Introduction
Blue is one of the most popular kitchen colors. Catering to homeowners with a wide range of tastes, blue cabinets fit perfectly within traditional and contemporary homes. If you love the idea of blue walls in your kitchen, or you’re thinking about replacing rustic wood or bright white units with blue kitchen cabinets, this guide has all the information you need to embrace the blue kitchen trend. We’ll explore popular themes and style ideas and discuss how to decorate and accessorize blue kitchens. We’ll also share some top tips for DIY enthusiasts and amateur interior designers looking to revamp or upcycle dated or drab kitchen cabinets.
The rise of the blue kitchen
Blue is one of the most popular color choices for kitchens. Did you know that searches for ‘powder blue kitchen’ and ‘powder blue kitchen cabinets’ have increased by almost 200% (source)? Along with white and green, blue has dominated the list of hottest kitchen color trends in recent years.
There are multiple reasons why blue is such a common choice for kitchen walls, tiling and cabinets. One of the most significant advantages is its versatility. There is a huge spectrum of shades of blue to choose from, meaning that blue works brilliantly in every style of kitchen. From ultra-modern, minimalist kitchens to quaint country homes, you’ll find a tone that suits the aesthetic and ambiance perfectly.
As kitchen remodel and design trends evolve, many people have become more open to experimenting with colors. While monochrome kitchens remain hugely popular, more and more homeowners are choosing to add a splash of color using painted cabinets or accessories or to base their kitchen design on a more exciting and vibrant palette.
Designing a blue kitchen: What are my options?
If you fancy injecting azure hues into your kitchen, there are several ways to design a blue kitchen. From subtle, understated and simple accents and details to bold designs that celebrate blue in all its glory, here are some ideas for kitchen designs in blue:
Blue kitchen cabinets
One of the simplest and most effective ways to create a stunning blue kitchen is to opt for blue kitchen cabinets. You can choose to fix up, upcycle or paint existing cabinets or order new blue units for your kitchen. There’s a vast array of shades to choose from and you can decide which tone suits your home best. You may love the splendor and richness of heritage blues or deep navy blues, or you might want to channel rustic trends with pops of electric blue. You may be tempted to recreate a beach house vibe with mid-blues and white, or you may want to create a soft, subtle design with soothing pastel shades. Explore paint charts and browse online galleries to get inspiration.
When you’re choosing colors for your kitchen cabinets, try to connect them with the rest of your design plan to produce a cohesive design. You may want to clash the color of the cabinets with your walls, or you might want to pick up or complement a shade from your backsplash or countertops in your choice of cabinet color. Figure out how you want the finished article to look before you decide on a color.
Blue walls in your kitchen
Painting blue walls in the kitchen is an easy, affordable way to transform the look of the room. If you like the idea of blue walls in your kitchen, look through your range hood, paint charts, make a shortlist of tones you love and use testers and samples to narrow down your options. From deep, dark blues for cozy, traditional kitchens to ice-cool blues for contemporary apartments, you can choose from an enormous selection of tones. It’s always wise to test paint colors in natural light and make a decision once the paint has dried. Apply a tiny amount of each color to a white wall and then compare the leading contenders.
When you’re thinking about paint colors for your kitchen wall, it’s essential to consider the aesthetic impact and visual appeal, but it’s also beneficial to think about the feel of the room. Blue is a color that is traditionally associated with calmness, serenity and relaxation, but it can also be energizing, uplifting and warm, depending on the shade. Lighter tones are ideal for tranquil spaces while bright shades of blue, such as turquoise, cyan and cobalt blue work perfectly in bustling, social kitchens. Deep shades create a sense of intimacy while light colors can make kitchens seem bigger and brighter. Think about the vibe you want to create in your kitchen and how you use the space. Some people love to entertain and the kitchen is the central hub of the home. Others enjoy retreating to the kitchen to cook after a busy day at work or enjoy a cup of tea with a view of the garden.
If you are comparing shades of blue for your kitchen cabinets or walls, it’s also a good idea to take the size of the room into account. If you have a compact or dark kitchen, for example, and you want the space to seem larger and lighter, avoid tones like navy and royal blue and opt for baby blue, powder blue or white walls teamed with light or mid-blue cabinets. If you have a large kitchen and you want to create a cozier, more inviting feel, strong, intense shades are a great choice.
Before painting the walls of your kitchen, take the time to sand and clean the surfaces to maximize the chances of a flawless finish. If you are covering darker colors, such as black or bottle green, you may need several coats. Let the first layer of paint dry before you start the second coat.
Blue backsplash tile ideas
Adding blue tiles to your kitchen is an excellent idea if you don’t want to paint all the walls or you’re looking to lift different colors, such as white, cream or pastel pink, with splashes of blue. Tiles are versatile and they can be used for backsplashes, floors, countertops and unique design features. You may want to consider blue wall tiles, for example, a mosaic pattern, if you’re designing a traditional, Mediterranean blue and white kitchen. Alternatively, you might be interested in patterned blue floor tiles if you love Regency trends or you’re a fan of the Art Deco period. Take your time to look around stores, shop online and look for inspiration in magazines, social media feeds and TV design shows. It’s also a brilliant idea to use places you’ve visited as inspiration. Many of us are influenced by our travels, for example.
Add a blue island for your remodel
Kitchen islands have been popular for many years, but this is a trend that has evolved. Gone are the days of fitting a modest, run-of-the-mill island. Today, there’s a magnificent range of islands to choose from to suit every style of kitchen. Islands provide additional storage and counter space for cooking and preparing food, but they also create a focal point. You can choose from single and double islands in a dazzling range of designs and colors.
Adding a blue island to your kitchen is a brilliant way to use color either as a dominant force in your remodel plans, or as a simple, elegant and classic way to introduce a pop of color. You can match the island with your walls, floor tiles or cabinets for a bold, blue kitchen or use a colored island to attract attention in a neutral space. Go for bright tones like sky blue, aqua or electric blue to make a statement. Opt for more muted shades like periwinkle and powder blue for a more delicate touch.
Blue accessories for your Kitchen
If you have a bijou kitchen, or you don’t want to be too bold with color, adding blue accessories to your kitchen offers an alternative to painting the walls or changing your cabinets and worktops. Accessorizing is an easy, affordable way to update your kitchen, experiment with new trends and create a new look without embarking upon a remodel. You can add details like blue vases, planters, storage pots and jars, pots and pans, table linen and wall art to inject gorgeous hues of blue.
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