The Color Navy – Both a Trend and a Classic

With the return of sunny longer days and color to our very brown and gray New England landscape, I’m ready for the refreshing feeling of Spring!  Many of my clients are too since they are following suit in their interiors this Spring with plans for major remodels and redecorating refresh.
 
So what am I recommending when a client asks for a palette that is on-trend but will stand the test of time?  Navy and other blue hues. First, you must know I am a fan of blue, and I still adore the color that we painted our master bedroom 17 years ago (Benjamin Moore 2128-60 Beacon Gray). Crisp blue and white linens and darker blue draperies and upholstered chairs, can’t beat that.  I am both soothed and energized by the color every day.

​Like in this photo from Cindy Rinfret, you can really see how Navy Blue brings interest to the room.

As a designer, it’s my job to tell you the “why” something works in your décor, not just the “what.”  So here are 5 reasons why the color Navy might be the perfect color in your family room, bedroom, mudroom, bathroom, or kids’ rooms.

1.  It is trending.  Okay, you know I design primarily “classic” and don’t chase every last trend.  But when a color is trending, that’s important because designers of fabrics and accessories (think rugs, ceramics, lamps, trays, throws, etc.,) will produce things in those colors and you will have LOTS to choose from.  Really important. 
2. Navy and blue go with gray and beige and griege and practically all wood tones.  Like O Positive blood for your décor! 
3. Blue and white interiors are crisp and tailored and look smashing with white millwork. Architectural elements like fireplace mantels, moldings, wainscoting, coffered ceilings and interesting millwork painted in crisp white are heavenly with navy and décor in blue.  Lucky you if you already have these millwork features in your home!  (You can always add them, you know, and I often recommend to my clients that they do so).
4. Navy and blues sing with gold-toned metallics as well as silver and brushed nickel and chrome.  If the blue is lighter and there is a contrast, you can also pair it with oil-rubbed bronze.
5. Navy accommodates different styles well.  Nautical, no brainer there - who can’t envision a Navy beach or lake house interior with striped chairs (like the interior from Garrison Hullinger in Portland, Oregon that we featured in a post on "Decorating With Stripes" )?  

But Navy is also a major color in Asian-inspired decor, with beautiful blue and white porcelains (so popular now) and Japanese prints like the ones below from Georgica Pond Interiors and featured this Spring at Williams Sonoma Home.

To give you a feel for the span of blues out there here are a few of my favorite Benjamin Moore Navy paint colors:

• HC-155: Newburyport Blue
• 1623: Brittania Blue
• 1666: In the Midnight Hour
• HC-156:  Van Deusen Blue

I know lots of designers like HC-154 Hale Navy, but I rarely select it for my clients because it is so very dark.  But if you have a really sunny space, it might work for you. If you want to see all 371 of the blue paints that Benjamin Moore has go here:   https://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/search?q=blue&category=color

​That’s all for our review today of Navy and ode to blue!   When you’re out shopping in coming weeks, pick up some things you love in blue and white.  And call me if you want to refresh a room with blue and need a paint consultation…we’ll choose just the right blue for you!