Are you looking to give your kitchen a stylish new look?
Consider navy blue cabinets!
Navy is such a chic and timeless color that adds a touch of elegance to any space.
It has a grounding effect that provides a sense of comfort and coziness while still feeling upscale and polished.
Navy kitchens are great for those who want a kitchen with personality but don’t want something too loud or over-the-top.
The key is choosing the right navy tone and cabinet style for your space and decor style.
Some navies lean grey or green, while others are brighter and punchier.
Think about the overall vibe you want for the room.
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Navy Shaker Cabinets
Shaker-style cabinets are a classic choice that will never go out of style.
They have a simple, clean-lined design with a recessed center panel on the doors and drawers.
The term “shaker” comes from the Shaker religious movement who believed in practical, minimalist designs.
Navy shaker cabinets provide the kitchen with a streamlined, timeless look.
Navy has an inherently traditional feel to it, so shaker cabinets allow you to create a navy kitchen with vintage character and charm.
They look great in cottage, farmhouse, or traditional kitchens.
Some tips for integrating navy shaker cabinets:
– Opt for a true navy rather than a bright royal blue.
A dark navy with subtle grey undertones works well for traditional spaces.
– Add white or neutral countertops and backsplash to keep things fresh and light.
Carrara marble, soapstone, or white quartz are lovely choices.
– Incorporate traditional brass or nickel hardware and lighting fixtures.
Avoid anything too modern.
– Use open shelving or glass cabinet doors to break up all the solid navy fronts.
– Add natural textures like exposed wood beams or terra cotta tiles for a rustic feel.
In my last farmhouse style kitchen remodel, we did a darker navy shaker cabinet paired with the client’s existing white subway tile backsplash and butcher block countertops.
It gave the space a cozy cottage vibe while still feeling updated and stylish.
The client loved how the navy added character without overpowering the room.
Navy Kitchen Cabinets with Glass Doors
For a lighter, airier look, consider combining navy cabinets with glass-fronted upper cabinets.
Glass cabinet doors prevent navy kitchens from feeling too dark and heavy.
The transparent glass lets light filter through, opening up the space.
Mixing glass and solid navy cabinets creates nice visual interest too.
You get the color and impact of the navy lower cabinets paired with the brightness of the glass uppers.
This is a great option for small kitchens since the glass doors make the upper cabinets less imposing.
Some ideas for implementing this look:
– Use glass fronts on wall cabinets or upper corner cabinets to spotlight pretty dishes, glassware or decorative plates
– Incorporate glass cabinet doors on either just a couple uppers or all of them – whatever fits your kitchen footprint best
– Try etching, satin glass or seeded glass for the doors to diffuse light even further
– Install interior lighting in the glass cabinets to create a glow effect
– Stick with stainless steel hardware rather than brass for a modern twist
I recently suggested this navy and glass cabinet combo to a client with a tiny galley kitchen.
We did solid navy base cabinets and a built-in pantry for storage, then glass uppers to keep things light.
The glass doors really opened up the narrow kitchen.
Undercabinet lighting created a lovely ambiance in the evening too.
Navy Kitchen Island
Another great way to incorporate navy cabinets is by just using them on the kitchen island.
This allows you to enjoy the drama and color of navy while still keeping the majority of cabinets light.
Kitchen islands are often the focal point, so navy islands really make a statement.
An oversized navy island contrasts beautifully against white or neutral perimeter cabinets.
Islands also tend to house less storage, so limiting the navy to just the island prevents it from dominating the whole kitchen.
Tips for rocking a navy kitchen island:
– Make sure your island is large enough to handle the bold color.
Islands under 40 inches wide can look cramped and dark when painted navy.
– Consider adding architectural interest like columns, corbels or decorative legs to your island.
This helps the navy island feel intentional versus just a random dark blob.
– Soften the look with natural textures like woven baskets, rattan pendants, raffia chair seats, etc.
– Incorporate lighter granite, quartz or marble on the countertop.
Dark counters on top of navy cabinets creates too much heaviness.
– Use brass or gold finished hardware and lighting to add glam.
I helped a client transform their dated oak kitchen island into a showstopping navy focal point.
We added simple shaker panels to give it some definition, then painted it a rich navy.
A white stone quartz top lightened up the look.
It really modernized the whole kitchen by just updating that one element!
Navy Kitchen Cabinets with Brass Hardware
Want to give your navy kitchen a modern, sophisticated edge?
Brass hardware is the perfect complement.
The warm glow and luxe look of brass provides beautiful contrast against cooler toned navy cabinets.
This is a stunning combo for those wanting a stylish, contemporary kitchen.
When pairing brass and navy:
– Opt for unlacquered brass with an unfinished look.
The natural patina enhances the rich, luxe vibe.
– Incorporate brass lighting fixtures, faucets and plumbing fixtures in addition to cabinet hardware for a coordinated look.
– Consider brass shelving brackets, drawer pulls and door handles for a subtle touch.
– Draw the navy and brass color combo throughout the space with navy upholstered stools, a striped area rug, and artwork in coordinating tones.
– Choose a crisp, white quartz or marble countertop to keep the look fresh.
I love how brass hardware modernizes traditional navy cabinets.
In one recent kitchen, we updated basic navy shaker cabinets with mixed metal brass knobs and handles.
Along with replacing outdated lighting with new brass pendants, the kitchen went from dated to dazzling with simple swaps.
The client was thrilled with how easily we gave the space a magazine-worthy feel.
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Two-Toned Navy and White Kitchen Cabinets
Why choose one cabinet color when you can have two?
A two-toned kitchen with navy base cabinets and crisp white uppers creates visual interest and dimension.
The navy grounds the space while the white has an uplifting effect.
Pairing a deeper shade on the lower cabinets also makes sense ergonomically since those cabinets don’t get seen up close.
The white uppers keep everything light and airy.
Tips for nailing this stylish combo:
– Use the same cabinet style on both colors for a cohesive custom look.
Mixing styles can feel disjointed.
– Tie the colors together with hardware.
Brushed nickel or chrome knobs flow nicely.
– Consider open shelves or glass cabinet doors on the uppers to reduce visual weight.
– Add texture with wooden cutting boards, rattan baskets and nature-inspired accessory pieces.
– Continue the two-tone effect with your island by doing a white top with navy base cabinets.
I recently suggested this two-toned look to a client struggling with an awkward kitchen layout.
She had a long, narrow galley kitchen that felt closed off.
By doing white uppers and navy lowers in the same shaker style, it drew the eye down the space and made it appear wider and brighter.
The contrast looked amazing with her existing Calacatta marble counters too.
Navy Kitchen Cabinets with Black Hardware
For a super sleek, modern kitchen, pair navy cabinets with black hardware.
The dramatic combination feels luxe and contemporary.
Matte black hardware looks especially sharp against glossy navy cabinet fronts.
Some ideas for integrating this bold combo:
– Choose streamlined hardware like square pulls for a minimalist look.
– Consider mixed metals and finishes – try matte black hardware on drawers paired with sleek stainless handles on upper cabinets.
– Use black on additional pieces like pendant lights or kitchen faucets to carry the look throughout the room.
– Add warmth with wood elements such as open shelving, cutting boards and barstools with wood seats.
– Include green plants, fresh flowers or art with warm tones as an accent.
I love suggesting this edgy navy and black pairing for urban lofts or modern spaces.
The moody vibe creates such a stylish, sophisticated kitchen.
Recently, we gave a dated condo kitchen a full modern makeover with glossy navy cabinets, marble-print quartz counters and matte black hardware.
The combination felt so luxe!
It was amazing how the simple hardware swap modernized the whole space.
Navy Kitchen Cabinets with Contrasting Interior
Why stop at just exterior navy cabinets?
Consider using navy on the interior of your cabinets too for a colorful surprise!
Contrasting interior cabinet colors peek through when doors and drawers are open, creating a fun pop.
Vibrant interiors work best with glass-fronted cabinets so the interior color is visible.
This allows you to mix up your navy kitchen with an unexpected bright accent shade.
Some ideas for navy and contrasting cabinet interiors:
– Acid green, citrine yellow or ruby red interior cabinet colors make a bold statement.
– Softer interior colors like powder blue, pale peach or mint green provide subtle contrast.
– Limit the contrasting interior color to just a few cabinets as an accent instead of all cabinets.
– Display glassware, dishes or decorative items in the glass-fronted cabinets to tie in the interior color.
– Use navy on interior shelves as well for a cohesive finished look.
I’m working on a kitchen right now where we’re suggesting doing the lower cabinets in a matte navy with brass hardware, then the uppers in navy outside/acid green interior.
The client has a lot of fun vintage green glassware that will look amazing displayed behind the glass doors.
This unexpected combo will lend so much personality!
Navy & Green Kitchen Cabinets
If you find pure navy too dark but still want a deep blueish shade, consider a green-leaning navy – sometimes called a navy teal.
This unique color adds vibrancy while still giving you the moody, sophisticated look of navy cabinets.
Some ideas for integrating a navy green kitchen color scheme:
– Pair with marble, quartz or granite counters that have green/grey veins to coordinate.
– Bring in subtle natural green accents like olive dish towels, rattan baskets and succulents.
Avoid going all green.
– Warm it up with antique brass hardware and lighting.
– Add a bold clementine orange or persimmon accent piece for contrast.
– Carry the color onto the walls with a soft sage green paint color.
I’m a huge fan of navy greens because they feel fun without going full neon.
I did a kitchen recently in a warmer navy teal shade – think deep peacock.
We matched the lower cabinets with an abstract quartz upper backsplash that had similar navy and green tones.
Little touches like green glass vases and gold vintage-style lighting completed the playful yet elegant look.
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Distressed Navy Kitchen Cabinets
Want a vintage farmhouse vibe in your navy kitchen?
Try distressed cabinets!
Distressing gives cabinets an artisanal, timeworn look like they’ve been salvaged from an old home.
The white paint underneath peeking through adds charming character.
Tips for achieving this weathered style:
– Choose cabinet bases with layers of white and navy paint that sand down to reveal some of the original woodgrain beneath.
– Sand edges and corners lightly for a naturally worn look.
Avoid over-distressing.
– Add vintage-style hardware like ceramic knobs and aged bronze pulls.
– Incorporate open shelving with chipped paint for a casual cottage feel.
– Pair with a reclaimed wood butcher block island or dining table.
– Use traditional tongue-and-groove paneling on walls or the ceiling.
I helped a client distress her existing navy cabinets to give her traditional kitchen more rustic flair.
We sanded down edges, added antique bronze hardware and matched it with a reclaimed wood dining set.
The aged look blended beautifully with the home’s original architectural details.
It gave the kitchen so much more depth and charm!
Navy Kitchen Cabinets with Open Shelving
One concern with navy cabinets is that they can make a kitchen feel dark and enclosed.
A great way to keep things light and airy is by incorporating open shelving.
The transparent, floating shelves maintain visibility and airflow.
Open shelving works especially well in small kitchens or galley layouts.
The navy cabinets can provide structure while the open areas let light filter through.
Mixing solid and open cabinetry also creates pleasing visual texture.
Some tips for styling open shelves with navy cabinets:
– Limit open shelving to one or two areas for the most impact.
Too much looks cluttered.
– Show off pretty dishware, glassware or colorful cookbooks on the shelves.
– Use brass or gold brackets and hardware to warm up the look.
– Place lighting above or underneath the shelves to highlight decor.
– Consider glass doors below open shelves to balance the solid cabinet sides.
– Incorporate natural wood, baskets, greenery and ceramic/stoneware for an organic feel.
Recently, a client wanted to incorporate her nautical-themed blue and white dish collection in her new navy kitchen.
We suggested floating open shelves flanking the stove to spotlight the dishes.
The wrought iron brackets and woven baskets matched the casual, seaside vibe.
The open shelves kept the space feeling bright and not overly wood-heavy.
Navy Blue Kitchen Cabinets with Tile Backsplash
Like hardware, a backsplash is another great opportunity to add contrast or accent colors in a navy kitchen.
Tile backsplashes pair so beautifully with navy cabinets.
From solid subway tiles to intricate patterns, there are endless possibilities!
Some backsplash tile ideas to consider with navy cabinets:
– White or light grey subway tiles create a classic combo
– Bold colors like emerald green glass or cobalt blue add drama
– Metallic tiles in brass, copper or nickel provide shine
– Whimsical patterns like Moroccan fish scale tiles or geometric shapes
– Rustic options like natural stone tile or classic hexagon tile
– Mosaic tiles for a playful feel
When choosing a tile backsplash for navy cabinets:
– Select a grout color that complements the tile color – either matching or slightly contrasting
– Tie everything together by repeating a backsplash color or finish on hardware or fixtures
– Set rectangular subway tiles vertically to give the illusion of height
– Include an accent row of decorative tile like above the stove or along the top
For a recent kitchen, we paired matte navy cabinets with a bold Kelly green glass subway backsplash – one of the client’s favorite colors.
We accented the backsplash with antique brass lighting and hardware.
The vibrant green looked so striking against the navy and really gave the kitchen personality!
Navy Kitchen Cabinets with Marble Countertops
Another classic combination is navy kitchen cabinets with marble countertops.
The veining and natural patina of marble pairs beautifully with rich navy cabinets.
Marble counters add lightness and dimension.
For choosing marble with navy cabinets:
– Creams, whites and lighter greys create the most contrast
– Look for marble with blue/grey veining to tie in the navy color
– Honed or leathered marble finishes have an earthier, softer feel than polished
– Carrara and Calacatta are classic white marbles that work well
– Consider large marble subway tiles for the backsplash to continue the veining
A few tips:
– Avoid a fully matching navy countertop, which feels too heavy and dark
– Be selective about navy accents – don’t overdo blue tones throughout
– Use brass hardware and lighting to add warmth and tie in the veining
– Add in natural wood elements like cutting boards, butcher block or open shelving
I recently used Weathered Gray marble in a navy kitchen remodel that had a grey undertone that played nicely off the cabinet color.
We warmed it up with open wood shelving, brass hardware and rattan pendants.
The marble brought so much dimension and interest to the space!
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Navy Kitchen Cabinets with Stainless Steel Appliances
The final navy kitchen idea I’ll mention is pairing navy cabinets with stainless steel appliances.
Stainless appliances have a universal, versatile look that works well with many cabinet colors, navy included.
Some tips for integrating stainless and navy:
– Look for appliances with brushed steel finishes rather than high-gloss for a softer sheen
– Incorporate other stainless accents like a prep sink or stove hood
– Add warmth through lighting, hardware and textiles – avoid an all cool-toned kitchen
– Choose stainless appliances with simple, streamlined silhouettes to maintain the modern aesthetic
– Introduce some wood elements like open shelving or a butcher block island to add organic contrast
I’m working on a navy kitchen right now where we’ll be specifying a pro-style stainless range and fridge to give it a chic, built-in look.
The clean lines of the stainless will complement the simple shaker cabinets really nicely.
Stainless makes such a functional, neutral pairing with navy – you really can’t go wrong!
I hope this article helped demonstrate all the possibilities and potential for navy kitchen cabinets!
Just keep in mind your overall kitchen aesthetic and the vibe you want.
Choose complementary finishes in hardware, lighting and other decorative details tailored to your look.
Navy kitchens lend any space a sense of drama and sophistication.
Let the navy shine by keeping surrounding elements like counters, floors and walls light and simple.
Have fun and don’t be afraid to incorporate accent colors to give your kitchen personality!
