8 Timeless and Classic Navy and White Interiors

A print of the Chesapeake Bay adored by the couple who owns this West River, Maryland, home led to an entire dining room of navy, white and a hint of red. Designer Carrie Miller chose grass cloth wallpaper and an indoor–outdoor rug by Surya to carry over the blues in the art. Red-and-white bistro chairs from Overstock play off the sails. The chandelier, by Made Goods, is bay-induced as well — it’s made of oyster shells. “I was surprised at how easily it all came together,” says Carrie. “That can happen when you’re working with a classic color palette.”

As traditional as navy and white can sometimes be, it has an offbeat side. “I embraced the location of this powder room in San Francisco, California,” says designer Noz Nozawa of the stencils created by decorative artist Caroline Lizarraga. Landmarks like the Giants’ baseball stadium and the Golden Gate Bridge are painted navy (Newburyport Blue by Benjamin Moore) on white walls (Oxford White by Benjamin Moore). A quartz countertop, a custom navy vanity and denim-blue tile from Fireclay ground the space. The orange ceiling (Rumba Orange by Benjamin Moore) and faucet by Vola add jolts. Also, says Noz, “It’s the color of the Giants.”

Like a favorite pair of jeans, the navy-and-white wallpaper flecked with yellow and red makes a statement yet has a comfy feel. “It was a perfect fit for the family room in a Berwyn, Pennsylvania, home, where they watch TV and play games,” says designer Stephanie Kraus. She also put in a movie-night-ready oversize Bernhardt sofa in a blue pulled from the wallpaper. The similarly large-scale light oak coffee table by Dovetail balances the rich tones and has room for all the snacks.

Despite its nautical rep, navy and white can be plenty cozy. In this sitting room in Charlestown, Rhode Island, designed by Kate Jackson, the color scheme exudes the warmth of the stone fireplace. “Navy paint on the walls and built-ins has an enveloping effect,” says Kate. (For a similar shade, try Royal Navy by Valspar.) A pair of slipper chairs upholstered in striped fabric by Raoul Textiles and several small tables form an inviting setup.

To thrill a kid obsessed with trains, designer Laura Fox got on board with working around the existing navy furniture in this Bethesda, Maryland, home. “Green brought an energy that kept the room from going nautical,” she says. Other exciting elements: railroad crossing signs on the wall (from Retro Works Studio on Etsy) and in the lamp (by Pottery Barn Kids), and painted stripes in varying widths. A pillow is always a good way to unite colors; the green-and-blue one is made with fabric by Jonathan Adler for Kravet.

Look again — that backsplash tile is black and white (it’s from Cement Tile Shop). Sure, navy and white would have matched the cabinets, but it gives this kitchen edge. “They unexpectedly work together because they’re neutrals,” says architect Karen Soorikian about the project in Atlanta. Open shelves outfitted with silver pothangers allow for bursts of color from cookware and accessories.

Inspired by the Laguna Beach, California, location, designer Courtney Thomas layered on navy in the entry, including a console from Anthropologie and grass cloth wallpaper. “A striped piece of furniture gives a playful feel,” she says — although Penny, the Cavalier King Charles spaniel, clearly finds it relaxing. Woven baskets by Serena & Lily and a banana leaf mirror boost the chill charm.