There are plenty of indicators of time passing—birthdays, the constant exit and return of low-rise jeans, and kitchen color palettes. It’s easy to lean on white as your color base, but working in a pop of color can transform your kitchen into a topic of conversation (in a good way). Today, we’re digging into blue kitchen ideas, highlighting the hue that has the power to go big on trends or evoke a casual elegance.
“It’s one of the safer and more timeless color options you can choose for a kitchen,” says Paul de Andrade, founder and principal designer of Studio Kestrel. “Blue tends to have broader appeal than shades like red or orange—especially if part of your plan is to do a kitchen renovation to boost resale value.” From accent walls and bold cabinetry to eye-catching tiles and monochromatic molding, the following kitchens show just how versatile the color can be. But first, let’s hear from some experts on some burning kitchen questions.
What is the best blue kitchen color?
“I love using blue as a way to bring the outside natural world into interior spaces,” says wallpaper designer Elizabeth Lamb. “There’s a sense of calm that comes from any shade of blue, recalling a clear sky or the sea. I [also] love a cornflower or porcelain blue that references traditional ceramics and tiles, lending a bright and timeless feel to the kitchen.” For most people, like Elizabeth, the color blue brings with it a personal connection. To bring a piece of yourself into your space, go all in on whatever bond or memories you have of the color.
If you’re looking for something a bit more neutral to drop in unexpected places, Andrade has suggestions. “I love a good smokey blue in a kitchen, something with enough color to make it pop but some subtle gray undertones that make it feel chic and refined,” he says. “This makes sure that your kitchen feels like a beautiful feature in your home, but it also blends seamlessly with most other decor to help the kitchen fit into the overall scheme of your home design.”
Are there any blues to steer clear of?
Instead of avoiding hues, consider how much blue you’re using in your space. Be aware of changing light and how it can impact your blues. “Since it is a cold color, I tend to use blue more sparingly for accents in a room rather than the full surrounds of it (like wall paint or wall coverings), because I find that, on cloudy and overcast days, it reflects blue light throughout the room which can create a somber or dismal feel to the space,” Andrade says.
Color preference is always going to vary from person to person—for instance, Andrade doesn’t gravitate toward primary colors. “They seem basic, childlike, and uninteresting when we have an endless spectrum of shades of blue to choose from,” he says. “Things like Mets Blue are a big no-no for me—both in the kitchen and honestly anywhere in the home. I might make an exception for a kid’s room.”
What are the best paint colors for a blue kitchen?
Think about the mood you want people to have when they walk into the space—blue has the power to bring energy or calm down. “Blue is an incredibly soothing color when used in lighter or grayer tones, and it has an inherently tailored and masculine feel when richer, darker tones are used,” Andrade says. “A few of my favorite paint finishes on cabinetry are colors like Benjamin Moore’s Providence Blue and Blue Spruce.”
Don’t forget: Wallpaper is another option when thinking through blue kitchen ideas. Lamb looks to iconic patterns for her own inspiration: “Painted Tile is one of my favorite prints to use in a kitchen because it is inspired by the traditional blue Delft Tiles that have so much history,” she says. “This print creates a big impact without a big overhaul of your home. Using Delft Tiles as a starting point, I set out to create a pattern that was geometric with strong repetition but at the same time full of individuality and whimsy.”
