Nine ways with Navy

Navy blue is a classic colour that will always be on trend, whether it's in the fashion arena or the home. Interior designers and homeowners cautious of using such a deep hue indoors should take a look at these creative tips to introduce the tone without making a house seem smaller and darker.

Statement wall

For those bold enough to paint walls in this colour, start small with a feature wall or two. Too much dark colour in one space can make rooms appear smaller, so try coating one wall in a shade like Resene True Blue and keeping the others neutral in a cream or white colour. Break up the dark expanse with contrasting mirrors, picture frames and pieces of art that will help the blue appear lighter and more interesting.

If you want to step things up with a bit of texture or pattern, a navy blue wallpaper can add interest to a room and work well with light wooden furniture in a kitchen or dining room.

Dining furniture

If the thought of coating your walls in navy doesn't appeal, stick to pieces of furniture. One room blue works well in is the dining room, especially if you want to add a touch of understated glamour and opulence to the design scheme. Look for sleek, square wooden chairs and a large table to coat in a glossy shade of navy, or make the room fit for a royal with ornate furniture items covered in the colour.

Windows and doors

A current decorating trend that is as effective as it is simple is painting doors and window frames in a contrasting colour to the rest of your home. This works especially well against a white backdrop, such as Resene Alabaster, with navy windows and doors providing a point of difference. You can also replace door knobs and window shutters to match the new blue decor, or get funky with patterned fixtures in a navy and white design.

Kitchen splashback

White and neutral kitchens look great when they have a bit of colour added, and a splashback is a great option for this. Navy tiles, whether glossy or matte, can quickly update this space and work well with stainless steel appliances, or choose a favourite navy for a backpainted splashback.

Dinnerware

Navy plates, cutlery and glassware look fantastic with almost any colour scheme and design, and are an inexpensive way to introduce this trend into your home. Food can look dramatic and vibrant against darker crockery, so your cooking will look better than ever.

Nautical theme

Seaside homes, or those taking inspiration from nautical designs, can incorporate navy everywhere from striped linen through to dark floorboards. Team with splashes of crisp white, exposed wood and bright red, such as Resene Red Berry, for a modern take on a sailing design. Avoid being too obvious with anchor imagery, and instead allow your colours to do the talking.

Bathroom update

Bathrooms are some of the easiest areas to update in the home, as often all it takes is a change of towels for the room to feel new again. Soap dispensers, toothbrush holders, any artwork and other decorations that are kept in this room can all be switched out with dark blue replacements.

Outdoor furniture

Homes that feel too small for navy or are already quite dark can add touches of the classic colour in their outdoor decor. Sun loungers, tables and chairs in the colour make for a modern update on traditional black items.

Pop of colour

If you're on a strict budget or are simply trying navy on for size, consider small ways you can introduce it to rooms. Get your favourite navy paint colour in a Resene testpot and use it to paint frames, small accessories or a feature on furniture. Couch cushions with a hint of the colour in the pattern, candle sticks, painted frames and even napkins can all be a subtle way to add navy to your design scheme.