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When it comes to blue kitchen ideas, Navy has been ahead of the curve for a while. However, it’s not the only shade of blue that can make an impact in your kitchen. There are a variety of alternative blues to choose from, if the navy is too dark to cuddle with.
From sky blues, duck eggs, or pretty periwinkle, to teal, aquatic navy, and more solid electric colors, there are plenty of shades to consider to dip your toe in this invigorating kitchen color scheme.
We all know that kitchens can sometimes be stressful places. This is what makes blue a good color spectrum to use in any room where food is prepared. ‘It’s serene, calming and most importantly always elegant,’ says Susie Spence, fashion expert and head of interior design at B&Q.
blue kitchen ideas
There’s no denying that blue units look beautiful and make a bold statement, but it’s not always necessary to change everything up. Of course, if it’s time for a new kitchen that’s exciting. However, there are other ways to introduce shades of blue that do not entail huge expenditures. “Painting kitchen cabinets is an easy and cost-effective way to upgrade your kitchen without putting in too much effort,” says Susie Spence, fashion expert and head of interior design at B&Q.
It’s very easy to learn how to paint or tile kitchen cabinets too, if you want to be smart with your money or prefer an upgrade rather than a replacement.
1. Make a splash of decorative tiles
Image credit: Future PLC / Polly Wreford
If you’ve already scrolled through white kitchen ideas and settled on neutral cabinetry, give it more textured tiles and accessories. A splash of blue combination is the perfect partner for white worktops or lemon-washed cabinets. With traditional combinations, this color palette can evoke a nostalgic feel.
Patterned tiles are back in a big way and it’s easy to see why. They provide an easy way to add interest and color to a kitchen without being overpowering, says Colin Lincoln Evans, buyer, Tale Mountain. “Whether you create a simple splash behind a sink or tile above your kitchen cabinet, remember that a little pattern can go a long way.”
Small kitchens can easily be overpowered by intricate patterns. So choose carefully and find one that will create a focal point without taking over the space.
2. Go bold with electric blue cabinets
Image credit: Ca’ Pietra
If you want something unique, choose a company that can match your favorite colors, like Better Kitchens. Or create your own by painting existing units. Once you find the best paint for your kitchen cabinets, you can let your imagination run riot with color. A bold shade, like electric blue, will instantly personalize your space, especially when coordinated with vibrant tiles.
Just make sure it’s a color you can live with, and isn’t called electric blue for nothing. It gives your senses a shock, so it is best suited for unopened kitchens.
3. Make an advantage with a blue island
Color doesn’t have to take over all of your kitchen cabinets. Divide a large space or tall group of white units with an island in a stunning shade of blue. Where the idea of a nautical kitchen might seem too much, choosing an island only in the most dominant shade allows you to embrace the color without overwhelming the space.
Keep the scheme cohesive with countertops in the same material across all of the base cabinets and choose a finish that complements both colors, like this elegant marble example. Introducing bar stools with benches in the same metallic color as the door handles and fixtures will tie the scheme together.
4. A pair of soft contrasting shades
Image credit: Olive & Barr; blue shaker kitchen
Periwinkle is another blue tone set to become popular. Recently announced by Pantone (with the nickname ‘Very Peri’) as the color of the year 2022, expect to see it appear everywhere in interiors. Inspired by the beautiful Periwinkle plant, color experts said this violet and blue hue exudes “carefree confidence.” This makes it a great kitchen color in our eyes but breaks up the space with mint hues, as a canvas for the sugary flavors of periwinkle.
“Blue kitchens have been growing in popularity for several years now, and for good reason,” says Al Bruce, founder of Olive & Barr. “It feels bold and creative, giving your space extra depth, balance, and a dramatic edge.”
5. Create an effect with teal and stone ringtones
Image credit: Future PLC
This teal kitchen is a show stopper, with its bold floor-to-ceiling painted cabinets. To balance the strong shade of green and blue, the color is broken up with large areas of faded gray by the marble countertops, tiled cooktop and cooker hood. The different tones in the tiles and worktop give a natural feel that adds subtle movement, which you wouldn’t see with a flat block of color.
6. Complement exposed wood with navy
Image credit: Future PLC / Polly Eltes
There’s a reason colors that appear in nature like navy blue work so well with natural materials, like oak. That’s because our eyes are so aligned with seeing them together, so it makes a winning combination in a rustic kitchen, too. Spotted shades of blue-gray and honey in the stone floor combine cool blues and warm oak tones. Meanwhile, a trio of shiny copper pendants add a touch of sparkle.
7. Choose a soothing tone for a busy kitchen
Image credit: Future PLC / Colin Poole
The subtle shade of blue and green, warm in winter and fresh in summer, is perfect for the kitchen where you want to spend all your time. Pale blue is also a timeless shade that’s easy to live with and can help calm the chaos of family mealtimes.
Team the cabinets with simple white countertops and clever brass door handles to enhance the color.
8. Consider the amount of light
Image credit: Future PLC
Do you prefer darker shades of blue, such as aquamarine? Before you commit, think about how much natural light your kitchen has and consider if it could take on color.
“From soothing light shades of azure to bold navy, there’s something in this palette to suit everyone’s style, whether you’re a fan of modern or traditional kitchens,” says xx Homebase. Light blue color can make the room brighter and larger. But if you’re a fan of darker shades, make sure you get plenty of light, both natural and artificial, to prevent the space from feeling too cramped.
9. Contrasting the blue sky with pale wood
Image credit: Future PLC
“No shade of blue is right for kitchen cabinets, it all depends on the mood you’re trying to achieve,” says Susie Spence, trend expert and head of interior design at B&Q. “Dulux experts predicted Bright Skies™ to be the Color of the Year for 2022. The pale blue gives an airy tone that opens up and breathes new life into any setting.”
10. Elevate the Gray with Vertical Vertical Tiles
Glossy Fern Blue Ceramic Wall Tile, B&Q
Gray kitchen ideas have been popular for a while, yet as cool as these smoky-colored cooking areas are, they can look a little faded without shade. Give gray cabinets a lift by grouping them with blue tiles; Ideally a shade with a gray tinge. This B&Q blue turquoise tile works as a bonus. By placing it in a portrait style, (instead of the traditional horizontal style we’re used to), it instantly makes it feel modern.
11. Choose blues over fashion
Image credit: Dulux
One shade of blue that will become popular is the recently announced Dulux Color of 2022: Bright Skies. Use this paint shade to set the tone for a kitchen wall idea.
“What better inspiration can we get from the infinite sky around us?” says Marianne Shillingford, Dulux UK’s creative director. “It is widely known that nature makes us feel better and that taking steps to bring the outside in enhances our sense of well-being.”
What blue shade is good for kitchen cabinets?
xx Homebase says, “Navy is the classic shade for kitchen cabinets, it’s bold and sophisticated.” However, pastel blue is becoming more and more popular. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to add a splash of color to brighten their home.”
Susie Spence, Trend Expert and Head of Interior Design at B&Q, adds, “Cerulean will turn your kitchen into a coastal paradise, while Cobalt will create a more modern and invigorating look. If you’re looking for a sophisticated and contemporary feel, then deep blue should be the place for you.”
What color are the walls with the blue kitchen?
It depends on the shade of blue, so look at the undertones. It may be grey, green or yellow, so use it as an indicator. If in doubt, you can’t go wrong with white walls.
“Two-tone décor in the kitchen is an ongoing trend. Coordinating the bold colors of light-walled cabinets with a complementary or contrasting color and this works well with blue kitchens,” says xx Homebase.
How to decorate a blue kitchen?
“Be sure to look for a washable and scrub-able coating, says Susie Spence, fashion expert and head of interior design at B&Q. If you’re looking to create a blue effect, place it next to neutral worktops to really make the color pop.
Tones of gray and white combined with navy blue are perfect for creating those relaxing moments. Light shades of blue, such as sky blue, can work perfectly with gray, white or black, and create a more vibrant feel.