Gondola
General Information
The hex color #201018, often referred to as Gondola, is a deep, muted shade of brown with subtle hints of red. It belongs to the family of dark earth tones and evokes a sense of sophistication, mystery, and understated elegance. In the RGB color model, #201018 is composed of 12.55% red, 6.27% green, and 9.41% blue. Its CMYK representation is approximately 0% cyan, 50% magenta, 24% yellow, and 87% black. Gondola's somber tone makes it suitable for designs aiming to convey seriousness, stability, or a touch of drama. It is often used in branding, web design, and interior decoration to create a refined and luxurious atmosphere. The color's subtle complexity allows it to pair well with both warm and cool color palettes, offering versatility in various design applications.
The hex color #201018, also known as Gondola, presents some accessibility challenges, especially in text-based contexts. Due to its dark nature, it requires careful consideration of contrast ratios. When used as a background color, it is crucial to pair it with a light-colored text to ensure sufficient readability. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal-sized text and 3:1 for large text (14pt bold or 18pt regular) to comply with WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) AA standards. For AAA compliance, these ratios increase to 7:1 and 4.5:1 respectively. If used for interactive elements like buttons or links, providing clear visual cues like hover effects or underlines becomes essential to maintain usability for users with visual impairments. Thorough testing with accessibility tools is highly recommended to confirm compliance and ensure an inclusive user experience. It's generally advisable to avoid using this color for critical information if contrast cannot be adequately addressed.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A slightly lighter shade can improve readability while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
A more saturated color can draw more attention.
This color provides a similar dark tone but is less saturated and therefore ensures a better readability if used as background color for longer text.
Applications
Website Backgrounds
Gondola (#201018) can be used to create a sophisticated and mysterious atmosphere. It's excellent for backgrounds in website designs aiming for a high-end, elegant feel. Consider using it in combination with gold or silver accents to enhance the luxurious vibe. Its depth makes it a suitable choice for sections showcasing premium products or services. Furthermore, it can effectively highlight calls to action when paired with contrasting, vibrant colors. This color can also set a calm mood for a site promoting wellness or relaxation services and products. By adjusting the opacity, it can be layered to create visual interest, adding a touch of drama and refinement to the overall aesthetic of the website.
Fashion Design
In fashion, Gondola can be employed to create a chic and understated look. As a dominant color in an outfit, it exudes sophistication and is well-suited for evening wear or formal attire. Accessories in complementary shades of red or metallics can add a pop of vibrancy. Gondola can also serve as an excellent base color for printed fabrics, lending depth and richness to the design. It’s a versatile choice for creating both bold and subtle looks, depending on how it's paired with other colors and textures. Furthermore, using Gondola in small doses, such as in accessories like scarves or belts, can add an element of elegance to a casual outfit.
Interior Design
When designing interior spaces, the dark hue of Gondola lends itself to creating cozy, intimate settings. It works well in areas like bedrooms or home theaters, where a sense of comfort and enclosure is desired. Consider using it on accent walls or as the primary color for upholstery. Complementary colors like soft greys or creams can be used to balance the intensity of Gondola and prevent the room from feeling too dark. Metallic accents, such as brass or copper, can enhance the richness of the color and add a touch of luxury. The darkness of Gondola enhances the brightness of lights and creates a warm ambiance.