Why navy kitchens are back on renovators’ radars

Trendy colours come and go but there are a couple outstanding shades that everyone keeps going back to when thinking about renovating a kitchen – and navy is without a doubt one of them.

Fresh greens, creamy neutrals and even rich reds have been all the rage in interior design recently but we’ve noticed navy is back amongst the favourites. So, we’ve asked the experts for their take on the allure of this hue and how to embrace it if you are planning a kitchen redesign…

Are navy kitchens back?

“Navy is making a strong comeback in kitchen design, offering a sophisticated, deep tone that adds both elegance and drama,” Nadine Chadwick, Nolte Kitchens‘ head of marketing, tells me.

Tom Howley, creative design director at the eponymous kitchen company, agrees and says: “Navy kitchens continue to be a popular choice for their timeless appeal and incredible versatility. Navy is a rich, classic hue that creates depth and sophistication, whether used across cabinetry or as an accent colour.”

Single galley design with an island painted in a dark blue colour, with herringbone parquet flooring.
Arbor kitchen, from £30,000, Harvey Jones.

Design ideas

Navy is a versatile shade, complementing a range of styles from traditional and country to modern. Whether you choose to go all-out and drench your kitchen in this sumptuous shade or want to use it as an accent colour, there are a couple clever ways to make it work in your design. Tom says this dark blue pairs well with lighter worksurfaces and flooring, which offers a beautiful contrast that feels ‘modern and enduring’.

“Adding texture and warmth through materials like wood or brass further enhances its charm, making navy an exceptional foundation for both traditional and contemporary kitchen designs,” he continues.

Modern design with dark blue cabinetry, white surfaces and plaster pink walls.
Caesarstone 4011 Cloudburst Concrete, shown in Studio Merlin’s Maison Pour Dodo project.

When it comes to hardware, select complementary finishes such as brass. “Hardware, such as knobs, handles and even plug sockets can add a luxury quality even in a kitchen designed on a budget. Matching these touch points is a great way to enhance cabinetry to look more luxurious, giving a cohesive final appearance to the kitchen design,” says Sinead Trainor, kitchen category manager at LochAnna Kitchens.

Classic cabinetry with brass handles, marbled surfaces and patterned window dressing.
This navy kitchen features blinds in James Hare‘s Kiftsgate design in Ink, £108.50 per m.

Lastly, lighting is another key consideration when it comes to navy kitchens. ”You want to make sure there’s plenty of natural light and supplement this with adequate artificial lighting – be it overhead, under-cabinet or task lighting – to ensure the kitchen feels beautiful, bright and functional too,” explains Nathan Kingsbury, creative director at Nathan Kingsbury Design.

Now that we’ve got the practicalities covered, here are some ideas to get your moodboard started…

Shaker cabinetry topped with white worksurfaces in an industrial-style scheme with exposed bricks.
Complement your navy kitchen with light and bright worksurfaces. The Butler collection in Lithadora, from £25,000, Tom Howley.
Classic navy kitchen cabinetry in an open-plan space with an island and a separate dining area.
The beauty of navy is that it works well in both modern and more traditional scheme. Achieve a timeless look with classic cabinetry, wood accents and stone flooring. Milbourne kitchen in Hartforth Blue, from £15,000, Second Nature.
Handleless navy kitchen furniture with a statement wood island.
Navy looks stunning in this modern scheme featuring sleek handleless units. FORM Eterna collection in Chalet Light Walnut and Mala Indigo, from £3729, LochAnna Kitchens.
Dark kitchen design with open shelving and light finishes.
Opt for a dark shade of navy for your cabinetry for a dramatic, timeless look. This kitchen by EGGER in Indigo Blue displays a beautiful woodgrain texture.
Minimalist navy kitchen with glass cabinets and an island with seating and open shelving.
Create a minimalist look with dark blue cabinetry, white marble worktops, and glass units. Heathwood Gardens kitchen by Naked Kitchens.
A navy painted kitchen cabinetry run with neutral walls and wood flooring.
Add contrast to your navy kitchen with pops of neutrals and lighter blues. Wall colour in Wensum Way, Cabinets in Aurora Sky, and Cabinet trim is in Oceans. From £28 for 1 litre of Pure Matt each, Fenwick & Tilbrook.
Timeless scheme with neutral cabinets and a navy island.
“For a classic scheme that lends itself to an understated look, a complimentary neutral palette of white, ivory, and grey work to add a sense of modern simplicity to a navy blue kitchen,” says Al Bruce, founder of Olive & Barr. Handmade Shaker kitchen, from £10,000.
Double galley kitchen with navy cabinets and wood worksurfaces leading to a utility room.
Warm wood and dark navy is a combination made in design heaven – perfect for a modern rustic design. Kitchen by Wren.

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