Timeless designs are increasingly in demand, but many homeowners often default to light, airy neutrals when aiming for this aesthetic. While such color palettes can be effective, deeper hues also bring a classic touch while enhancing depth and character in a room.
One such color is Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore, a striking deep blue that makes a bold statement across various home styles. In recent years, dark blue has become a popular trend in interior design, especially in kitchens, and this captivating hue is set to remain in vogue beyond just that space.
Incorporating blue, particularly darker shades like Hale Navy, may seem daunting, but there are numerous ways to blend it into your decor—whether through subtle accents or vibrant spaces. To explore the best methods for adding Hale Navy to your home in 2024, we consulted experts on how they integrate this rich tone into their projects.
Understanding Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore
'Hale Navy is our quintessential navy blue that exudes balance, stability, and comfort,' explains Hannah Yeo, Senior Manager of Color Marketing at Benjamin Moore. 'This stunning shade has consistently ranked among our top sellers for decades, and for good reason. It effortlessly brings a polished elegance to any space.'
The depth and timeless quality of this color make it a favorite among interior designers. 'Ideal for an upscale coastal residence, Hale Navy is a color that conveys sophistication and distinction,' adds Kathy Kuo, CEO of Kathy Kuo Home. 'Inspired by the natural allure of the sea, this versatile blue complements warm neutrals like sand, beige, taupe, and even peach.'
Kathy Kuo is a renowned interior designer with over 20 years of experience in the home and lifestyle sector.
The adaptability of Hale Navy further contributes to its popularity in various settings. 'Hale Navy is a remarkable color that resonates across numerous architectural styles,' shares Mollie Ranize, founder of Dmar Interiors. 'It's timeless and breathtaking, transforming with the changing light. Despite its richness, it remains very livable.'
For a deep, classic blue shade that embodies timelessness and versatility, consider Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore.
Ways to Incorporate Hale Navy in Your Decor
Seamlessly blending into homes of diverse design aesthetics and complementing a variety of architectural styles, Hale Navy can elevate almost any space. Combined with different colors, textures, and patterns, you can craft an environment that reflects your unique style.
Hannah Yeo notes that 'from a mood-setting entryway to practical kitchen cabinetry or an accent wall by the fireplace, Hale Navy is versatile enough to be used in any room.' It pairs beautifully with many colors, textures, and furniture styles. A playful way to introduce contrast is to incorporate furnishings and decor with natural tones and textures.
'Furniture and decor made from materials like cane, rattan, and jute typically feature warm neutral colors and pair wonderfully with Hale Navy, both in a coastal aesthetic and as a contrasting color scheme,' says Kathy Kuo.
From subtle navy accents in kitchens to painting built-in bedroom wardrobes and even taking the hue outdoors, here are several creative ways to add Hale Navy to your home.
1. Introduce Hale Navy Accents in the Kitchen
If a fully colored kitchen isn't your preference, incorporating subtle hints of Hale Navy can be a striking alternative. While a feature wall is a common choice, a more inventive idea involves painting the edges of cabinetry, beautifully highlighted in this wooden kitchen.
'We chose Hale Navy for the two-toned cabinets as it was dramatic, masculine, and complemented the custom walnut cabinetry perfectly,' shares Tama Bell, Founder and Senior Designer at Tama Bell Design. The resulting kitchen is timeless, embracing a moodier palette while maintaining a bright, modern feel.
Tama's passion for design emerged early, recognizing the importance of the spaces we inhabit on our overall well-being. Tama Bell Design was founded to create beautiful sanctuary spaces that also promote comfort.
2. Paint Bedroom Built-Ins with Hale Navy
While painting a bedroom's walls is often the go-to, adding color through cabinetry can create a cohesive and elevated appearance. In this instance, wardrobes flanking the crib have been coated in Hale Navy, paired with playful bedroom wallpaper in a complementary color scheme.
'We utilized it on all built-ins in the nursery of this 1915 Craftsman home in Hancock Park, Los Angeles, and it will transition nicely as the child grows,' states Mollie Ranize. The classic quality of the color ensures it remains suitable from nursery to adult bedroom, perfect for avoiding constant redesigns.
Mollie Ranize is the founder of Dmar Interiors, a nationally acclaimed design firm based in sunny Southern California. Known for her 3T Method, which creates Tasteful, Tailored, and Timeless interiors for over 20 years.
3. Use Hale Navy from Floor to Ceiling
Embracing deep shades throughout a room can introduce a dramatic yet cozy ambiance, while painting the ceiling and wainscoting in the same color as the walls creates a refined, modern finish.
'We chose Benjamin Moore Hale Navy for this moody media room,' explains Ushi Schick of Ushi Schick Interiors. 'By applying the navy on the walls, trim, and ceiling, we transformed a traditional color into something fresh and contemporary.'
4. Enhance Your Home Bar with Hale Navy
Whether your home bar is part of a kitchen, a standalone room, or integrated into an open area, sticking to neutrals may render it less distinctive. Applying Hale Navy to lower cabinetry adds depth and intrigue without sacrificing brightness or disrupting the room's existing color scheme.
'For the cabinetry, we selected a rich navy tone, offering depth and contrast against the natural warmth of white oak shelves and the sleek finish of a Caesarstone countertop,' shares Kriste Michelini of Kriste Michelini Interiors. 'This choice adds a subtly masculine touch to the bar area. Reflecting our client's fondness for water, we infused a harmonious palette of blue tones that flow throughout their home.'
5. Take Hale Navy Outdoors
Benjamin Moore's paints are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Hale Navy makes a striking statement outside without being overpowering—consider painting a garage, porch, or the exterior walls of your home to boost your curb appeal.
'Think about extending this hue to the exterior of your home as well. This stunning yet understated color is perfect for a front door or shutters,' suggests Hannah Yeo. 'With dark, moody colors gaining popularity for exteriors, Hale Navy is definitely a standout.'
6. Combine Hale Navy with Light Neutrals
The classic blue-and-white combination in interior design makes a light neutral or warmer hue an excellent counterpoint to Hale Navy, creating a stylish look. 'Pair it with Decorator's White OC-149 for a timeless aesthetic, Grant Beige HC-83 for a rich neutral scheme, and Dusty Trail 1157 for a gentle touch of warmth,' suggests Hannah Yeo.
To elevate the overall design, consider introducing gold or brass hardware—this kitchen features golden accents on the faucet, chairs, and range knobs, beautifully complementing the navy paint and creating a harmonious finish.
7. Make a Statement with Contrasting Colors
Alternatively, pairing Hale Navy with a bright, contrasting color can create a striking visual impact, ideal for those crafting a maximalist environment. There are many vibrant colors to explore, but for a sophisticated feel, consider shades that complement dark blue or belong to the same color family.
'This grounding hue also pairs well with bold accents such as Rust 2175-30, Marblehead Gold HC-11, and Beau Green 2054-20,' explains Hannah Yeo. Green creates a moodier atmosphere, while gold and rust inject a more playful vibe.
The enduring allure of Hale Navy and its ability to complement a wide range of colors and finishes make it a timeless choice for any decor. Perfect for infusing sophistication and character into your space, it's clear that Hale Navy's popularity is here to stay, as interior designers continue to embrace it across diverse homes. Its versatility allows you to incorporate it into various design schemes, so grab a paintbrush and enjoy experimenting with this captivating shade.
