Design Lust: In The Navy…
gorgeous navy blue walls via decorpad.com
My bedroom is a rectangular space with no architectural interest and gets terrible light. In the years since I’ve lived here I’ve tried everything from beige to hot pink walls and none of them have managed to make the room feel like a bedroom. The lack of good natural light means I’m always trying to overcompensate, which I finally realized was a worthless endeavor.
So I did something bonks and seemingly counterintuitive: I painted my walls navy blue. The color was “oops” paint so I don’t recall the actual name, but it was exactly the color I wanted. So armed with a torn corner of an American Eagle shopping bag I went in search of paint. Most chips I looked at were too purple or too gray. It’s really hard to find a good navy blue that doesn’t turn ashy looking when the sunlight gets a hold of it. That said, I wasn’t too concerned because the sunlight has no chance to get a hold of anything in that bedroom.
actual snap from my room!
Of course I didn’t do my calculations right and I had to get more paint and I got something slightly different, but still quite navy. Three walls are one color and the wall that gets the most light is the more midnight blue-ish and it works. I’m still finishing up the light blue trim and such so you’ll have to wait for a full room snap.
I decided to use chocolate, cream, and light blue as accent colors, drawing my color palette from something near and dear to me:
Here are some of the light blue accents I pulled from other areas in the house:
The question that tends to come up the most from people upon hearing about the dark blue walls is, “Won’t the room feel small and depressing?” well, technically the room is small and trying to make it light and airy was depressing. But the color scheme now feels orderly and calming. I’ve relocated my sleeping from the janky futon to my actual bedroom. That’s the part I’m most excited about!
Wow, I love blues and brown together, and it seems like those silver pieces – particularly the mirror (loves!) – will help bring a little light. Can’t wait to see the finished product, if you post it.
BTW, you seem to have stumbled upon an old set-designer’s trick! I was taught (in that word-of-mouth way that people who do stuffs for a living pass on knowledge) that painting a small set a saturated green or blue color will make it read both larger and more soothing (or stately). I’ve got a small, poorly lit backroom that I have tried to paint pale peaches, lavenders, and beiges all to no avail as well. I may have to dig up some dark blue or green paint myself.
Thank you! The top pic was largely the inspiration. I love the symmetry and the simplicity of the furnishings. I still can’t believe the room actually looks and feels bigger and complete with such dark color. I’ve heard that deep peacock blue or aubergine is the way to go in dark bathrooms!