Navy Kitchen Ideas: Unleashing the Elegance of Blue in Your Culinary Space

Contemplating a kitchen makeover? Feel drawn to the timeless elegance of navy blue? Well, you’re in good company. The tide has turned in the realm of interior design, and navy blue is making waves in kitchens around the globe.

In this article, we’ll explore the elegance of navy blue and discover how this timeless hue can transform your culinary space. My guide will sail you through a myriad of design concepts, from cabinets and walls, to accent pieces and contrasting colours. You’ll find ideas galore, learn how to incorporate navy blue into various kitchen styles and balance it with other hues. Ready? Let’s dive in!

Why Use Navy In Your Kitchen?

Navy blue, with its calming and stabilising aura, offers a refreshing departure from the typical white, grey, and beige kitchens we’re used to. This rich hue symbolises elegance and maturity, marking a stylish evolution from the bold patterns of the 60s, earthy tones of the 70s, pastel-hued country kitchens of the 80s, and the minimalist styles of the 90s and 00s. Today, the choice of navy blue reflects a discerning palate, uniting style, functionality, and comfort in a kitchen design that’s both contemporary and timeless. It’s more than a trend; it’s a sophisticated statement.

The rich and deep dark tone conveys a sense of luxury.  It has a certain grown-up appeal.  

The colour blue is usually associated with feelings of calmness and serenity—the shade can create a kitchen that’s soothing and relaxed, a space for people to gather to cook, eat and socialise. 

But…Is Navy Blue A Good Colour For The Kitchen?

Yes, the navy blue hue is versatile and will pair perfectly with many kitchen aesthetics. Whether you fancy a modern, farmhouse, rustic, or Scandinavian style, navy blue can seamlessly enhance your preferred choice.

Here are some ideas of how you could use navy blue in your kitchen, depending on the style you have/aspire to have:

• In a modern kitchen, pair navy blue cabinets with clean lines and high-gloss finishes, using metal accents for a sleek, sophisticated look.
• For a farmhouse style, consider navy blue open shelving or island against white walls. Accentuate with copper and natural wood elements for a warm, welcoming vibe.
• In a rustic kitchen, use navy on distressed cabinets or as a contrasting colour on the kitchen island. Combine with weathered wood and vintage accessories.
• For a Scandinavian aesthetic, navy blue lower cabinets against light-coloured walls and open shelving create a refreshing, minimalist look. Accessorise with natural elements like potted plants or a woven rug.
• For an industrial style, try a lot of exposed brick, woodwork and cool metallics.  Use pops of navy to enhance the space—for instance, blue stools or chairs will add a touch of sophistication to an otherwise raw and rustic room.

Using navy blue in the kitchen is quite a bold and brave decision.  Of course,you can tailor the intensity to suit your personal style.

Is A Navy Blue Kitchen A Good Idea?

I think so, and so do thousands of other people! A navy kitchen is chic and versatile, as we’ve seen, the colour pairs well with a range of colours and materials. 

I suppose if space is at a premium, you might want to think carefully about whether the colour is right for the room.  You don’t have to automatically write off the idea—just ensure you consider your lighting and how you balance it with other colours — that is key to keep the space from feeling small. Add in some lighter accents, and you’ve got a stylish, cosy kitchen that will really stand out!

Is Navy Too Dark For The Kitchen?

No, navy is not too dark for the kitchen. The colour can create a striking and sophisticated aesthetic in any room. The key lies in striking the right balance, knowing what to pair with the hue and where to use it. You could try pairing navy with lighter elements, such as white walls and backsplashes, light coloured floors, or metallic hardware to avoid a dark and overwhelming space.

Appropriate lighting, both natural and artificial, can highlight the navy’s rich depth without sacrificing brightness. As I wrote above, with a considered design, a navy kitchen can be a stylish and comfortable space.

Convinced? Here are some ideas for colours you could pair with navy:

What Colours Work With A Navy Kitchen? 11 Shades To Complement The Deep Blue Hue:

The versatile colour pairs well with a variety of other hues, making it easy to work with.   Here are plenty of ideas for colour schemes that would work with navy blue in your kitchen:

1. White or Cream: These colours are great for a clean and timeless look. Navy blue and white create a striking contrast, making the navy blue pop while keeping the space bright and airy. You can use white for countertops, backsplashes, or kitchen accessories.
2. Gray: Different shades of grey can compliment navy blue very well. Light grey can give a soft, understated look while darker greys can add more depth and richness to the design. It could be used for flooring, walls, or accents.
3. Wood Tones: Wooden tones, such as mahogany, oak, or pine, work very well with navy blue. Wood brings warmth and earthiness, which complements the coolness of navy. You can incorporate wooden elements through your kitchen cabinets, island, or open shelves.
4. Yellow or Gold: If you want a bold and vibrant look, consider adding elements of yellow or gold. These colours contrast beautifully with navy blue. Incorporate them through light fixtures, hardware, or small kitchen accessories.
5. Coral or Salmon Pink: For a more unconventional yet aesthetically pleasing combination, coral or salmon pink also pairs well with navy blue. Use these shades in smaller doses, such as chairs, window treatments, or wall art.
6. Warm Metallics: Copper and brass accents will lend a luxurious feel to a navy blue kitchen. Use for handles, light fixtures, or other hardware.
7. Pewter: This muted metal tone pairs well with navy—use it to achieve a modern vibe in your kitchen. Look for picture frames, lamps, furniture, hardware, and appliances in pewter.
8. Silver / Stainless Steel: A classic choice. The cool metallic tones of silver and stainless steel offer a modern, clean look that beautifully contrasts with navy. Utilise this combination in appliances, fixtures, cabinet handles and kitchen accessories for a sleek, industrial edge to the rich navy backdrop.
9. Fuchsia pink: Navy blue and fuchsia pink create a dynamic, vibrant contrast in a kitchen. The sophistication of navy blue balances the lively fuchsia, resulting in an exciting yet harmonious space. Neutral elements help to moderate the intensity of this bold colour pairing.
10. Green: Use green to create a serene and nature-inspired palette against a navy background for a balance, inviting kitchen environment. Lighter greens like mint or sage offer a fresh, airy contrast to rich navy. Light woods and natural motifs will feel harmonious. Deeper greens like emerald will enrich the space with a luxurious feel. Pair with other jewel tones to create an opulent space. Exotic prints would bring the space alive.
11. Terracotta: The warm, earthy tones of terracotta contrast beautifully with deep, cool navy, creating a well-balanced, inviting atmosphere. The result? A kitchen that’s vibrant yet sophisticated.

Where To Use Navy Blue in Your Kitchen (Beyond The Kitchen Cabinets!)

Navy kitchen cabinets are the obvious choice for using the colour in the space, right? We’ve all seen the myriad of images trending on Pinterest and on magazine covers. 

If you’re not sold on navy kitchen cabinets, you might be looking for more inspiration on where to use the colour.  Here’s a few other ideas for using the deep hue in the space:

• Kitchen Island: Painting your kitchen island navy blue can make it the centrepiece of the kitchen, striking a balance between functionality and style.
• Backsplash: A navy blue backsplash, whether tiled or painted, can serve as a stunning contrast to lighter coloured cabinets.
• Appliances: For a more retro look, consider navy blue appliances. They can add a unique charm and become conversation starters.  This is also great if you’re on a budget or rent a property and cannot afford a full refit but your appliances have seen better days!
• Accents: If you prefer a subtler touch of navy, consider accents like navy blue bar stools, rugs, curtains, or even light fixtures. These can tie the room together without overpowering it.  A reasonably safe choice, I suspect most people will go for this idea.
• Walls: The brave will opt for navy blue walls, which will have a strong impact. Dark walls look glorious with white/cream cabinets.  Those confident in their interior descoring skills will probably opt for matching blue cabinets—the monochromatic trend looks so chic. But you have to be certain you can pull it off in your space.
• Furniture: Navy blue kitchen chairs or a dining table can make a stylish statement, especially in an open-plan space.
• Flooring: Consider navy tiles or a navy painted floor for a dramatic statement. This could be balanced with lighter walls and cabinets.
• Ceiling: A navy ceiling could create a unique, unexpected pop of colour. It’s especially effective if you have high ceilings and plenty of light.
• Textiles: Navy textiles (curtains, blinds, tea towels, etc) can add a touch of elegance without overwhelming the space.
• Light Fixtures: Navy light fixtures, such as pendant lights over your kitchen table or island, can bring colour up high and draw the eye upwards.
• Grout: If you have tile in your kitchen, navy grout is an understated way to incorporate this colour. It’s a small detail that can make a big impact.
• Open Shelving: Painting the wall between open shelves navy can create depth and display your items nicely.

Let’s Talk Navy Kitchen Cabinets. Here Are Plenty Of Ideas:

So, you’ve decided navy kitchen cabinets are for you.  Whether you go all-in with upper and lower cabinets or opt for a more subdued look with lower cabinets only, navy is a sure win.  

There are several ways to incorporate this popular colour into your kitchen cabinetry: 

• Painting: This is the most cost-effective way. If your cabinets are in good condition, painting them navy is a viable option. It requires preparation (cleaning and sanding), priming, and then painting. Use high-quality paint designed for cabinets to ensure durability and a smooth finish.  Cabinets are frequently opened and closed, you need a paint that can withstand this without chipping, cracking, or fading. Oil-based paints are traditionally known for their durability, but high-quality latex paints can also be quite robust.
• Refacing: This involves replacing the “faces” (fronts) of your existing cabinets. You could choose navy blue doors and drawer fronts, while the structure of your cabinets remains the same. It’s a step up in cost from painting but can give your kitchen a fresh look without a complete remodel.
• Replacing: This is the most expensive option but it allows for a complete kitchen redesign. You’d work with a kitchen designer or cabinet company to choose new navy blue cabinets, then a contractor would remove the old cabinets and install the new ones. This is a good option if your current cabinets are in poor condition or if you want to change the layout of your kitchen.  In terms of choosing a finish, gloss is highly durable and easy to clean, which is why it’s so popular.  However, they do show imperfections more readily than other finishes. Semi-gloss and satin finishes are also durable and easy to clean, but have a subtler shine. Matte or flat finishes, while stylish, are less resistant to stains and smudges, and might not be the best choice for a busy kitchen.
• Custom Cabinets: If you’re looking for a specific shade of navy, or if you want a unique style or high-end materials, custom cabinets could be the way to go. You’d work with a cabinetmaker who would design and build the cabinets to your specifications.
• IKEA or Ready-To-Assemble (RTA) Cabinets: These are budget-friendly options for replacing cabinets. Both IKEA and other RTA cabinet manufacturers offer a range of colours, including navy blue. You’d need to assemble and install these cabinets yourself (or hire someone to do it), but it can be a cost-effective way to get a new look.
• Vinyl Wraps: Another affordable option could be vinyl wraps. These are films that adhere to your existing cabinet doors. They come in a variety of colours, including navy. This can be a DIY project or done by a professional.

Countertops and Appliances: What To Choose For A Navy Kitchen?

Appliances and countertops are the dynamic duo that will make or break your navy kitchen. Both will significantly influence the overall aesthetic and functionality of the space. Here are a few ideas to complement and elevate your navy colour scheme:

Appliances:

Appliances can either blend into the background or become statement pieces within your navy blue kitchen.

1. Stainless Steel/Silver: Add a modern edge with this sleek choice. The cool steel pops against navy blue.
2. Black/Grey: Choose black for a seamless look. Black appliances merge beautifully with navy.
3. White: Crisp and clean. White appliances can look bold, sleek and modern in striking in contrast with navy walls and cabinets. Or use it to enhance a charming, seaside vibe. Perfect for that breezy nautical theme!
4. Coloured: Feeling adventurous? Look for coloured appliances in contrasting bold tones or complementary pastels. You’ll have a kitchen bursting with personality!

Countertops:

The material you choose will significantly affect the room’s overall feel:

1. White or Light Coloured Countertops: White marble or quartz countertops can provide a stunning contrast against navy blue cabinets. The veining in marble can add an organic, luxurious element to the design, while quartz offers a more uniform and contemporary look.
2. Wood Countertops: For a warm, rustic contrast to navy blue, consider butcher block or other types of wood countertops. They add a natural, welcoming feel to the space and pair wonderfully with navy blue.
3. Dark Countertops: For a monochromatic look, dark granite or quartz countertops can create a sophisticated, modern kitchen design. The dark surfaces pair well with navy blue while maintaining a sleek, seamless aesthetic.
4. Concrete Countertops: For an industrial feel, concrete countertops can pair excellently with navy blue. The cool, grey tones of the concrete can provide a subtle, modern contrast to the deep blue.

Lighting for Navy Blue Kitchens

Lighting plays a pivotal role in enhancing the appeal of navy blue kitchens. While natural sunlight can bring out the richness of this colour during the day, it’s important to ensure the kitchen remains bright and inviting when the sun goes down too. 

• Pendant lights, especially in warm metals like copper or brass, can add a touch of elegance while also illuminating the room. 
• For a more dramatic effect, consider installing under-cabinet lighting to highlight your navy blue countertops or backsplashes. 
• Recessed ceiling lights provide even, overall light, while adding dimmer switches allows for mood adjustments – perfect for transitioning from meal prep to dining.