.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, Acadia can serve as a grounding color in a room, similar to dark wood tones. It can be used on accent walls or furniture to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Consider using it in spaces where relaxation is key, such as living rooms or bedrooms. It complements natural materials like wood, stone, and leather, and it pairs well with warmer, lighter tones to create a balanced palette. To avoid the room feeling too dark, ensure sufficient natural or artificial lighting.
Branding
Acadia can add a touch of sophistication to branding materials such as business cards, letterheads, and packaging. Its subtle earthiness conveys a sense of reliability and tradition. It can be paired with metallic accents like gold or copper to elevate the design and create a premium feel. In logo design, use Acadia sparingly, as it may not be highly visible on all backgrounds. Ensure sufficient contrast with other elements of the brand identity to maintain readability and visual appeal.