When it comes to timeless kitchen colours, blue is pretty high up on the list. Whether it’s mysterious midnight or invigorating azure, adding a dash of classic blue to your kitchen can instantly evoke feelings of serenity, comfort and stability, which makes it a natural choice for the place where you cook, eat and congregate with friends.
Whether you pair yours with Scandi accessories, showstopping Mid-century modern furniture or anything in between, blue will add depth to the heart of your home without looking overwhelming, can be styled up to look luxurious or dressed down to feel welcoming and warming. Still in need of convincing? Thanks to being a primary colour that’s rooted in nature, blue kitchens will remain versatile and on-trend for decades, so you’ll be pleased to know that they won’t date any time soon. Read on to discover 16 inspiring ways you can incorporate blue into your kitchen scheme!
Blue kitchen ideas
Blue kitchen cabinets
If you're after a kitchen that won't date, you really can't go wrong with blue cabinets. As a general rule, dark blue cabinets will give your kitchen a classic look, while lighter shades - like sky or powder blue - will make for a light, airy feel. Looking to give your kitchen a brand new look on a budget? Instead of opting for entirely new kitchen units, you can always paint your existing kitchen cabinets with a lick of blue chalk paint. Farrow & Ball have a great range of classic blue shades (check out their top colours for 2022 here) or, if you're looking for something a bit more affordable, you can get your hands on cheap Farrow & Ball alternatives from Dulux, Crown and Homebase. To get the most professional finish, you'll want to invest in the right tools, so don't forget to check out our round up of the best chalk paint brushes too!
Navy blue kitchen
Perhaps the most classic of blue shades, the colour navy connotes security and order, making it a fabulous choice for the place where you gather with family and friends to share your favourite recipes. The great thing about navy is the fact that it suits modern and period kitchens alike, so not only will it look great in a rustic country kitchen, but it'll also bring a sleek, contemporary kitchen to life. For a sophisticated yet fun look, why not try teaming navy cabinets with white marble countertops and funky blue floor tiles? Tiled flooring will give your space a relaxed, mediterranean-inspired vibe, while the marble countertops will keep the overall space feeling timeless. What's not to love!?
Dark blue kitchen
If your dream kitchen is sophisticated and luxurious, dark decor can transform even the most lacklustre kitchen into a sumptuous space. Create drama by using the same deep, Art Deco inspired peacock blue on walls, ceilings and cabinets. Add matte black and metallic accents for an expensive look, and finish the look with some fresh green houseplants to really bring the space to life. If you want to add even more flair, you can swap out dark blue wall paint for some kitchen-friendly wallpaper, or even wallpaper your ceiling for a theatrical look your guests are sure to love.
Real blue kitchen inspiration...
Blue kitchen tiles
If blue cabinets aren't to your taste, it doesn't mean that you can't add a splash of the tranquil shade into your space with tiles. Installing a blue tiled splashback is a quick and easy way to add personality to your kitchen without giving it a total overhaul, and with such a vast range of different tile styles out there, it's also a great opportunity to be creative. Choose metro tiles to create a retro inspired kitchen, arabesque tiles to add middle eastern flair, or even install scallop tiles if you're working with a space that has particularly harsh edges. You can also try out tile zoning if you're after a more intricate look - the world is your oyster! Don't forget to check out our round up of the best kitchen tile ideas for every style and budget to be inspired, or check out how to paint kitchen and bathroom tiles if you're after a more affordable transformation.
Duck egg blue kitchen
If you're a fan of farmhouse decor, duck egg blue is for you. Soft, traditional and positively springlike, the green-blue shade is perfect for breathing new life into a tired kitchen, and ideal if you want to inject a welcoming, homely feel into the hub of your home. Thanks to its classic look and green undertones, duck egg blue looks particularly effective when teamed with earth tones and natural textures like wicker, wood and exposed brick. For a vintage vibe, why not finish the look with a retro microwave or retro fridge freezer? Copper kitchen accessories are also great for enhancing this particular shade of blue - try adding an old-fashioned copper kettle to your hob for a
Blue and white kitchen
Perhaps the most classic colour combo around, blue and white kitchens aren't just reserved for fans of coastal decor - it's also the perfect colour scheme for a period home, be it a Victorian, Edwardian, Georgian or even Regency inspired pad. If you're interested in trying out the fresh combination in your own home, opt for a grey-toned blue to stop the white from looking too stark, and don't forget to add in dark wood accents with plenty of houseplants - this will stop your space from appearing to ice-cream coloured and keep it looking pared-back cool.
More kitchen decor ideas...
Blue kitchen island
Looking to dip your toe into the blue kitchens trend without committing to a full room makeover? A blue kitchen island could be the answer! Not only will installing a blue island maximise your kitchen storage, it'll also create a stunning feature that'll become the clear focal point of your space. For a sophisticated look, take inspiration from the Tom Howley kitchen above and team your island with understated neutral tones and dashes of silver.
Blue kitchen walls
Although the idea of teaming blue cabinets with blue walls might initially seem scary, the result won't necessarily be as bold as you first imagine. Indeed, if you're a staunch maximalist, you may well want to team vivid aqua blue units with punchy periwinkle walls, but if you're after something slightly less daring, don't think you have to steer clear of a monochrome palette altogether. To create a relaxing blue cocoon, try teaming something like Dulux's Bright Skies with dusky indigo cabinets - the light blue walls will make your kitchen feel open, airy and optimistic while the darker cabinets will have a reassuringly grounding effect. If you need some inspiration choosing paint shades and brands, you can always have a look at our guide where to buy paint online, or, for added sustainability points, check out our pick of the best eco paints on the market - our roundup includes all the best non-toxic and planet-friendly paints available to buy in the uk!
Blue shaker kitchen
Characterised by the recessed panels the centre of the door or drawer front, shaker kitchens are known for their craftsmanship and elegance, making them the perfect style to team with a blue scheme. To create a dramatic contrast, try styling a traditional shaker kitchen against industrial inspired accents - think exposed brick walls, crittall style windows and chunky wooden floating shelves on iron brackets. After some more blue kitchen inspiration? Take a look at YourHomeStyle reader Stephanie's blue kitchen makeover here!
Is blue a good colour for a kitchen?
In short, yes - blue is a great colour for a kitchen because not only are the such a broad spectrum of shades to choose from, but it's also pretty timeless. Because blue is a colour that's often around us in the natural world - think sky and sea - having blue in your kitchen won't ever feel too in-your-face or overwhelming - in fact, it's one of the most calming colours you can include in your home, and studies have even proven that those with blue bedrooms sleep better than those without.
What colour goes with a blue kitchen?
The great thing about blue is the fact that it's such a versatile colour that can be styled with pretty much anything. Team it with neutral tones for a boho vibe, white for a fresh feel, or deep jewel tones to add glamour and drama. Muted shades, like sage, might be more suitable if you’re renovating a period property, whereas you can add character to a new build by contrasting deep, navy blue with something like blush pink. Be as creative as you wish - just don't forget to test your colour palette with tester pots first!
Are blue kitchens too trendy?
Ultimately, all kitchen styles have a shelf life, but blue kitchens are much more likely to stand the test of time because they can be styled and restyled so easily as trends change. As blue is such a versatile colour that goes with so many others, you'll always be able to keep your blue kitchen looking fresh by changing up your kitchen accessories.
Blue kitchens
Looking for more blue kitchen inspiration? Take a look at some more blue kitchen ideas below!
Feeling inspired? To find out more about the latest kitchen trends, check out our guide to the kitchen styles we’ll be seeing in 2022. For more kitchen colour ideas, check out our features on black and white kitchens and cream kitchens.
