SOURCE: Havenly Hideaway
There are few things that designers agree on but one of those things we all seem to love is Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy. And you know when designers can agree that there’s something magical happening. This is a medium blue paint that I would consider a dark neutral as opposed to a “colour”.
Blue is probably the most requested colour by homeowners and yet there are not a lot of blues that can work so well in so many areas of your home. Hale Navy is not too bright and definitely not too little-boy blue. It feels refined in its depth but it can easily fade into the background and allow for other colours to take centre stage.
Quick Facts About Hale Navy:
- Benjamin Moore Hale Navy HC-154
- Rich blue with a classic maritime feel
- Slight green undertones with a hint of gray
- Works best anywhere in your home
- Pairs well with warm cream, taupe and gray for a neutral palette. Also pairs well with mid-toned colours like green, blue, yellow and orange
SOURCE: Life on Virginia Street
Why I Love This Colour
It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of blue. You can read about my love of Gentleman’s Gray in this post. Many of the things I love about that colour are also true of Hale Navy. They’re both colours that can change the feel of a space and can make it feel more luxurious and regal.
There’s virtually nowhere in a home that this paint colour won’t look great, including your basement. It’s really hard to find a dark, saturated colour that works well in low light spaces but Hale Navy has enough brightness that it can stand on its own even in poor lighting conditions. If you want more ideas for paint colours that work well in a basement, read this post.
Is There an Undertone?
As I mentioned above, Hale Navy has a slightly green undertone as well as some undertones of gray. You’ll likely only notice the green undertones in spaces that receive a lot of natural light. Otherwise you’ll tend to see the gray or charcoal undertones more prominently.
The other unique factor of this paint colour is that it tends to have both warm and cool undertones which makes it a winner regardless of the lighting conditions of your home.
It will tend to pull from its environment. If you have fixed materials and furniture that lean warm, it will feel warm. Conversely, cooler surroundings will pull some of the cool undertones from it. You can use this chameleon to fit into your surroundings which is a very unique feature of this paint colour.
Will Hale Navy Work In Your Home?
SOURCE: Arched Manor
Yes is the answer to this question. Hale Navy is so tried and true but if you don’t believe me just do an image search for this colour. You’ll see it being used in virtually every room and under every lighting condition.
It tends to adapt really well to the space so whether you want to create a fun, vibrant area or a more serene and sophisticated space, it works.
I love this colour to create a moody bedroom that will help you sleep. Equally it could be used to create an inviting and upbeat living space including in your kitchen. This is an excellent choice for cabinetry. It won’t overwhelm your space but instead will add instant personality for those that are tired of white kitchens.
Trim Colours to Use With Hale Navy
Warm white is the perfect pairing for Hale Navy. I love the combination of a classic navy paired with white for a traditional yet timeless look. The beauty of this colour is that it can lean warm or cool so if you have a countertop that is a cool white this colour will also work.
I tend to prefer to stay in the warm whites when it comes to trim colour. I like the warmth and it feels more transitional as opposed to the modern feel of a crisp white.
1/ Benjamin Moore White Dove – OC-17
This is a perfect warm white to pair with Hale Navy. It’s got a very slight yellow undertone but don’t be afraid of that. It won’t show up once you’ve painted your trim and doors but the yellow prevents it from being too bright white.
2/ Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee OC-45
For spaces that get a lot of natural light I prefer to go with a trim colour that is slightly darker than White Dove. You may not be able to detect the change just by looking at these 2 colours but it’s enough to create the pure white you’re after in a light-filled room.
3/ Benjamin Moore Simply White – OC-117
If you really prefer a more crisp white then opt for Simply White. It’s a bit more modern looking and will create a more modern feel when paired with Hale Navy. This colour is a total winner when you’re looking for a clean, bright white.
Best Colours to Pair With Hale Navy
SOURCE: Pamela Lynn Interiors
You might feel intimidated at the thought of adding another colour to the mix when using Hale Navy but no need to fear. This navy plays well with others and it can create a dynamic colour palette when paired with other bold colours
Of course, if you love a good neutral I love Hale Navy with any cream, tan or taupe colour as well. This is the class and timeless combination that will feel welcoming in any space.
1/ Benjamin Moore Pale Oak – OC-20
I love the idea of this combination in a kitchen with Pale Oak for the walls and Hale Navy for cabinetry. This combination is a natural fit with each of these colours being neutral. Neither one of them will be fighting too strongly for attention but together they create a show stopper combination.
Aside from a kitchen this would be a great combo for a living room or a bedroom as well. And while both colours are popular you won’t have to worry about this combination going out of style. This is a true classic!
2/ Benjamin Moore Lenox Tan – HC-44
Is there anything more classic than tan and navy together? This is a great combo for an office, dining room or living room. It can turn even the blandest space into an instant classic. If your soft furnishings are navy and you’re looking for a paint colour to replace the gray of yesterday, try something warm and deep like Lenox Tan.
3/ Benjamin Moore Seedling – AF-450
If you need a colour combination that feels fresh and exciting try Seedling. This is a bright green that will give additional life to Hale Navy. It’s perfect for a bedroom, particularly for a child’s bedroom that you want to last for several phases of their life.
I also love this combination for spaces that are filled with light and would look too drab with a light neutral like taupe or beige. The depth of Seedling will keep the colour combination from being too sun drenched. Instead, both of these colours will shine in bright light.
What do you think? Are you convinced to give Hale Navy a try? If you’re still unsure about selecting your own pain colours, reach out to me. I’d love to help you find all the perfect colours for your home.
If you know your design style but you struggle with which paint to use, take a look at my Made-For-You paint palettes. They take the guesswork out and give you the confidence to get started.
