Catalina Blue
General Information about Catalina Blue
Catalina Blue, represented by the hexadecimal color code #0A3474, is a deep, saturated shade of blue that evokes feelings of calmness, stability, and trust. It belongs to the blue color family and is often associated with professionalism, authority, and intelligence. In color psychology, blue is known for its soothing and relaxing effects, making it a popular choice for corporate branding, websites, and interior design. This particular shade of blue is relatively dark, which means it may require careful consideration when used in combination with other colors to ensure sufficient contrast and readability, especially for text and interactive elements. Its RGB values are R:10, G:52, B:116 and its CMYK values are C:91, M:55, Y:0, K:54.
The color #0A3474, a deep shade of blue, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly concerning color contrast. When used as a background color, it is crucial to pair it with light-colored text to ensure readability. White and very light shades of gray or yellow are optimal choices. Avoid using dark text on this background, as it will likely fail accessibility standards such as WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). For interactive elements like buttons or links, provide sufficient visual cues beyond color alone, such as underlines, borders, or icons. Consider users with visual impairments, including those with color blindness, and test the color combination using accessibility evaluation tools to ensure compliance. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text is recommended. Also ensure that interactive elements have a contrast ratio of 3:1 against adjacent colors.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Development
In web development, #0A3474 can be effectively used for navigation bars, headers, or as a primary brand color to evoke trust and stability. It's particularly suitable for websites in the finance, technology, or education sectors. Ensure sufficient contrast with text and interactive elements to maintain accessibility standards. Avoid using it as the sole indicator for important actions, and always provide alternative visual cues. For instance, buttons can change shape or display an icon on hover. When using this color for charts or graphs, consider colorblind-friendly palettes to ensure all users can understand the information. Use it to highlight important sections of content.
Interior Design
In interior design, Catalina Blue (#0A3474) can be used as an accent color in a room to create a calming and sophisticated atmosphere. It works well in bedrooms, living rooms, or home offices. Pair it with lighter neutrals like beige, cream, or light gray to balance the depth of the blue. Consider using it on accent walls, furniture pieces, or decorative accessories. Avoid overusing it in small spaces, as it can make the room feel smaller and darker. Incorporate natural light and reflective surfaces to brighten the room and enhance the blue's vibrancy.
Fashion
In fashion, #0A3474 can be used for sophisticated and professional clothing items. It would work perfectly as a suit color, and can be combined with light colored shirts for a modern yet timeless look. Furthermore, it can be used for handbags, shoes or other accessories to add a touch of color to an outfit. It pairs well with neutral colors like white, black, and gray, as well as other shades of blue. Consider using it in textured fabrics like velvet or corduroy to add depth and dimension.