There are some color combinations that remain a classic throughout the decades, making them great inspiration when you’re renovating your home. Navy blue and gold is a sophisticated, enduring combination, and pairing navy blue cabinets with gold hardware can make an impressive statement.
The boldness of rich navy accented with the warmth of gold—or brass, as it’s more commonly called in the design world—creates a harmonious aesthetic. However, navy blue is also associated with stability and calmness. This psychological impact is perfect for kitchens, which are the heart of any home. When you add in gold (brass) hardware, you can enhance the feeling of warmth and luxury that works well in traditional to contemporary kitchens.
The Allure of Navy Blue Cabinets
Navy blue is a deep, rich shade of blue that carries depth and sophistication into any space. Unlike many statement colors, navy blue is still considered a neutral shade, which makes it flexible enough for any kitchen aesthetic, allowing other elements to pop to showcase your personality and flair.
Trending styles of navy blue kitchen cabinets include:
- High gloss navy blue flat panel cabinets
- Satin finish navy blue traditional cabinetry
- Navy blue Shaker-style cabinets
Think about what style you are looking for and choose the finish that is right for you or if you are working with a designer they can walk you through complementary finish options.
The Benefits of Navy Cabinets
While black or white can be a little cold, navy provides a warm, neutral tone that exudes elegance. Unlike lighter color cabinets, navy blue can withstand the rigors of everyday use, hiding stains and marks with ease. Although black can also hide marks, it needs to be carefully styled to avoid creating a stark appearance that is unwelcoming to guests and lacks homestead warmth.
Complementary Design Elements
One of the great things about navy blue is that it can be paired with a rainbow of other shades. You could pair navy cabinets with light color countertops to create contrast and bring further light into the room. You can also incorporate natural wood tones to accentuate the warmth of the cabinetry for a more traditional look. Navy blue also works well with metallic accents that can enhance the overall design.
The Elegance of Gold Hardware
While kitchen cabinets tend to draw the eye, it is the hardware that creates that finishing touch to a kitchen aesthetic.
The Types of Gold Finishes
Gold hardware is available in a number of finishes including satin, matte, brushed, polished and antique to complement your desired style.
Some trending examples include:
- Brushed gold rectangular pulls
- Antique vintage cup pulls
- Polished gold petite knobs
Pairing Gold with Navy
Satin, matte or brushed gold hardware can work well in a contemporary kitchen, adding a touch of sophistication and luxury to the aesthetic. On the other hand, antique or polished gold can look traditional and classic for those who prefer a more traditional kitchen style.
Of course, you can also mix things up to make a statement. Pairing antique finish gold hardware with smooth navy blue, modern style cabinets can create a unique look.
Styling Tips for a Cohesive Look
Although the combination of cool and warm tones is a classic look, there are some styling tips that can help you to create a cohesive look.
Choose the Right Gold Finish
As we just touched on, gold hardware is available in a choice of finishes, so it is important to select one that aligns with your overall style plans. Think about the style and finish of your cabinetry. If you go for a glossy, modern navy blue cabinet, a satin or brushed gold could work well. On the other hand, if you are designing a traditional kitchen, antique gold is the natural choice.
Before you make any purchase decisions, consider obtaining samples of the cabinet and hardware finishes. This will help you to see how the different finishes work together.
Hardware Placement and Selection
Another important consideration is to determine which is better for your kitchen hardware, a knob or pull. Each has different style and functionality advantages.
Pulls tend to be easier to use and provide less contact with the cabinet. Since they are bigger, they also tend to have more impact. So, if you want to make a real statement or you’re opting for a glossy cabinet finish, which may show fingermarks, a pull would be a better choice.
Knobs have a more subtle impact, allowing stunning cabinet detailing to be showcased, adding just a finishing touch of sophistication.
It is very common and on trend right now to mix and match knobs and pulls. You could choose knobs on the upper cabinets with pulls on the lower ones, or knobs just on the doors and have pulls on the drawers, or vice versa. Remember that for larger drawers you could always have two pulls equidistant on the drawer for a balanced, yet practical finish.
Incorporating Additional Accents
While your primary concern may be your cabinets and hardware, you should also think about how additional accents can complement the overall design.
These include:
- Gold accent lighting fixtures
- Gold faucets
- Decorative items, such as fruit bowls or candles
You could also feature complementary colors in your backsplashes and accessories to enhance the overall navy and gold theme.
Real-Life Applications and Inspirations
The Farmhouse Kitchen
This beautiful kitchen featured shaker style navy blue cabinet doors in a matte finish. The gold hardware had a vintage finish with a rustic design style to complement the farmhouse aesthetic. The homeowners added wooden countertops and an apron front sink, with open shelving accented with white dishes to complete the look.
The Contemporary Kitchen
This kitchen features navy blue cabinets in a sleek, glossy finish with a flat panel door design to exude that modern aesthetic. The gold hardware had a polished finish with a clean, geometric cylindrical design that pops against the cabinetry perfectly. The homeowner opted for stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops and minimalist pendant lighting to finish the room.
The Transitional Kitchen
This kitchen blended a mixture of traditional and contemporary navy blue cabinets, with raised panel doors featuring a subtle molding. The gold hardware had a hint of detailing in the curved handles that hints at traditional and modern styles. The homeowner included a blend of black and stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and a subway tile backsplash, accessorizing with a mixture of open and closed storage.
Maintenance and Longevity
Caring for Navy Cabinets
To maintain the rich color and finish of your navy blue cabinetry, use a soft cloth with a mild vinegar and water solution or gentle dish soap and water. Avoid abrasive cleaners that can damage the finish.
Maintaining Gold Hardware
Unlike some finishes, gold hardware may require regular cleaning to prevent tarnishing. Consult the manufacturer’s guidance for recommended products that are suitable for your specific gold finish and establish a regular cleaning routine.
Ensuring Durability
Soft close doors and drawers not only improve the appeal of your kitchen, but they can limit contact with the cabinet surface. In addition, using knobs and pulls helps prevent grease and oils from your hands from wearing down the cabinet finish, especially on high-gloss surfaces.
This can be an important factor if you’ve opted for a glossy, navy blue finish, which may show finger marks with continual use. Yet even other finishes such as satin or semi-gloss show marks so it’s always best to close cabinets using the knobs instead of the face.
Navy blue cabinets with gold hardware is a great option
If you want to make a statement with your kitchen that holds timeless appeal, the combination of navy blue cabinets with gold hardware is a great option. This color combination is not only versatile, but it creates warmth and sophistication for lasting beauty in your home.
About the Author:
Ron Glazer, CEO of Lumina Construction
Ron Glazer is the founder and lead designer at Lumina Construction, a premier New York-based renovation company known for transforming residential spaces into elegant spaces with quality craftsmanship. With over decades of experience in high-end kitchen remodels and interior design, Ron has a keen eye for detail, trends, and visual harmony. Ron also brings his expertise to bathroom remodels, garage remodels, and more.
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