Contrasting Navy Blue Kitchen Islands Guide

Kitchen islands are the lifeblood of many homes, serving as a gathering place for family and friends. As such, they deserve special treatment when it comes to design. One eye-catching option is incorporating a navy blue kitchen island to add striking visual contrast and give your kitchen focal point.

Navy blue kitchen islands offer versatility that complements various cabinetry colors and materials like crisp whites, warm woods, and sleek grays. The rich shade creates an anchoring effect amid lighter elements without overpowering the space. Here's an in-depth guide to integrating this on-trend shade into your kitchen design.

Benefits of Adding Navy Blue Kitchen Islands

Before taking the navy blue plunge, understand the impact an island in this shade has:

• Creates an Eye-Catching Focal Point - Few colors pop against today's popular neutral kitchen backdrops like navy. The striking shade draws attention.
• Offsets Other Kitchen Elements - Navy blue contrasts lighter cabinetry, countertops, and backsplashes for added dimension.
• Provides Decor Pop and Contrast - Navy kitchen islands inject color without overwhelming. The versatile hue pairs well with whites and woods.
• Modernizes a Traditional Kitchen Design - Navy blue offers a twist on classic kitchen style by adding an unexpected pop of color.
• Complements White or Wood Cabinets - Crisp white perimeter cabinets balance and highlight a navy island. Warm wood cabinetry helps ground the look.

Selecting the Right Navy Blue Shade

Like other paint colors, not all navy blues are created equal. Here are considerations as you evaluate options:

• Deep Blue vs Bright Blue - Both offer appeal. Deeper shades feel more grounded and traditional. Brighter blues read more modern and airy.
• Matching Undertones - Cool blues with purple lean traditional. Warmer shades with green or gray undertones trend modern.
• Testing Paint Swatches - View swatches in your space at different times of day. Artificial and natural light impacts color.
• Coordinating with Countertops - Pair cool-toned blues with crisp whites and warm metals. For concrete, wood, or tones like beige, soft blue-grays harmonize.

Paint Options for Navy Kitchen Islands

These stylish navy blue paint colors suit kitchen islands:

• Benjamin Moore Labrador Blue - A muted denim blue with subtle warmth.
• Farrow & Ball Cooks Blue - A medium blue with green undertones and unpredictable color shifts.
• Sherwin Williams Slate Tile - A deep blue-gray that adds richness and dimension.
• Benjamin Moore Boothbay Gray - A light blue-gray with a steely freshness perfect for a modern coastal kitchen.
• Farrow & Ball Light Blue No. 22 - A playful light blue ideal for adding a pop of color.

Island Size and Design Options

Kitchen islands range from small portable carts to expansive built-in countertops. When planning your navy blue showstopper, factor these elements:

• Freestanding vs Built-In - Freestanding islands offer flexibility. Built-in islands maximize storage and stability.
• Bar Height vs Standard Height - Bar height islands suit casual dining with barstools. Standard height prioritizes food prep and storage space.
• Materials - Common options include wood, laminate, concrete, marble, and stainless steel, each with their own maintenance needs.
• Integrated Storage - Incorporate cabinets, shelving, or drawers tailored to your organizational and storage preferences.
• Customizable Design - Islands allow for personalized details like an integrated sink, specialty lighting, or accent tile.

Smart Navy Island Design Ideas

These island additions complement a navy blue color scheme:

• White Perimeter Cabinets - Crisp white cabinetry allows the navy island to truly shine.
• Open Shelving - Floating shelves make a smaller island feel lighter while offering storage.
• Natural Wood Countertops - Materials like butcher block infuse warmth against cooler navy tones.
• Pendant Lighting - Decorative lighting draws the eye while providing task illumination.
• Bold Backsplash Tile - Keep backsplashes simple so as not to compete with a bold island color.

Ideas for Styling Navy Kitchen Islands

Even well-designed navy kitchen islands deserve accessorizing. Complement your focal point with:

• Add Pendant Lights Above - Decorative lighting becomes an intricate design feature hovering above a navy island.
• Use White or Wood Bar Stools - Crisp white stools pop against navy but may require more maintenance. Wood tones add warmth.
• Incorporate Glass Pendant Lights - Frosted glass pendants diffuse light beautifully over a navy island surface.
• Display Cutting Boards and Utensils - Decorative and functional add-ons bring color continuity. Consider navy blue utensils.
• Add Fresh Flowers and Fruit - Wood bowls filled with lemons, limes, or baby bananas balance cooler navy tones.

Avoiding Clashes with Navy Blue Islands

Certain design choices compete with or diminish the visual impact of a navy kitchen island. Steer clear of:

• Busy Backsplashes - Stick to neutral, organic backsplashes like marble or travertine to let your navy island shine.
• Dark Perimeter Cabinetry - Lighter cabinetry allows your bold island to take center stage.
• Patterned Countertops - Solid surfaces better complement navy islands. If patterns are a must, opt for subtle marble or concrete looks.
• Cool Toned Flooring - Warm wood or tile floors ground the space instead of competing.
• Clutter Around the Island - Clear countertop clutter to keep your focal point prominent.

These stunning navy kitchens offer inspiration for integrating an island in a variety of designs:

• Transitional Kitchen with White Perimeter Cabinets - Crisp white cabinetry lets the navy island anchor the space as a striking focal point.
• Bright Airy Kitchen with Pale Blue Subway Tile - Soft powder blue backsplash tile contrasts beautifully against deeper navy island cabinets.
• Bold Contemporary Kitchen with Concrete Island - The organic texture of a concrete island base adds dimension to sleek cabinetry and brass accents.

A navy blue kitchen island demands attention, adding modern flair or contemporary twist. Just take care to thoughtfully coordinate materials and colors to let this striking shade shine. The dramatic pop of color infuses any kitchen with an elevated, polished feel.