Catalina Blue
General Information
The hex color #003376, also known as Catalina Blue, is a dark shade of blue, situating it within the blue color family. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 0% red, 20% green, and 46.3% blue. This composition results in a deep, muted blue that is often associated with feelings of stability, trust, and intelligence. Catalina Blue is commonly used in various design contexts, including web design, graphic design, and branding, to convey a sense of professionalism and reliability. Its hexadecimal value makes it easily reproducible across different digital platforms and applications, ensuring color consistency. It is a popular choice for creating visually appealing and harmonious color schemes because it pairs well with complementary colors like yellows and oranges, as well as analogous colors in the blue and green spectrum.
The hex color #003376, also known as Catalina Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly concerning text contrast. When using this color as a background, it's crucial to select a foreground text color that offers sufficient contrast to ensure readability. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. White (#FFFFFF) or very light shades of yellow or gray may provide adequate contrast. Tools like WebAIM's Contrast Checker can be invaluable in verifying compliance. Conversely, avoid using dark text colors like black or dark grays on a #003376 background, as the resulting low contrast will make the content difficult for users, especially those with visual impairments. Thoughtful color choices significantly improve the user experience and ensure inclusivity. Use of this color in crucial visual elements without careful consideration of contrast may exclude users and violate accessibility standards.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Website Design
Catalina Blue, with its deep and calming tone, can be effectively employed in website design, especially for headers, navigation bars, and call-to-action buttons. Its sophisticated appearance lends itself well to professional websites such as corporate pages, educational platforms, or financial services. When combined with a clean, minimalist layout and sharp typography, this color can evoke a sense of trust and stability. However, careful consideration should be given to contrast ratios with text and other elements to ensure readability and accessibility for all users. Using it as a background color paired with white or light-colored text can create an elegant and user-friendly interface.
Interior Design
In the realm of interior design, Catalina Blue introduces a touch of elegance and tranquility to any space. It works exceptionally well in bedrooms, studies, or living rooms, providing a serene and sophisticated atmosphere. It can be used as an accent wall to add depth and visual interest or as the primary color for furniture upholstery and decorative pillows. When paired with natural wood tones and warm lighting, it creates a cozy and inviting ambiance. Complementary colors such as cream, beige, or light gray can balance the richness of Catalina Blue, resulting in a harmonious and stylish interior.
Branding
Catalina Blue provides depth and a professional flair when used in branding. Perfect for finance, technology, or legal firms, it conveys trust and competence. It works best when paired with neutral tones like whites and grays to provide a clean and balanced look. This color would work well in logos, stationary and marketing materials.