Maroon (#550000) is a sophisticated deep red that embodies elegance and authority. This rich color combines red's intensity with brown's earthiness, creating a tone that's both warm and grounded.

In design, maroon excels at conveying professionalism and luxury. It's particularly effective for highlighting important elements without being overly aggressive, making it ideal for buttons, notifications, or error states. The color psychology behind maroon suggests confidence, stability, and success, which explains its popularity in academic institutions and business branding.

Maroon pairs beautifully with complementary colors like teal for maximum contrast, or with analogous shades like burgundy and claret for sophisticated monochromatic schemes. For softer combinations, try pairing it with sage, rosewater, or forest green.

Historically, maroon derives from the French word "marron" meaning chestnut, and has long been associated with royalty and wisdom—famously worn by Tibetan monks including the Dalai Lama. Today, it remains a powerful choice for creating memorable, authoritative designs that command respect while maintaining warmth and approachability.