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.”
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.
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.
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…