Decorating & Design
August 8, 2017
Is Navy Blue The New Black? Find 15 Fresh Decorating Ideas
Graphic and striking, black is a timeless pick for both modern and traditional homes. But lately, another accent shade has been popping up on our radar. Navy paint, furniture and art are popular on Pinterest, and while the hue has always been a go-to pick, using it in lieu of black feels fresh. A hit of navy punctuating an all-white space, for instance, reads softer, richer and a bit less expected.
A little bored with black? Here are 15 places navy blue sings in a home.
Painting out an island in a contrasting shade is a foolproof way to add dimension to a kitchen, and dark blue delivers depth and visual interest in spades. Here, designer Rachel Fox opted for a particularly smart shade of navy, which draws the eye to this island’s handsome detailing.
Navy is a great pick for elevating upholstery. In H&H senior design editor Joel Bray’s former condo, a blue throw pillow and armchair add contrast and suit his seating’s tidy lines.
We love how 31 Westgate designers Colin Blanchard and Kenneth McRobbie went for a glossy, deep blue subway tile in this white kitchen. Opting for a colorful backsplash is generally considered a less “safe” choice than a neutral tile, but classic navy has staying power.
In this striking powder room, a peacock-meets-navy blue vanity makes a refreshing yet refined statement. The hue also ties in beautifully with the room’s graphic patterned wallpaper.
Designers Barbara Purdy and Olivia Botrie opted for a plush, dark blue sofa in this spacious family cottage. The shade is slightly more sapphire-toned than typical navy and lends a pop of life to the living space’s otherwise neutral palette.
H&H TV stylist and segment producer Reiko Caron jumped at the chance to create a custom cabinetry color with AyA Kitchens & Baths for this historical Toronto kitchen. The resulting midnight hue is memorable but very livable.
Tour this kitchen on H&H TV.
Nautical navy is also a fine choice for a wooden bed frame, as demonstrated in designer Philip Mitchell’s charming East Coast coach house. Philip kept the rest of the space on the quieter side to temper the bed’s saturated hue.
Shadowy and cocooning, a dusky navy shade of paint looks great on walls, too. Here, H&H senior design editor Stacey Smithers paired the color with dark wood furniture and plenty of warm-toned pattern — a stunning combination.
Not quite ready to dive into the deep end? Start by painting out a single wall in navy. In this modern, open-concept dining area, a dark blue wall draws the eye to a clean-lined console and provides a dose of unexpected cool.
Painting out all the trim, shelving and paneling in her office space created a quirky moment in designer and architect Darcie Watson’s heritage home. Darcie paired the color with warm camel leather and gold-toned lighting to balance things out.
To add punch to a small space, follow designer Erika Floysvik’s lead. In her compact powder room, Erica painted thick stripes in pure white and inky navy for a daring, high-contrast effect.
If your ceiling boasts incredible beams or interesting detailing, why not paint it an eye-catching hue? In this lofty kitchen, Sarah Richardson Design team members Natalie Hodgins and Kate Stuart applied a navy hue in between each wood beam for a rich look.
For a lower commitment option, lay out a bold, navy-striped rug, like designer Barbara Purdy did in this classic kitchen. Black and white is perennially stylish, but we like how navy-and-white stripes feel breezy and nautical — and very now.
Another application that’s simple to switch out is hanging navy-accented artwork. Our advice for the biggest impact? Opt for a large-scale piece where the color is the star of the show, like this modern print.
Navy is also a seamless addition to an backyard patio, as demonstrated by designer Mazen El-Abdallah’s own outdoor living area. Here, a long sofa upholstered in handsome navy blue fabric is the perfect foil for crisp white furniture and sunny yellow-striped throw pillows.