Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year 2020: Naval

Paint brand Sherwin-Williams named Naval (SW 6244) —a rich navy with hints of sapphire that effortlessly pairs with both serene colors, muted palettes and flashy metallics  – its Color of the Year 2020.

According to Sherwin-Williams, Naval is where the glamour of Art Deco meets the serenity of a yoga studio, pairing the contemporary desire to treat ourselves with the practice of self-care.

Sue Wadden, Sherwin-Williams’ director of color marketing, points to the trends in wellness as inspiration for the selection. “Because navy has strong ties to nature and well-being, it made sense to select Naval. It 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.”

You just never know where inspiration might originate. This beautiful lounge in a Hollywood Hills home was loosely inspired by Space Station V’s Hilton Hotel lobby in Kubrick’s ‘2001: A Space Odyssey. The ‘Celestial’ carpet is by Edward van Vliet for Moooi Carpets. (so swoon-worthy!)

“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,” says Wadden. “Naval merges the desire for rich, inspiring color with our yearning for relaxation and retreat. In the next 10 years, we’ll continue to move away from omnipresent neutrals and design will feel more personal again.”

This living space is beautifully layered in texture and almost perfectly matches the colors in the Alive Palette, part of the Sherwin-Williams 2020 ColorMix Forecast.  The Alive Palette has both Cavern Clay, the 2019 Color of the Year, and Naval in it. Notice how navy table stands out against the neutral backdrop and draws you into the room.

Shades of green aren’t the only way to invoke the natural world and wellness in an interior. Here, shades of sand and sky make this kitchen feel like a place of sanctuary – for rejuvenation in everyday life.