Desert Springs

#DCDDCB

Gray Family →

What Color is Desert Springs

Desert Springs is a pale, desaturated neutral that balances soft gray with a whisper of sage green. This sophisticated hue offers a sense of equilibrium and serves as a versatile alternative to traditional off-whites in contemporary environments.

What color is opposite Desert Springs?

The opposite color to Desert Springs is Ghost (#cbcbdd).

View Ghost

Additional Information

  • Color Family: Gray
  • Temperature: Warm
  • Associated Season: Summer
  • Complementary Color: #CBCBDD
  • Brightness: 219/255
  • Saturation: 8%

Colors That Pair Well With Desert Springs

Complementary

Pair with Ghost for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.

#DCDDCB#cbcbdd

High Contrast

Use Steel Gray for maximum readability. Ideal for text or critical UI elements.

#DCDDCB#232234

Harmonious Depth

Use lighter and darker shades for a sophisticated, cohesive design. Great for backgrounds, text, and subtle accents.

#eaebe0#6e6f66

Desert Springs History

Historically, shades akin to Desert Springs were achieved through the mixture of lead white and natural earth pigments such as raw umber or yellow ochre. These 'stone' colors became prominent during the 18th-century Neoclassical period, where architects utilized them to simulate the appearance of weathered limestone and fine masonry in interior plasterwork.

During the mid-20th century, the color resurfaced within the Minimalism movement as a rejection of synthetic, high-saturation tones. It represented a return to organic authenticity, aligning with the architectural shift toward using raw materials and light-filled, open spaces that required subtle, non-distracting wall treatments.

Meaning & Psychology

Psychologically, this color is associated with tranquility and mental clarity. Because it sits at the intersection of green and gray, it provides the calming benefits of nature without the energetic stimulation of brighter verdant tones, fostering an environment of stability and focus.

The low chromatic intensity of Desert Springs minimizes visual noise, making it a powerful tool for reducing anxiety in high-stress environments. It is perceived as honest and grounded, projecting a sense of reliability and quiet confidence that avoids the clinical coldness of pure blue-grays.

In Nature

In the natural world, this shade appears in the dried foliage of desert sage and the parched limestone cliffs of arid basins. It is visible in the protective glaucous coating of succulent leaves and the weathered shells of bird eggs found in grassland nesting sites.

How To Use Desert Springs

In professional interior design, this color acts as a superior background for layered textures like reclaimed wood, linen, and brushed brass. It provides enough depth to make white moldings pop while maintaining a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living spaces.

From a graphic design perspective, Desert Springs is an excellent choice for minimalist branding in the wellness and organic food sectors. When used in digital interfaces, it improves accessibility by providing a low-glare surface for long-form reading, though it requires high-contrast charcoal or deep olive typography to meet legibility standards.

Related Words

lead whiteneoclassicalminimalismorganictranquilitystabilityanxietyfoliagelimestoneglaucousbackgroundseamlessminimalistaccessibility

Curated Palettes

#DCDDCB
#B5B49D
#8E8D75
#6B6A53
#4A4938

Arid Oasis

A grounded, earth-centric palette inspired by desert landscapes.

#DCDDCB
#F5F5F0
#A8A899
#555555
#1A1A1A

Modern Minimalist

High-contrast neutrals for a clean and professional aesthetic.

#DCDDCB
#A3AD91
#6B7D5F
#46523D
#262E21

Botanical Shadow

Deep greens and soft neutrals for a lush, organic feel.

Color Conversions

Hex
#DCDDCB
RGB
220, 221, 203
RGB %
86%, 87%, 80%
HSL
63°, 21%, 83%
HSV
63°, 8%, 87%
CMYK
0%, 0%, 8%, 13%
LAB
87.60, -3.46, 8.71
XYZ
66.15, 71.24, 66.76

Color Blindness Simulation

Normal
Protanopia
Deuteranopia
Tritanopia

CSS Snippets

Text Color (Hex)
Aa
color: #DCDDCB;
Text Color (RGB)
Aa
color: rgb(220, 221, 203);
Background Color
background-color: #DCDDCB;
Border
border: 3px solid #DCDDCB;
Box Shadow
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #DCDDCB66;
Gradient
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #DCDDCB 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Cushion Mockup
Available to Order Now

Shop Premium Products in Desert Springs

This isn't just a mockup. We'll custom make high-quality home decor in this exact shade, just for you.

MaterialEco Velvet
Size30cm x 30cm
Color
Desert Springs

Ships in 3-5 daysSecure Checkout

Product Details

Add a touch of luxury to your home with our premium Eco Velvet cushions. Soft to the touch, these cushions are perfect for adding comfort and style to any room.

  • Material: Soft Eco Velvet.
  • Feel: Velvety soft finish.
  • Print: Double-sided, all-over vibrant color using water-based inks.
  • Care: Machine washable at 30°C.
  • Construction: Handmade to order with a concealed zipper.
Eco Credentials

We believe in sustainable style. Our cushions are crafted with the planet in mind.

  • Made to Order: Produced only when you order, eliminating overproduction and waste.
  • Water-Based Inks: Printed using neo-pigment, water-based inks that are non-hazardous, toxin-free, and vegan-friendly.
  • Local Fulfilment: Produced locally where possible to reduce carbon emissions from transport.
  • Vegan Friendly: No animal products are used in the production of these cushions.

What Goes With Desert Springs?

Explore color palettes containing Desert Springs and discover harmonious combinations for your designs.

Accessibility

Contrast with Black and White

Contrast with Black

UI Examples

"Color is a power which directly influences the soul."

Contrast Ratio

0.00/ 21
Fail
AA Normal Text
Fail
AA Large Text
Fail
AAA Normal Text
Fail
AAA Large Text
Fail
Contrast with White

UI Examples

"Color is a power which directly influences the soul."

Contrast Ratio

0.00/ 21
Fail
AA Normal Text
Fail
AA Large Text
Fail
AAA Normal Text
Fail
AAA Large Text
Fail

Closest Color Matches

Best Match

Prismacolor

20 % French Grey

#PC1069#D4D3C9

Buy

Caran d'ache Luminance 6901

Buff Titanium

#801#F0E5D6

Buy

Polychromos

warm grey I

#270#D9D0CE

Buy
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hex code for Desert Springs?
The hex code for Desert Springs is #DCDDCB. The RGB values are (220, 221, 203). You can find more formats like CMYK and LAB in the Color Conversions section.
What colors go with Desert Springs?
Desert Springs pairs well with its complementary color, Ghost (#cbcbdd). It also works great with analogous colors (neighbors on the wheel) and triadic combinations. See our recommended pairings for more ideas.
Is Desert Springs accessible for text?
No, Desert Springs is not readable on white backgrounds. It is not readable on black backgrounds. For detailed contrast ratios and WCAG scores, check the accessibility section.
How do I use Desert Springs in CSS?

You can use Desert Springs in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:

.desert-springs {
  background-color: #DCDDCB;
  color: #FFFFFF;
}

For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.