That is when you walk into a kitchen and there is a click, you know? That is what you do when you nail the ideal blue kitchen design. Obsessing about blue kitchens is not a new thing of mine, and I would like to tell you about something magical about this color that makes your cooking space look like an ordinary place changed to a place that looks absolutely stunning.
Blue kitchens are not only fashionable (they absolutely are now). They are classic, multi-purpose and frankly? Your morning coffee is more enhanced by them. Well, not really, but you see what I am talking about )
Why Blue Makes Your Kitchen Pop
The Psychology Behind the Color
Blue presents this amazing feeling of relaxation and elegance which other colors are not able to provide. I recall how the moment I painted my kitchen island navy blue in a second the entire room seemed more high-end and assembled. Blue inherently gives the spaces the effect of being bigger and open and this is ideal when you have to deal with a small kitchen.
The best part? Blue is a good color to match with virtually everything. Blue fits as a chameleon: whether you want farmhouse or modern minimalist.
Different Shades, Different Vibes
The same does not apply to every blues. This is what I have discovered by trying different colors:
- Navy blue brings drama and elegance
- Powder blue creates a soft, cottage-like feel
- Teal adds energy and modern flair
- Periwinkle offers subtle sophistication
Wondered why certain blue kitchens are warm and others cold? It is all about undertones and the way you harmonize them with other things.
Cabinet Magic: Your Blue Kitchen Foundation
Going Bold with Blue Cabinets
The fastest method of changing your kitchen is with blue cabinets and as I can assure you, they are worth the investment. I have witnessed too many individuals back out and use white cabinets as they are safe. But where’s the fun in safe?
Navy cabinets work incredibly well on kitchen islands. They make this beautiful point which catches your eye at once. Match them with white shelfs on top and you have that balance of bold and bright.
| Blue Shade | Best For | Pairs Well With |
|---|---|---|
| Navy | Islands, lower cabinets | White, brass, marble |
| Powder Blue | Upper cabinets, small kitchens | Gray, silver, wood |
| Teal | Accent cabinets, modern styles | Black, gold, concrete |
Hardware That Complements
The blue cabinet look will or will not be realized with the hardware you select. Teal cabinets have matte black handles which provide them with a modern advantage, whereas brass hardware and navy cabinets combine to produce this breathtaking traditional look.
This was taught to me the first time I combined chrome hardware with my powder blue cabinets. It was… it wasn’t my best design moment, I guess :/
Backsplash Brilliance: Blue Tile Ideas
Subway Tiles with a Twist
White subway tiles are easy to do, but blue subway tiles are adding instant character. I mean that ideal ocean blue that makes you feel that you are preparing in a house by the coast.
To be more dramatic, use navy blue subway tiles with white grout. The difference is just entirely stunning and it captures well in photography provided you are into the Instagram kitchen craze.
Mosaic and Pattern Play
Patterning and texturing with blue mosaic tiles allow you to be creative. And I have learned beautiful kitchens of blue and white geometric mosaics that look like costly wallpaper but much stronger.
Moroccan blue tiles are especially effective when you have a desire to bring a touch of internationalism into your interior. Well, don’t overdo it–it matters.
Walls and Paint: Creating the Perfect Blue Backdrop
Accent Walls That Actually Work
Unwilling to make blue cabinets? Start with an accent wall. I would always suggest painting the wall behind your stove or sink; this makes an automatic emphasis without causing the wall to overpower the room.
The Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore is my recommendation. It is not too mature, it is also not too dark that your kitchen feels crowded.
Two-Tone Techniques
Here is a trick that I learned with one of my designer friends: paint your lower cabinets blue and leave the upper ones white or cream. Such a style makes the space grounded visually and at the same time creates an impression of openness and airiness of the space.
It is the blue intensity that is selected. You desire something that goes well with your countertops and is not a conflict with your appliances.
Countertops and Blue: Finding the Sweet Spot
Materials That Sing with Blue
Marble counters with blue vein are definitely gorgeous, when they are combined with blue cabinets, but they need serious maintenance. When you are less of a high-maintenance person (which I am), then you want to think about quartz in light blue undertones.
White counter-tops and blue cabinets make a gorgeous contrast whereas butcher block gives warmth so that the place does not look too cold.
What to Avoid
I’ve made some countertop mistakes, and I hope you learn about my pain. Avoid busy granite patterns with blue cabinets—it’s just too much visual noise. Keep your counter tops plain when the cabinets are doing the talking.
Accessories and Finishing Touches
Lighting That Enhances Blue
Blue kitchens are best with warm lighting. Blue cabinets are made ugly and unwelcoming by cool LED lights. I replaced the warm LED bulbs, and night and day are different.
Pendant lights in brass or copper create beautiful contrast with blue elements. They make it feel warmer and do not monochrome the space.
Textiles and Decor
Blue kitchens present so much freedom in the accessories. Cream dish towels, wooden cutting boards and copper pots all appear amazing on blue backgrounds.
The greatest friend of blue kitchens is plants. The green of nature makes the perfect harmony of colors and everybody would want fresh herbs in reach distance when he/she is cooking.
Making Blue Work in Small Spaces
Light Blues for Tight Spaces
In a galley kitchen, or when you have a small square footage, the light blues will be your best friend. Powder blue or periwinkle cabinets are more light reflective and create a sense of space in smaller rooms.
I assisted one of my friends to make her small apartment kitchen pale blue cabinets and white subway tile. The result? Twice the size with an infinity of style.
Strategic Color Placement
In mini kitchens, blue as an accent color is an option in contrast to the prevailing color. A blue back splash or one blue wall can be used to be more personality without overpowering the room.
Budget-Friendly Blue Kitchen Updates
Paint: Your Cheapest Game-Changer
The best solution to attain this appearance is painting the already existing cabinets blue. I’ve already done it twice, and although it is not really entertaining (admittedly, it is pretty horrible), the outcome justifies all the time that I spent preparing.
Ensure that you apply a high quality primer and paint that is intended to be used on cabinets. Believe me on this point–in a kitchen cheap paint is never a saving.
Accessories First Approach
Not ready for a full renovation? Start with blue accessories. The color can be tried in your space by blue pendant lights, a blue runner, or even blue bar stools.
This method will allow you to view the impact that the blue color in your kitchen has on you and then make bigger decisions.
Final Thoughts: Your Blue Kitchen Journey
The ideal blue kitchen is not about the regulations but the shade and the form that you feel good when you enter the room. I have also understood that the best kitchens are a mirror of the personalities of people using them.
Be it bold in your use of navy cabinets or just subtle in a blue backsplash, always keep in mind that confidence is most important. Feel proud of the decisions, and your kitchen will become your home.
Just in case you didn’t know, blue kitchens are tough. Blue kitchens never get old unlike other trends that become outdated a few years later. Go on, jump–you will be glad your future self that you were bold enough to decide to play on the personality side rather than on the safe side.
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