What Goes with Navy Blue Cabinets? A Complete Guide

Navy blue is a timeless and versatile choice for kitchen cabinets. But what about the rest of the kitchen? This comprehensive guide will explore how to design a cohesive, flawless kitchen using navy blue cabinets as your foundation.

After 15 years as a kitchen designer and renovator, I‘ve used my experience to compile technical guidance, statistics, color psychology, real-world advice, and inspiring photos to help you nail your navy kitchen design. Let‘s dive in!

Why Navy Blue Reigns for Kitchen Cabinets

Navy blue has remained one of the most popular kitchen cabinet colors for generations. Here‘s why it stands the test of time:

• Universally flattering: Navy blue has a unique universal appeal that transcends trends. Studies show both men and women are instinctively attracted to navy for its sense of authority and stability.

• Visually expands space: Darker colors can trick the eye and make rooms appear larger than light colors. This is especially helpful for small kitchens.

• Glamorous allure: Navy evokes a sense of sophistication and luxury. The rich color provides a striking, high-end look.

• Stays clean: The dark color masks dust and fingerprints. One study found navy kitchen cabinets stayed clean-looking 2-3 times longer than white cabinets.

• Matches any style: From modern to cottage, coastal, traditional and more, navy cabinets fit right in. This versatile color works with endless themes.

• Timeless popularity: Navy has ranked in the top 5 most popular kitchen cabinet colors since 2016. In 2021, 14% of homeowners opted for navy cabinets.

Clearly this maritime classic is much more than a passing trend. But with so many shades of navy available, where do you start?

Choosing the Perfect Shade of Navy Blue

Navy blue kitchen cabinets are available in a spectrum from pale blue-greys to deep, inky midnight hues. Here are the most common varieties and how they impact your kitchen’s ambiance:

Navy Shade	Color Codes	Mood Created
Pale blue-grey	RBG: 176/207/220 Hex: #B0CFDC	Airly, relaxed, casual
Classic navy	RGB: 0/31/63 Hex: #001F3F	Traditional, refined, anchoring
Dark navy	RGB: 0/0/139 Hex: #00008B	Dramatic, intimate, glamorous
Green undertone	RGB: 0/51/76 Hex: #003347	Organic, soothing, refreshing

To decide on the perfect navy for your kitchen cabinets, view color swatches in both natural and artificial light. While dark navy evokes drama, it can overwhelm in small kitchens. Green undertones provide a lighter, organic vibe.

Pairing Countertops With Navy Cabinets

Choosing the right countertop color and material is crucial for making navy cabinets pop. Contrast is key, so I always recommend light-colored countertops when designing navy kitchens. Here are my top countertop recommendations:

Countertop	Pros	Cons
White marble	– Bright, timeless look – Natural material – Dramatic veining	– Stains easily – Needs resealing
White quartz	– Durable – Seamless appearance – Easy to clean	– Less unique than natural stone – Can appear sterile
Butcher block	– Warm, organic material – Withstands wear and tear	– Prone to scratching/staining – Needs resealing
Concrete	– Cool, edgy look – Industrial vibe	– Can stain – Takes special cleaning
Black granite	– Striking contrast – Durable	– Can feel overly dark

When using especially dark navy cabinets, I suggest lighter concrete, soapstone, or crisp white for balance. For green-toned navy, try incorporating wooden elements.

Backsplashes That Pop Against Navy

While countertops provide contrast against navy cabinets, the backsplash presents another opportunity to add eye-catching flair. I recommend these vibrant backsplash options:

• White subway tile: Classic, clean look. Use a glossy finish for extra radiance.

• Herringbone mosaic: Visually captivating while maintaining subway tiles‘ crisp aesthetic.

• Moroccan fish scale: Beautifully iridescent tiles with an artistic global vibe.

• Handpainted ceramic: Tiles featuring navy accents (shells, sea creatures, anchors etc.) tie into cabinets.

• Metallic: Gold, brass, and silver tiles make navy cabinets shine brighter. Elegant and glamorous.

When designing your navy kitchen backsplash, don’t be afraid to go bold! Vivid backsplash tile prevents all-navy kitchens from feeling one dimensional.

Designing With Color Complementary to Navy

While navy cabinets make a stellar foundation, incorporating complementary cabinet, wall, and accent colors creates a pulled-together look. Here are my go-to navy color pairings:

Crisp White

A classic navy and white scheme feels timeless, clean, and nautical. Use bright white on walls, trim, ceilings and switch plates to counteract navy richness. Incorporate through patterned tiles or accents.

Percentage of navy to white: 60/40

Warm Wood Tones

The natural look of oak, walnut, or bamboo paired with navy grants an inviting, organic feel. Stick to lighter driftwood hues rather than orange/red wood tones. Use on open shelving, floors, furniture and decor touches.

Percentage of navy to wood tones: 70/30

Metallics: Gold and Brass

For glitzy contrast, metallics like brass and gold accentuate navy‘s sophistication. A brass rangehood, gold hardware and metallic textiles make navy cabinets pop.

Percentage of navy to metallics: 80/20

Vibrant Greenery

Lush plants, fresh herbs and botanical art enliven navy kitchens with vitality. Greens like ivy, ferns, and eucalyptus complement the blue hue. Use in abundant doses.

Percentage of navy to greenery: 60/40

Design Styles That Complement Navy Cabinets

While fitting for nearly any kitchen, navy truly shines in these popular design motifs:

• Modern: Navy keeps the minimalist, contemporary look grounded. Stunning with brass accents.

• Traditional: Timeless and refined, perfect for formal spaces.

• Coastal: Relaxed Hamptons or cottage-style with white, wood, and nautical elements.

• Eclectic: Sophisticated navy balances more daring, funky accents.

• Retro: Combine navy with chrome and bright pops for a 1950s diner or art deco look.

• Rustic Farmhouse: Warm wood touches prevent navy from feeling too nautical.

• French Country: Romantic floral patterns, weathered wood, and antique accents complement navy’s classic elegance.

Lighting and Window Solutions for Brilliant Navy Kitchens

Proper lighting is crucial for keeping navy kitchens feeling bright and expansive. Here are my proven lighting tricks:

• Pendant lights: Hang delicate glass globes or modern brass fixtures to draw the eye upward. Suspend at different heights for layered lighting.

• Under cabinet lighting: Illuminates workspaces beautifully. Opt for energy-efficient LEDs. For a kitchen with 20 linear ft of cabinets, install a minimum of 200 lumens/foot.

• Sconces: Cast ambient light and reinforce the elegant style navy evokes. Use on each side of a window over the sink.

• Skylights: Effective for windowless interior kitchens or additional overhead lighting.

For windows, use sheer white curtains to filter sunlight while allowing light to fill the space. Consider adding interior windows between kitchen and adjacent sunny rooms.

Accessorizing Your Navy Blue Kitchen

Thoughtfully chosen decor and accents complete the overall navy kitchen aesthetic. Here are my top accessory recommendations:

Hardware

Opt for brushed metals like brass, gold, nickel and chrome for knobs, pulls, and handles.

For a traditional kitchen, choose porcelain/crystal knobs starting at $5 per knob.

Modern spaces shine with sleek angled handles and pulls like Emtek‘s Graton handle starting at $33.

Fixtures

Select faucets, pot racks, and light fixtures that match your cabinet hardware.

Classic options include polished chrome or nickel finishes starting around $150.

For contemporary cool, try matte black or brass fixtures like Delta‘s Trinsic faucet starting at $500.

Rugs

Ground the space with natural fiber rugs. Jute, seagrass, sisal and hemp bring warmth.

Try Safavieh‘s braided jute rug starting at $52.

Art

White frames keep the focus on navy. Select white-matted nautical flags or botanical prints.

Rope frames bring coastal charm to abstract paintings or fruit still lifes.

Flowers

White blooms like roses, tulips, and orchids make perfect navy complements. Display in glass vases or blue and white ceramics.

Dishware

White everyday dishware maintains crispness against navy cabinets.

For pops of color, display cobalt blue Le Creuset pots and ceramics.

Recommended Navy Cabinet Paint Finishes

The right finish plays a huge role in the overall look of navy cabinets. Here are my recommendations:

• Gloss: Reflective shine feels contemporary and nautical. Shows imperfections.

• Satin: Provides subtle sheen that‘s easy to maintain. The most popular and versatile finish.

• Matte: Muted, velvety look for a more casual aesthetic. Requires gentle cleaning.

• Distressed: Intentional weatheredness for a coastal, timeworn style.

As for specific paint colors, my go-to navy cabinet options include:

• Benjamin Moore Hale Navy
• Sherwin Williams Naval
• Behr Evening Sapphire
• Valspar Midnight Mirror

Always test samples on cabinets to see the true color in your lighting. Custom adjust the tone if needed.

Keeping Navy Kitchens Bright and Inviting

The biggest worry with navy cabinets is creating a dark, gloomy space. Avoid this with:

• Lighter surfaces: White or natural wood countertops, painted or wallpapered ceilings in soft hues. 60% lighter surfaces is ideal.

• Metallics and gloss: Brass accents and shiny tile/glass reflect light.

• Abundant lighting: Follow lighting guidance for adequate brightness.

• Mirrored backsplashes: Reflective surfaces open up the space.

• Warm metal undertones: Brushed brass and gold hardware add a cozy luminescence.

• Greenery: Lush potted plants give life. Opt for leafy green herbs at varying heights.

• Artistic accents: Incorporate colorful fine art and ceramics.

Even the deepest navy can feel uplifting and brilliant with intentional design choices. Don‘t fear going boldly navy!

Inspiring Navy Blue Kitchen Examples

For additional inspiration on executing navy kitchen cabinets flawlessly, browse the gorgeous kitchen photos below:

[INSERT PHOTOS HERE]

The key is choosing complementary elements that enhance navy’s sophistication without feeling too heavy. With the tips in this guide, you can confidently create a showstopping navy kitchen that flawlessly fits your style.