The Complete Guide to Decorating with Navy Blue Kitchen Walls
Navy blue kitchen walls are having a major moment right now. The dramatic blue hue adds visual interest and a cozy allure to any kitchen design. From contemporary to coastal to traditional spaces, navy blue's versatility allows it to be incorporated in a variety of aesthetics. This rich shade can completely transform the look and feel of your kitchen.
From choosing the ideal navy tone to picking complementary accents, you will have all the information needed to fully embrace thisregal yet inviting color trend.
The Draw of Decadent Navy Blue
What makes navy blue such a captivating choice for kitchen walls? For starters, it packs a bold punch of color that immediately catches the eye. The blue tone is welcoming while still feeling luxe and upscale.
Going with a darker dramatic color like navy for your kitchen walls creates plenty of contrast against lighter countertops, cabinets, and decor. This contrast showcases any textures and accessories placed against the navy backdrop to their full advantage.
Mood and Aesthetic
The mood set by navy kitchen walls can range from cozy and beachy to sleek and modern depending on the chosen shade and style. Deep classic navy leans traditional. Bright blues with a hint of azure feel cheerful and relaxed.
Painted a high gloss, navy takes on a polished, contemporary vibe. Matte navy with worn woods and weathered finishes embraces laid-back coastal charm. Whatever mood you wish to cultivate, navy offers the flexibility to make it happen.
Versatile Pairings
From countertops to cabinets, navy walls complement a wide range of materials and colors. Lighter counters in marble, butcher block, or quartz contrast sublimely against the blue backdrop. Black granite countertops accent navy with a bold punch.
Crisp white cabinets keep the space feeling fresh and bright. Natural wood cabinetry contributes warmth and texture. Even black cabinets can pair well for dramatic effect when done right.
Choosing a Navy Blue Paint Color
With so many shades of navy blue paint on the market, it can be tricky landing on "the one" for your kitchen walls. Here are some tips for selecting the ideal navy hue:
Depth of Color
The undertones present in a navy paint come from how the primary colors are blended. Blues with more red or purple appear deeper, whileextra blue or green results in brighter tones.
Look for a navy with rich pigmentation but avoid tones taking on purple, which can read dated. Aim for flexible shadeslayering blue and green.
Lighting Considerations
Test your top navy choices on the wall at different times of day. The way navy reads shifts in morning, midday, and evening light. Cool undertones may look washed out in low light. Warm navy shades can feel too bold in bright sunlight.
Popular Navy Paint Colors
When narrowing down your options, here are a few tried and true navy blue paint colors for kitchen walls:
- Sherwin Williams Naval
- Behr Midnight Moment
- Benjamin Moore Hale Navy
- Valspar Deep Sea
- Farrow & Ball Hague Blue
Selecting Complementary Cabinets and Counters
The cabinets and countertops paired with navy walls will directly influence the overall look and feel of the space. Here are some recommended combinations:
Countertops
Light countertops create balance against deep navy walls. Crisp whites, subtle grays, and surfaces mimicking marble or granite work beautifully. Neutral quartz or actual marble offer an upscale pairing.
Butcher block countertops introduce natural warmth. Black granite makes a bold punctuation on the countertop surface when combined with navy walls.
Cabinets
White cabinets keep the space feeling open and airy against navy walls. The high contrast allows details on glass-front cabinets to really pop. For a more traditional but still lively look, consider medium wood toned cabinets.
Charcoal gray or black cabinets can align with navy walls nicely, but take care that the space doesn’t end up feeling too dark and closed in.
Selecting the Perfect Backsplash
The ideal backsplash pairs perfectly with navy blue kitchen walls without feeling overly matchy. Here are some backsplash options that complement navy beautifully:
Materials
Natural stone surfaces like marble, travertine and limestone backsplashes complement navy walls with organic texture. Mirror-like glass tile and shimmering metallics reflect light beautifully against the moody blue backdrop.
For a classic look, white subway tile keeps the space feeling bright and timeless. Mixing materials, like combining marble and metal, makes for an eclectic vibe.
Colors
Whites, light grays, and neutrals tend to work best with navy kitchen walls. Ivory or cream backsplashes with subtle organic patterning can provide soft contrast. Dark metal backsplashes make a bold, dynamic statement.
If selecting a colored tile, muted blue-greens and lighter blues play off navy walls nicely. Mossy greens and coral accents also pair well for a beachy mood.
Lighting for Maximum Impact
Properly illuminating a navy blue kitchen is key to showing off the dramatic color. Here are some lighting strategies that complement navy walls:
Fixtures
Pendants instantly provide both task lighting and visual interest. Mini-pendants clustered over a kitchen island make a big design statement. For a beachy vibe, woven or rattan pendants enhance texture.
Sconces flanking windows or placed strategically on walls provide both accent and ambient lighting. Flush mount fixtures keep the ceiling looking clean and highlight navy walls.
Finishes
Go for light fixtures in brass, chrome, nickel, or other polished metals to contrast the matte navy walls. Aged bronze and black metal finishes can align with the dark dramatic walls as well.
For glass pendants and sconces, clear glass maintains brightness. Frosted, opaque, or patterned glass offer intriguing shadow effects on surrounding surfaces.
Accessories and Decor
The right decorative touches can enhance navy walls and tie the whole kitchen together. Here are some stylish ways to accessorize your space:
Textures
Natural textures complement navy’s richness. Incorporate woven baskets, wood cutting boards, ceramic vases, and planters for organic contrast. Use textiles like pillows and curtains to soften hard surfaces.
Material Accents
Weathered wood dining tables, bar stools, shelves or architectural beams inject warmth. Concrete, leather, or velvet stools provide an industrial edge. Marble, travertine or soapstone objects relate to stone counters and backsplashes.
Plants
Greenery enlivens navy walls and brings vitality into the space. Dot trellised or climbing plants along the walls. Place potted herb gardens along counters or windowsills.
Nautical Accents
For a coastal navy kitchen, incorporate details like rope-wrapped jars, seashells, driftwood, and framed sea life artwork. Opt for accents in warm wood, wicker, and rope.
Design Styles to Embrace
Now that you know how to thoughtfully put together a navy blue kitchen, explore some of the most popular design aesthetics complemented by this moody hue:
Contemporary
Take navy in a sleek, modern direction by pairing it with crisp white cabinetry, marble counters, and gleaming metal finishes. The dark blue color brilliantly grounds the minimalist space.
Beachy
Capture breezy coastal vibes with weathered wood cabinets, quartz counters, and woven or rattan textures. Add sand and ocean hued accents for the perfect laid-back navy kitchen.
Traditional
For timeless elegance, combine navy with warm wood cabinetry, antique hardware, and marble counters. Navy’s classic feel effortlessly aligns with traditional design when accented thoughtfully.
With the right complementary elements, navy blue kitchen walls will utterly transform your space. Take the dramatic leap into bold color design and enjoy your regal, inviting kitchen.
Use this complete guide to confidently embrace navy walls and craft your ideal aesthetic, whether modern beach house or upscale traditional. Navy’s versatility makes it endlessly workable.
Soon you’ll be reaping the benefits of this trending shade as you cook, dine and relax within the cozy, compelling confines of your new navy blue kitchen!