Sherwin-Williams has announced that Naval SW 6244, a rich navy blue, is the Sherwin-Williams 2020 Color of the Year.

Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams, considers Naval a “new neutral” with a look as bold and glamorous as it is calming and serene. It is versatile across a variety of design styles, including boho, traditional, or coastal.

“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,” says Wadden. “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.”

On its own, Naval offers a calm, serene look reminiscent of the night sky or deep sea. As a backdrop for “luxurious finishes”, including marble or mixed metallic accents, Naval evokes the glamor of Art Deco aesthetics and the Roaring ‘20s, while natural materials, including warm leather, woven fiber rugs, and vibrant foliage, emphasize the color’s connection to nature.

“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 says. “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.”

Naval SW 6244 is Sherwin-Williams’ 10th annual Color of the Year, chosen by the Sherwin-Williams global color and design team. The Color of the Year for 2019 is Cavern Clay SW 7701.