Design: How to use navy, a sharp neutral
Designer Zoe Feldman pairs glossy navy walls with dark doors for a chic entry. Illustrates DESIGN-NAVY (category l), by Terri Sapienza (c) 2011, The Washington Post. Moved Friday, Oct. 14, 2011. Credit: The Washington Post/ Ricci Shryock
The charm and versatility of this dark blue shade in the home may surprise you.
Navy is classic, and it goes with everything, adding warmth in a room and giving depth to walls. And you can have fun with it, too. Pair dark blue with white or red for a crisp, traditional look, or marry it with magenta or chartreuse for something unexpected. Navy can be considered a masculine color, but mixing it with certain shades, such as pink, purple or teal, can bring out its feminine side.
Other colors that mingle especially well with navy include mustard, emerald, gray and black.
Paint walls navy in entry spaces, dining rooms or libraries. Use a high-gloss finish, and keep the trim light. The color also looks great on kitchen cabinets. Some designer favorites in paint -- Hale Navy, Midnight Navy, Admiral Blue and Starry Night Blue by Benjamin Moore, and Drawing Room Blue and Hague Blue by Farrow & Ball.
If you find the color appealing but are apprehensive about dark, glossy walls, try painting a piece of furniture. A dresser, bedside or occasional table, or even a front door, can get a big dose of personality with a new coat of navy paint.
Of course, there are other ways to introduce the darkest of blues into your home without paint. Upholster a sofa or a chair in a rich, navy velvet. Dress your bed, windows or floors in a graphic navy pattern. Accessorize with navy pillows, linens or shapely vessels.
