More Culture:

June 30, 2017

Black and blue - see why navy is the perfect fit for you

When it comes to decorating, the color navy offers greater tranquillity while maintaining the dark richness of tone

Interior Design Houzz
Oliver Burns Oliver Burns/for PhillyVoice

Coating walls in navy is a daring move, but it’s effective under certain circumstances.

Navy — as an alternative to black — has been an emerging trend in interior design. There are a number of reasons behind its growing popularity. Like black, navy offers notes of elegance and sophistication. And it plays beautifully with other neutrals, possibly offering even more range than black.

Being a form of blue, it has a depth of color that allows for more liveliness and intensity than somber and stark black. And where black can be foreboding for some, navy offers greater tranquillity while maintaining the dark richness of tone. These arguments strengthen the prediction that navy is expected to leave its mark on 2017 and beyond in a big way.

Bull O’Sullivan Architecture Limited, original photo on Houzz

Start Small

A long journey always starts with the first step. The small expression of navy in this interior is enough to catch the eye and break up the warm tonal finishes. It also demonstrates how beautifully navy works with wood.

Traditional Melbourne Kitchen, original photo on Houzz


Enhance your decor with navy throw pillows


This kitchen continues the theme of starting small. The navy check of the shade highlights the window and adds charm.

Glenn Gissler Design, original photo on Houzz

Take a Bigger Step

Rather than covering the walls in navy, consider transforming prominent items of furniture, such as tables and cabinets, using the richness of navy to lift the room. Had this table and cabinet been finished in black, this room would’ve been far less inviting.

Chango & Co, original photo on Houzz

In this bedroom, the upholstered and studded headboard hits the mark and becomes the focal point.


Make your windows pop with navy window treatments

Tip: Keep the rest of the furnishings and color palette simple to allow the main piece of furniture to shine. Navy looks great with many colors, but especially when paired with warm metals like gold and brass.

Oliver Burns, original photo on Houzz

Be Bold Inside

Coating walls in navy is a daring move, but it’s effective under certain circumstances. For example, the navy walls in this living room help accentuate the fine details of the white fireplace and create a striking focal point.


Wall stencils that make painting easy

If you would like a dark color for your bedroom walls, navy is an excellent option for a tranquil and soothing environment.

Caleb Johnson Architects + Builders, original photo on Houzz

Be Bold Outside

Navy can add life to the exterior of any home. It provides rich intensity without being too somber.

Videos