Catalina Blue
General Information about Catalina Blue
Catalina Blue, represented by the hexadecimal color code #162C82, is a deep and rich shade of blue that evokes feelings of tranquility, depth, and sophistication. It resides within the blue color family, possessing a strong presence and a slightly mysterious undertone. In the RGB color model, it consists of 8.63% red, 17.25% green, and 50.98% blue. Its primary associations include royalty, intelligence, stability, and depth. This color finds applications across various design disciplines, from web development to interior decor, often chosen to convey a sense of professionalism, trust, and reliability. It's a popular choice for branding and marketing materials where a serious and dependable image is desired.
The color #162C82, also known as Catalina Blue, presents specific accessibility challenges, particularly for users with visual impairments. Its dark hue results in a low luminance value, which means that text rendered in this color requires careful consideration of contrast ratios. To ensure readability, especially for users with low vision or color blindness, it's essential to pair this color with significantly lighter text colors, such as white or very light shades of yellow or gray. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text, as specified by WCAG guidelines. Moreover, avoid using this color for critical interactive elements without clear visual cues, as users might struggle to identify them. Providing alternative visual cues, like borders or icons, can improve usability for everyone. Also, consider testing your designs with color blindness simulators to ensure content is accessible to individuals with different types of color vision deficiencies.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #2e5cb8
A slightly lighter shade of blue that still provides a rich, nautical feel but offers improved contrast against dark backgrounds.
- #333333
A dark gray that offers a neutral alternative while maintaining a sense of sophistication and seriousness, suitable for professional settings.
- #000080
A classic navy blue alternative that retains a similar dark hue but is a more universally recognized and accessible color.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Catalina Blue can serve as a primary color for navigation bars, headers, and call-to-action buttons, especially for websites aiming for a sophisticated or nautical aesthetic. However, it should be used judiciously, paired with lighter complementary colors for text and other interactive elements to ensure readability and accessibility. It can also be used for backgrounds or dividers to create depth and visual interest, provided sufficient contrast is maintained with foreground elements. Consider using it for data visualization, to represent a data series.
Fashion
In fashion, Catalina Blue can be used as an elegant color for evening wear, formal attire, or accessories. Its deep hue lends itself well to luxurious fabrics like velvet or silk, creating a sophisticated and timeless look. It can also be used in casual wear, such as denim or knitwear, to add a touch of refinement to everyday outfits. Accessorize with metallic elements like gold or silver.
Interior Design
For interior design, Catalina Blue can be used as an accent color in living rooms, bedrooms, or studies to create a calming and sophisticated atmosphere. It pairs well with neutral colors like white, gray, and beige, as well as natural materials like wood and stone. Consider using it for accent walls, furniture upholstery, or decorative accessories such as cushions and rugs. It can also be incorporated into artwork or lighting fixtures.