#8C9496 Hex Color
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Boulder Creek is a dusty, mid-tone grey with strong desaturated characteristics. Because it maintains high contrast against black text, the hex code #8c9496 works well as a reliable, stable base for UI backgrounds and minimal design systems. Avoid pairing it with high-contrast whites, as it can appear washed out, but it anchors richer, jewel-toned accents effectively in a professional palette.
About Boulder Creek
Fog-worn river stones, cool and half asleep
What does boulder creek mean?
Grey shades commonly suggest stone, overcast skies, and neutrality, and this cool-leaning grey often reads as reserved and practical. Its mid lightness and near-zero saturation make it feel settled and even, like a room with the blinds half drawn.
Where you see boulder creek
- river stones
- pewter buttons
- concrete stairs
- overcast skies
- dolphin skin
- sea glass
What it works for
It works well as a neutral backdrop in web and interior design, letting stronger colors carry the accent.
What colors go with boulder creek?
Terracotta #e2725bWarm orange-brown gives this cool grey a grounded, earthy counterweight.Dusty Rose #b56f76Both colors stay muted, so the pairing looks soft without turning sugary.Deep Teal #00555aThe dark blue-green deepens the grey and adds water-like weight.Mustard #ffdb58A dry yellow pops hard against grey and keeps the scheme from feeling flat.Warm Sand #c5ae91Pale beige lifts the mid-toned grey and keeps backgrounds airy.Charcoal #36454fDarker grey shades build a quiet, layered neutral palette with clear contrast.
Questions about Boulder Creek
What is the hex code for Boulder Creek?
Boulder Creek is #8c9496. In RGB that is rgb(140, 148, 150), in HSL hsl(192, 5%, 57%) and in CMYK 7%, 1%, 0%, 41%.
Does Boulder Creek #8c9496 work better as a primary or secondary color?
Boulder Creek is best used as a structural secondary or background color rather than a primary focal point. Its muted, desaturated nature provides a stable foundation that allows bolder, more vibrant colors like navy or terracotta to stand out without competing for attention.
Is Boulder Creek readable on white or black?
Boulder Creek has a 3.09:1 contrast ratio on white and 6.79:1 on black. WCAG asks for 4.5:1 for body text and 3:1 for large text, so on white it works only for large text (24px, or 18.5px bold) and on black it works for body text. Try other pairs in the contrast checker.