Asphalt
General Information about Asphalt (#190212)
The hexadecimal color code #190212 represents a very dark, desaturated shade of red-violet, often described as Asphalt due to its resemblance to the dark, bituminous material used in road paving. It is composed of 9.8% red, 0.8% green, and 7.1% blue. In the RGB color space, it is created by mixing these three primary colors. The color's low saturation and dark value contribute to its somber and understated character. It is rarely found in nature but frequently used in design to evoke a sense of modernity, sophistication, or industrial aesthetic. Its low brightness makes it suitable for use as a background color in dark themes or as an accent color to add depth and contrast.
The color #190212, also known as Asphalt, presents considerable accessibility challenges. Its very low luminance value of 0.005 makes it difficult to achieve sufficient contrast with lighter text or foreground elements. According to WCAG guidelines, the minimum contrast ratio for normal text is 4.5:1, and for large text, it's 3:1. Given Asphalt's darkness, meeting these ratios requires extremely light foreground colors. Using Asphalt as a background color necessitates careful selection of text colors to ensure readability and usability, especially for users with visual impairments. Developers should use contrast checking tools to verify compliance with accessibility standards, and consider offering alternative high-contrast themes.
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Applications
Web Design
Asphalt (#190212) can serve as a sophisticated background for websites aiming for a dark and modern aesthetic. Its deep, muted tone allows for vibrant content to stand out while maintaining a sense of elegance. It pairs well with minimalist designs and bold typography, creating a visually appealing user experience. In UI design, it's suitable for dark mode interfaces, providing a comfortable viewing experience in low-light environments.
Interior Design
In interior design, Asphalt can be used as an accent color for walls or furniture to add depth and sophistication to a space. It works particularly well in modern and industrial-style interiors, creating a dramatic and stylish atmosphere. When used in smaller doses, it can ground a room and provide a visual anchor, complementing brighter and more vibrant colors. Asphalt can also be utilized in textiles and decor to add a touch of understated elegance.
Fashion and Beauty
Asphalt can be used as a base color for clothing, such as jackets or trousers. It offers a versatile backdrop for brighter accessories or contrasting garments. In cosmetics, Asphalt can be incorporated into eyeshadow palettes or eyeliners to create smoky and dramatic eye looks. It pairs well with metallic tones and vibrant colors, allowing for a wide range of creative makeup applications. The dark and muted nature of Asphalt makes it a chic and timeless choice.