Color of the Year

Sherwin-Williams Names Naval Color of the Year 2020

Paint company Sherwin-Williams has unveiled its official Color of the Year 2020: Naval SW 6244.

According to the trendsetting brand, this bold and classic shade is a “rich navy hue that strikes a balance between calm and confident.” The color was featured in the 45-shade Sherwin-Williams Colormix Trend Forecast for 2020, in the “Alive” collection.

Photography via 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,” Sherwin-Williams shared in an official press release.

Sue Wadden, the director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams said that the new 20s decade ahead will be filled with bold color statements – though this particular color takes some references from the 1920s.

Photography via Sherwin-Williams
Photography via Sherwin-Williams

“The use of color in interior design is changing. It’s not just about what a space looks like anymore, but how it makes you feel,” Wadden said in a statement.

“People want to feel grounded and inspired to pursue their mental, physical and emotional well-being. Naval 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.”

“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,” Wadden added.

“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.”

Photography via Sherwin-Williams

The brand recommends pairing this sapphire-like paint color throughout commercial and residential spaces with luxurious marble and mixed metallic finishes, or in color stories including natural materials, warm leathers, and vibrant greenery.

“Naval can easily play into any mood you’re trying to create, whether it’s lively energy for a restaurant, or calm serenity in a hotel room,” said Wadden. “It’s a truly versatile color that will be on-trend and appealing for years to come.”

Photography via Sherwin-Williams

This shade announcement follows Sherwin-Williams’ 2019 Color of the Year pick, the warm bohemian Cavern Clay.

To see more applications of Naval, be sure to check out our complete color trend lookbook here.

To hear more about how Sherwin-Williams decides on its trending color palettes of a season, be sure to check out our exclusive interview with Laurie Clark, Senior Designer Account Executive for the brand.

Curious to see what other paint companies and interior design brands will name as their own Color of the Year 2020 picks? Stay tuned to House Tipster Industry, where we’ll be bringing you the latest color news and trends as it happens.

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