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.
CHAMELEON COLOR
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.
MORE PAIRINGS
Other colors that mingle especially well with navy include mustard, emerald, gray and black.
WHERE TO USE IT
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.
GET A BRUSH
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.
OR GO SMALL
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.
The Zuri Panels Sea (starting at $35 at zgallerie.com) are printed on 180-thread-count cotton.
The Strasbourg Chair ($1,017 at ballarddesigns.com) comes in indigo twill fabric.
The Chi Chi Kari Rug (starting at $375 at madelineweinrib.com) comes in indigo.
Try the Palm Beach Demi Lune Table in club navy ($1,760 at oomphonline.com), or throw a Mina Tablecloth (starting at $78 at anthropologie.com) over any table.
