It’s the color everyone is friends with. Navy blue’s universal appeal easily adapts to any design style – that’s why we’re shining a spotlight on Naval as it steps into the coveted role of Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year in 2020.
Embracing the Next Decade
Wondering what the future holds in store? We’re seeing an empowering year of change that’s centered around wellness as we prepare ourselves for the next ten years. “People want to feel grounded and inspired to pursue their mental, physical and emotional well-being,” says Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams. Much like sailors navigated the stars, Naval’s infinite shade of blue mirrors the night sky to reflect where we’ve been and where we’re going.
Naval in 2020
Giving a subtle nod to Art Deco influences, Naval brings refined opulence into the next decade. While the Roaring ‘20s explored a time of self-indulgence, today’s ‘20s look at creating a decade of self-nurturance. A fresh mix of natural materials gives Naval a sustainable side that’s down to earth and tied to biophilia.
Pairing Naval in a room with live greenery and mineral-based materials, allows you to create a natural sanctuary for rejuvenation. It’s about slowing down to appreciate the beauty in nature and how you can invite it indoors.
When it comes to finding a place for navy in your home, look for a space that brings you tranquility. Whether that’s a home gym where you unwind with yoga or a kitchen where you enjoy early mornings, this restorative shade of blue is about creating a space that paves the way for the wellness of your mind, body and soul.
Coordinating Colors
Warm golds like Midday and Tarnished Trumpet are great for grounding Naval’s boldness, while leafy shades like Kale Green are perfect for adding nature-inspired color. Naval’s neutral hue also works with a variety of other colors so you can create a variety of color palettes. “It’s truly a versatile color that will be on-trend and appealing for years to come,” adds Wadden.
Can’t get enough of Naval? Learn more about our Color of the Year to go beyond the blue and explore this luxurious color further. Take our How Does Naval Speak to You quiz to find out how this hue connects with you.
I’m thinking of putting a rich blue in master bedroom. Duvet is deep blue and white.
We also have a sitting room, what do you think?
Hello Loraine! We love the idea of a deep blue such as Naval SW 6244 or Needlepoint Navy SW 0032. Consider pairing either of those saturated blues with a warm neutral like:
Natural Linen SW 9109
Relaxed Khaki SW 6149
Camelback SW 6122
I am painting my kitchen cabinets in Naval and my walls white. I have some wood trim in my kitchen with an orangish undertone. What would be a good white to use?
Hi Dianna! Consider painting your trim Extra White SW 7006 and then go a little warmer on the walls. Take a look at the following shades of whites:
Aged White SW 9180
Antique White SW 6119
Navajo White SW 6126
want to paint my dining room a dark blue. I have open concept and dr is only two walls. Naval seems too dark. Any suggestions?
Hi Patricia! If Naval is too dark, take a look at:
Charcoal Blue SW 2739
Mineral Gray SW 2740
my kitchen is like an olive green. I want to paint my hallway a color that will offset it and make it pop more. What color should I use?
We think an understated yellow in your hallway will make both your kitchen and hallway “pop”. Take a look at:
Friendly Yellow SW 6680
Napery SW 6386
Buff SW 7683
Our basement kitchenette will have bottom cabs in naval and top cabs in satin high reflective white. The trim in semi gloss high reflective white. Walls in snowbound. Am I on right path with the whites to coordinate well with the Naval?
Hi Sky! The contrast between Naval and High Reflective White is too great. A better option would be Extra White SW 7006 and Snowbound SW 7004 (same color as wall) on the upper cabinets. This option would be a more subtle and cohesive look in your kitchen.
Hi,
When I moved in to my house, the colors in the kitchen are khaki with a slightly darker color on the cathedral ceiling. The cupboards are antique white with chocolate glaze.
Rest of the house is ship yard gray.
I got your Illusive green for the hallway and stairwell but need ideasfor the rest of the house.
Please advise.
Thanks
Hello! We’d like to see your space before making a recommendation. Sign up for a free Virtual Color Consultation here.
We’re thinking of painting the exterior of out three story home Naval an doing the trim in white. What would be a good white for the trim?
Hi Julie! A soft, warm white would look great. Take a look at:
Cotton White SW 7104
Whitetail SW 7103
Snowbound SW 7004
We have a home office that we are thinking of doing in Naval with an accent wall painted Agreeable Gray with Naval stenciling on it. The office is off a main living area and trying to coordinate a color for that room that will create a nice flow into the office. Any suggestions?
Hi Laura! Can you please confirm if you are asking for a color for the main living area? Let us know when you get a moment. Thank you!
Naval is basically the perfect deep blue. I used it on my exterior doors and shutters. It brought the look of the house to the next level. It’s a fantastic color.
We agree! Sounds beautiful, Angel!
Hello – my whole house on the inside is basically A warm beige. I have 2 dark red accent walls. One in the kitchen and one in the hallway, and some red accent pieces throughout. I’m getting tired of the red, what color do you suggest I paint the red accent walls to go with the warm beige through the remaining house? And possibly keep some red accents???
Hi Sheila! We’d like to get a better sense of your space before making a recommendation. Sign up for a free Virtual Color Consultation here.
I paint blue Anchors aweigh and creamy but I have wall wood panel what stain color do you suggest to match with my choice
Hi Iris, what type of wood is your panel and which stain line will you be using? We need more information before suggesting a stain, thanks again
I’ve selected colors from the encounter collection. the bedroom will be naval and the guest rosemary and natural tan. most of the main areas of the house will be white. is there a white that I can use for the trim throughout? thanks!
Hi Jordan! Consider using one of the clean crisp whites below for your trim. Either of these will look great next to walls with color and white walls as well. Look at:
Extra White SW 7006
Pure White SW 7005
Hello!
I painted my living room Naval – GORGEOUS! I want to paint my kitchen something that isn’t neutral – the kitchen can be clearly seen from the living room. The living room shares a wall with the kitchen dinning area. Also, what on earth do I pain the entry way that leads right in to the kitchen and living room. Whatever color is used on the entry way, will be used on the staircase walls as well. Any suggestions? HELP!
Hi Brooke, We’d like to get a better sense of your space before making a recommendation. Sign up for a free Virtual Color Consultation here.
Hi! We are wanting to use SW NAVAL on the bottom cabinets and a coordinating white on top- I’m thinking snowbound. The walls are repose grey. Would love your thoughts!
Hi Isabel, Snowbound may be too stark and the blue undertone may be accentuated by the Naval. Take a look at these warmer options:
Whitetail SW 7103
Marshmallow SW 7001
Hello–I have a large two-story entry and family room with massive curving beams across the ceiling; a little art deco-looking (the 2004 interpretation, at least). I’m doing Roman Column over everything, but can’t help feeling that I’m missing an opportunity to make an impact. I’m at a loss! Using Naval (low cabinet credenza), Emotional (accent wall), and Roman Column in the study you can see into from the entry. Using a patterned fabric above and Bolero on tall wainscoting in the visible dining room. The very visible kitchen cabinets are morning sun . . . . What do I do????
Kelly
Hi Kelly, for a job of this scope and detail, you would benefit best from a one-on-one virtual consult with one of our designers. You can schedule a “real time” appointment with a designer when you sign up. This virtual consult will allow the designer to see your space and lighting which would be the best option for your project. Click here to get started.