The beauty of navy
Classic navy has made a comeback, and paired with a warm neutral is a winner for any room in your home
Navy blue is an interiors underdog. It’s underappreciated and, frankly, underutilised. White, black, and even grey have had their moment in the last decade, while navy has continued along, without much notice. But there’s a lot to be said for the dark blue shade. It’s a classic choice that works well as a neutral but rarely gets top billing. Of course, all classic colours deserve an updated pairing. In the case of navy blue, it gets an update with the addition of warm tan or beige, whether in wall colour or sofa choice.
Warm colours offset the cool tone of the navy, giving it a cosiness for a space like a living room or bedroom. When you’re considering furniture like coffee tables and side tables, muted gold or brass reinforce the warm feeling and continue the traditional feeling throughout the space.
But beige isn’t the only way you can modernise classic navy. For a bright and cheerful bedroom, consider a half wall of pale blue that’s the perfect setting for a navy bed frame. A bench at the foot of the bed made from the same upholstered material will add a little more of the colour as a pop against the lighter shades in the room. Then add a few accents of brighter colours, like mustard or a lively green plant to finish off the space.
Or consider layering varying shades of navy and dark blue to create a very moody space with tonnes of texture. Make sure to select a range of finishes and fabrics throughout the room so it doesn’t feel too monochromatic and flat. Finally, if you just want a dose of navy without committing to an entire space of the colour, an occasional swivel chair in navy velvet will do the trick.