We explore Sherwin-Williams 2020 color of the year, Naval, through examples of recent designs in commercial and residential spaces, as well as complementary colors.
Sherwin-Williams 2020 Color of the Year: Naval
Sherwin-Williams announced the 2020 Color of the Year: Naval SW 6244, a rich navy hue that strikes a balance between calm and confident. When describing Naval, Sherwin-Williams’ remarked it as being a color that showcases the glamour of Art Deco and the serenity of a yoga studio.
“The use of color in interior design is changing. It’s not just about what a space looks like anymore, but how it makes you feel,” said Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams. “People want to feel grounded and inspired to pursue their mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Naval is reminiscent of the night sky, which people have looked to for centuries for guidance, as a muse, and as a reminder to live more mindfully.”
Naval In Interior Design
Taking cues from the Roaring 1920s, Naval pairs well with luxurious finishes, such as marble and mixed metallics, and can help highlight items of exquisite craftsmanship. Designers and homeowners alike are embracing statement-making décor, and Naval is the new, approachable neutral that goes with everything.
“We’re predicting that the next decade in color is going to be bold. This year we saw the return of the ’70s, and next year we think the vibrant energy and luxurious design of speakeasies will make a comeback,” said Wadden. “Naval merges the desire for rich, inspiring color with our yearning for relaxation and retreat. In the next ten years, we’ll continue to move away from omnipresent neutrals, and design will feel more personal again.”
Creating a Color Palette With Naval
Burnished golds such as Tarnished Trumpet SW 9026, and biophilic greens such as Ripe Olive SW 6209 complement the richness of Naval. Crisp neutrals such as Snowbound SW 7004 and Touch of Sand SW 9085 make up a more traditional color palette and allow Naval to stand out.
Incorporating Naval Into Your Home
A versatile neutral, Naval doesn’t conform to one design style. From boho to traditional, coastal to contemporary, Naval can either fade into the background or play a starring role. A room painted in Naval creates a grounded space that ushers restfulness and tranquility into the home.
“Pair Naval with natural materials, such as warm leather tones, vibrant greenery, and woven fiber rugs, to create a calming oasis in your home,” recommends Wadden. “Furniture and décor can be mixed and layered to build a look as minimalist or maximalist as you like.”
Here are designs we’ve found that are similar in color to Naval to help with inspiration.
Timeless commercial properties
For designers and other professionals, creating a space where people feel good about living and working is a top priority, and Naval makes their job that much easier. On its own, Naval creates a sense of depth, which brings mindfulness and energized calm to gathering spaces, offices, hotel rooms, and restaurants.
“Naval can easily play into any mood you’re trying to create, whether it’s lively energy for a restaurant or calm serenity in a hotel room,” said Wadden. “It’s a truly versatile color that will be on-trend and appealing for years to come.”
Here are some spaces we’ve seen in a similar shade to help you image Naval in your design.
About Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year
The 2020 selection, Naval SW 6244, marks the 10th straight year that Sherwin-Williams has named an official Color of the Year.
The list of previously selected colors includes:
- 2011: Indigo Batik SW 7602
- 2012: Argyle SW 6747
- 2013: Aloe SW 6464
- 2014: Exclusive Plum SW 6263
- 2015: Coral Reef SW 6606
- 2016: Alabaster SW 7008
- 2017: Poised Taupe SW 6039
- 2018: Oceanside SW 6496
- 2019: Cavern Clay SW 7701
“In the past ten years, we’ve seen color evolve from beiges to cool grays and now back to warmer neutrals,” said Wadden. “And while greens and blues are always popular, how we’re using them in design is changing. In the coming decade, key combinations will include black, white, and navy for a timeless look, or navy and jewel tones for a nod to Art Deco.”
Use Vishion To Inspire Your Naval Design
Does the Sherwin-Williams color of the year inspire you? Incorporate Naval into your next interior design project. Simply choose this color in our color search engine and let Vishion put your favorite home decor colors to work.
- Visit our website http://www.vishion.co and click “color search” or click here
- Upload an inspirational photo or type in a HEX color
- Search for decor by your chosen color
- Explore all decor options with Vishion
- Find your perfect match and start your project today
Samantha Smith started Vishion in 2017 after struggling to find a specific piece of home decor in the perfect color. Thus, was born Sam’s vision for Vishion. Today, the color search engine partners with some of the top brands in the world to help interior design professionals and design lovers search for products and designs by color, instantly.
When Smith isn’t pitching and traveling to various competitions or running her Vishion team, she can be found hanging with her husband, Steve, and their two dogs in Charlotte, NC.
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