If you want to make a bold statement in your living room, I highly recommend Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy. It’s a deep, elegant blue that feels both grand and welcoming—perfect for a cozy, refined living space.
Originally, I hadn’t planned to tackle the living room this quarter—aside from maybe a fresh coat of paint—as noted in my home goals. However, the curtains for my office redesign have taken longer than expected, so I decided to dive into the living room update instead.
The room is already more than halfway complete, but I prefer to share the process step by step. To start, here’s the living room mood board that guided the design.
Faux Wandering Variegated Tradescantia Plant | Let’s Stay In Sign (similar) | Wood Curtain Rod | White Curtains | Vintage-Style Navy Rug | Sectional Sofa (PB Comfort, Twill in Parchment) | Palna Pillow Cover | Midnight Blue Linen Pillow Cover | Animal Print Pillow Cover | Large Wicker Basket (similar) | Wood Framed Mirror | Faux Pothos Plant | Gallery Frame | White & Brass Lamps | Brass Turtle | Faux Potted Fittonia Plant | Starburst Frame | Wooden Beads with Tassel | Faux Potted Variegated Spider Plant | Console Table | Console Table Baskets
DO YOU WANT TO LEARN HOW TO CREATE YOUR OWN DESIGN MOOD BOARD? CLICK HERE!
This living room is smaller than our previous one, which had very high ceilings and an open-plan layout. Our current space is more enclosed but still feels open thanks to 9-foot ceilings, a dramatic wall of windows, built-in bookshelves, and two large doorways. The white trim and abundant natural light keep the room feeling airy even though the footprint is cozier.
Because of those large windows, the built-ins, and the open doorways, this felt like an ideal room to go bold with color. Hale Navy has been a favorite of mine for years, so I chose it for a navy living room that balances drama with comfort.
The palette I’m working with is simple: white, navy, and warm wood tones. That combination gives a relaxed coastal vibe without feeling out of place here in northern Alabama.
The Furniture We Brought With Us
Most of the larger pieces were moved from our previous home and fit well with the new plan. Below are a few photos of the room right after we moved in to show how the existing pieces work in the new layout.
We ordered the PB Comfort sectional before we even saw this house, so I was thrilled when it fit the space perfectly. The vintage-style rug, console table, and woven baskets behind the sofa also transitioned nicely and help anchor the room.
My plan is to remove the blinds and hang simple white curtains from IKEA. The blinds tend to interrupt the light flow even when they’re open, and curtains will create a softer transition to the screened porch and the private wooded backyard beyond.
I’ll replace the ceiling fan eventually, but it will stay for now. I also plan to swap the existing TV cabinet on the right of the fireplace to better match the built-in bookshelf on the left, since our TV is mounted above the mantel and we don’t need a large media cabinet on that side.
For now, the immediate work includes painting the walls Hale Navy and layering in accessories, a gallery wall, and styled bookshelves. Future additions—like a new ceiling fan, coffee table, and two swivel chairs—will come later as part of Phase 2.
For Right Now, I’m Going To:
- Paint the walls Hale Navy
- Remove the blinds and install white curtains
- Create a gallery wall behind the sofa
- Decorate and style the built-in bookshelves (bookshelf styling guide)
- Mount the TV above the mantel
- Add lamps and decor to the console table behind the sofa
- Hang a mirror and arrange decor on the console table along the back wall
Phase 2 Plans:
These upgrades are on the wish list but not in the budget yet. I want to get the room to a satisfying stopping point and then move on to the dining room and my girls’ bedroom. Phase 2 will likely happen next year.
- Replace the ceiling fan with one that suits the new aesthetic
- Build or purchase a custom coffee table
- Add two comfortable swivel chairs where the leather chair currently sits
- Add art to the wall to the right of the mantel
- Add end tables for the sofa
- Paint the built-in cabinets and trim in Simply White for a fresh, cohesive look
That’s the plan for our navy living room. It’s quickly becoming one of my favorite rooms in the house—surprising, since I worried it might not feel as inviting as our old living room. The built-ins, the view from the sofa, and the cozy but elevated color scheme have made it a space our family enjoys spending time in every day.
I can’t wait to share photos of the finished navy walls—they’ve already transformed the room’s atmosphere. How do you feel about your living room? If you’d change anything, what would you do?
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