22 January, 2022

Navy or Cobalt: Which Blue is Right for You?

According to LiLu: Navy or Cobalt -  Which Blue is Right for You?

One of the big stories on color recently is that navy is cancelled, and the new hot blue in interiors is cobalt. Which shade of blue do you prefer? Navy or cobalt, both are classic, staple blues.
Check out this article to see why people are favoring cobalt to navy in 2022.
This week on the blog, we'll talk about whether or not navy is really over and check out cobalt.

Navy

Despite what people may be saying, navy is a classic that will never be cancelled. When asking the question: navy or cobalt?, navy will always be a worthy contender.
Navy blue evokes feelings of power and authority, rather than the ideas of relaxation and peace that go along with more standard shades of blue. Darker shades of blue, like navy, tend to lean more towards ideas of authority and importance.
If you're looking for a classic, powerful, sharp look in your space, navy may be right for you. Navy is neutral but powerful, a great way to be.
Navy

Cobalt

Cobalt, on the other hand, is more modern. It's a statement color, and not as neutral as navy.
Cobalt blue is considered to be friendly, authoritative and trustworthy. It's soothing and peaceful, but suggests a richness that includes a delicate balance between stability and calmness.
Navy or cobalt? If these were people, navy might be the introvert while cobalt is certainly the extrovert. At Lilu, we believe in personality-driven interiors. If your personality (and goal for your space) is on the bolder, more extroverted side, cobalt might be the blue for you.
Cobalt

Design your Interior with a Blue Mix

When asking yourself: navy or cobalt? If you love blue, consider designing with a mix. We talked all about this idea in our warm/cool mix blog, which you can read here. You can stay with a mix of blues, so you can keep your home from screaming "I was designed in 2022", while still staying on-trend.
Below is a kitchen where we used a mix of blues in the tile, and light grey cabinetry (yes, the mid-gray cabinets we saw everyone use in the past few years are also "over", according to the internet!) and a mix of blues in the permanent finishes. If you need to refresh the space, you can always paint the walls to emphasize a different blue and get a whole new look for the lowest investment.
And, below is also the wallpaper that mixes the blues in this hall. This is a gorgeous and tasteful way to mix blues for those who love the shades.
More ideas on blues can be found in this post, a guide to the perfect blues. 
BlueMix1psd BlueMix2

On Trends: Our Thoughts

My advice on trends is always to only follow the ones that feel like you! Follow trends that speak to you, and ignore ones that don't. Stock up on accessories when the color you love is on trend!
If cobalt blue is your favorite trend in 2022, this year is the perfect time to stock up on throws, towels, ceramics and other items to add to your home!
pin this 1 Cream Photo Homemakers Pinterest Graphic (4)

Comments on Navy or Cobalt: Which Blue is Right for You?
  1. Amy Wax says:

    Love your reference photos, this can be a simple choices for some and scary for others! I think it depends on what the homeowners goal is. Are they looking to go classic and elegant, or want to make a personal statement and have a little fun with color! Great post.

  2. LINDA MERRILL says:

    Hi Lisa – Such a great way to describe Navy as an introvert and Cobalt as an extrovert. The most extroverted person I know just adores cobalt.

  3. Janet Lorusso says:

    I love all shades of blue (including navy and cobalt) and green and blue-green. But the best advice of all is to choose what truly speaks to you!

  4. Nicole says:

    We just did navy blue in our living room in a BIG WAY. And right across the room in the kitchen…cobalt blue pans hang on the wall. This post feels like it was custom-written for me:) Such good inspiration!

Please share a comment!