singing the blues

by Heather Shoning

we’re not sad about adding beautiful navy hues to our homes

Navy blue represents trust, stability and conservativism while evoking feelings of tradition and convention. The rich hue comes from the indigo plant, Indigofera tinctoria, which is native to India. The British Royal Navy sailed the world decked out in navy blue, but when they colonized India, they discovered indigo and, with it, a dye that was particularly colorfast and better withstood exposure to sun and salt water.

Despite or because of its storied origins, navy blue continues to make its way into home interiors. It has long been a go-to color for nautical and coastal-inspired decor, but in today’s fashion, we’re seeing it in every corner of our homes.

1. Seeing Circles
This colorful, patterned pillow is perfect for sprucing up any seating area. The UV-stabilized polypropylene and polyester blend are great for indoor or outdoor use. Its varying shades of blue in a contemporary abstract design can mesh with various decor and furnishings. There’s a zipper closure for the removable cover, so you can keep it looking fresh all year long. The pillow measures 12” H x 18” W x 6” D. Eickhoff Circles Indoor/Outdoor Pillow, $32, wayfair.com

2. Light a Fire
Add some ambience—and color—to your home with clusters of candles. These have a natural, rustic finish and are made from real wax. They burn clean with no smoke or odor, so they are perfect for any occasion. Use them for elegant lighting on your dinner table, side tables or mantel, or even group them in your fireplace for a wood-free warmth. 3-Piece Moss Timber Unscented Pillar Candle Set, $32, wayfair.com

3. Stately Seating
Take a seat in this handsome tufted-leather chair with a modified wingback silhouette that is both refined and relaxed—the perfect addition to any living space. It features a manual reclining mechanism and swivel base in brass, bronze or brushed nickel finish. There are a variety of sumptuous leathers to choose from, but our favorite is Statesville Indigo Blue. Wells Tufted Leather Swivel Recliner, $1,799–$2,999, potterybarn.com

4. Arresting Appliance
The luxury and beauty of this small appliance will stop you in your tracks. But your mornings will never be the same when you experience this espresso machine crafting cafe-quality coffee right in your home. It features a conical burr grinder and a pre-infusion function that gradually increases water pressure to expand the espresso grounds for ideal flavor development. Touchscreen technology lets you choose among five classic cafe drinks or program up to eight custom options with your preferred settings—including milk texture and temperature—for dreamy espresso drinks. Breville The Oracle Touch Damson Blue Espresso Machine, $2,800, crateandbarrel.com

5. Walk on Water
This Crate & Barrel exclusive is dyed the deep blue of the Mediterranean Sea by highly skilled artisans who knot and dye the wool by hand for a tightly constructed pile in vibrant, lasting color. Its design features freeform loops, dots and a latticework pattern in white on a deeply saturated wash of blues. Rias Moroccan Blue Wool Hand Knotted 9 x 12’ Area Rug, Crate & Barrel, $1,499, crateandbarrel.com

6. Blue Ribbon Cooking
This gorgeous and high-quality cookware turns a ho-hum household chore into a primetime cooking-show event. The sleek design with stainless steel handles and eyecatching navy exteriors is also free of Teflon, PTFE, PFOA and heavy metals. With the 10.5” fry pan, 3-quart lidded saucepan, 4.5-quart lidded saute pan and 6.5-quart lidded Dutch oven, you’ll have everything you need to tackle any recipe. Caraway Home 7-Piece Navy Blue Non-Stick Ceramic Cookware Set, Crate & Barrel, $395, crateandbarrel.com