Our monthly series asks: How do you bring color into luxury design? Navy blue is a classic for a reason, writes Jill Krasny
Notting Hill, London | United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty
Some homes leave a strong impression while others quickly fade from the mind. Almost always, the design and color scheme is a factor. Terracotta, an ancient hue that’s been used for centuries, works in contemporary and traditional spaces alike, while yellow and lilac, which are both enjoying a design moment, suit homes with more of a period feel.
Navy—which our series on color in luxury design turns to next—is “ elegant, versatile and timeless” and has long been a staple in upscale homes, says Sarah Brown, a London-based interior designer. “It also has strong associations with traditional British decorating, from painted cabinetry and libraries to Victorian homes.”
Hudson Valley, New York | Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty
The color’s name derives from the fabric the British Royal Navy used for its officer uniforms once they began to source indigo pigment from India, says Joa Studholme, color curator for British paint maker Farrow & Ball. She points to the walls of The Wallace Collection, a historic museum house in London, which offer a stunning example of navy bringing out the rich details of the ornately framed artworks.
Today, navy remains as popular as ever, thanks both to its versatility and the fact it presents a more lively alternative to other darker colors. “It pairs beautifully with warm neutrals, pinks and quite unexpectedly with greens,” says Brown, and “works best when balanced with contrast, texture and plenty of light.”
Cape Elizabeth, Maine | Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty
A sprawling estate in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, proves Brown’s theory right with a grayish navy exterior that blends in with its verdant surroundings. “This is a hugely brave use of color,” says Studholme, “but it has certainly paid off. The house feels like it has always been there: the use of blue makes it feel at one with the greens of the landscape.”
By contrast, a tastefully restored Victorian home in Notting Hill, London, uses navy to bring out the building’s historic character while creating a sense of cohesion from room to room. The high-gloss blue “creates a ribbon of color throughout the house,” says Studholme, and looks equally stunning on the joinery, door trims and built-ins.
Hudson Valley, New York | Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty
In Ulster Landing, an early 1800s estate in Hudson Valley, New York, a home office covered in navy patterned wallpaper feels suitably warm and inviting. That’s down to the dark blue used on the trim and the ceiling, says Studholme. Had white been used on either element, she says, “the look would have been compromised.” Elsewhere, in a living room, navy carpentry and doorframes contrast with the paler blue walls.
Meanwhile, a striking mountain estate set on Sweden’s historic County Road 322, with buildings that date back to the 18th century, uses navy at several points in its updated design scheme. The color features most strikingly in the large, mostly open-storage kitchen, to accent the cabinetry. It also strikes a sophisticated note in some of the living spaces, via a bold patterned wallpaper, soft furnishings, bedding and bathroom tiles.
Jämtland, Sweden | Sweden Sotheby’s International Realty
In the kitchen, “it creates a strong visual element while allowing other parts of the room to stand out,” says Brown—and Studholme wholeheartedly agrees. “I love how this blue has been used on the cabinetry,” she says. “It is mostly below your eyeline so it doesn’t overwhelm in any way. The tone is harmonious with the raw wood floor, which complements the warmth of the wall color and brick perfectly.”
Explore our Color Chart design series, from bold red, joyful pink, zingy orange and uplifting yellow to natural lilac, historic terracotta, classic green, calming white and versatile turquoise
Natalie Davis
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