Chic Spaces That Prove Blue Kitchen Cabinets Are Here to Stay
From light to dark, blue is a soothing hue that can make any space feel relaxed, serene and comfortable. In recent years, blue has been one of the most popular kitchen paint colors and blue kitchen cabinets are a lot more versatile than you may expect. Soft interior paint colors, like baby blue or pastel blue, feel crisp and refreshing, while rich tones, like midnight and navy blue, evoke warmth and moodiness.
While there's nothing wrong with a timeless white kitchen or gorgeous gray design, we love a pop of color when possible — especially in the kitchen, where we inevitably spend much of our time. If you're worried that bright blues will be hard to match, we've rounded up tons of kitchen design ideas for incorporating the hue — whether you've got white quartz, dark marble or butcher block countertops. Blue cabinets also pair beautifully with chrome, black and gold hardware, it just depends on the aesthetic you're trying to achieve.
The size of your kitchen plays a big role in your color decision, but small kitchens can pack a lot of color, too. If you're afraid to go all-in on a singular hue, consider only painting the kitchen island in the statement shade. Or, experiment with two-tone cabinets (light for upper cabinets and dark down below). No matter your goal, you're sure to find an inspiring shade to complete your space.
Match the Backsplash
Play up the drama by pairing deep blue cabinetry with a blue-and-white patterned backsplash, just as Caren Rideau, founder of The Kitchen Design Group, does here.
Pair Light Blue With Marble
Next to classic gray veined marble countertops and backsplash, these smoky blue cabinets look chic and clean. To maintain the aesthetic, House of One chooses a crisp white paint color for the upper walls.
Embrace a Moody Hue
Craft a cozy kitchen with a deep, saturated blue. For a bolder statement, Kelsey McGregor of Kelsey Leigh Design Co. uses the same dark shade for cabinets, walls and trim.
Mix Light and Dark
Create contrast and depth by using dark colors on lower cabinets and bright shades up top, just as Unique Kitchens & Baths does here.
Layer in Warm Woods
Here, designer Lindye Galloway balances bright blues with natural wood tones, then layers in gold accents for an elevated look.
Keep It Cool
From the marble countertops with gray veining and light gray upper cabinets to the sleek chrome hardware on medium blue cabinets, designer Meredith Owen maintains a cool color palette.
Try Turquoise
Can't decide between blue or green? Take note from Forge & Bow by choosing a dark turquoise, then layer in natural woods and houseplants for an organic feel.
Stay Neutral With Navy
Navy cabinets have become a timeless choice in kitchen design, considering they pair with nearly any home style — from modern to farmhouse or coastal.
Go for Baby Blue
This soothing powder blue looks striking when coupled with a dark wood center island, plus architecture firm Arterberry Cooke adds gold cabinet hardware for a trendy style.
Paint the Kitchen Island
Introduce a pop of color by painting just the kitchen island in a vibrant blue shade. To maintain a modern look, MBC Interior Design keeps the rest of the space bright and white.
Introduce a Dreamy Pastel
On top of the pale blue paint color, we're loving how REFORM skips the hardware for a modern Scandinavian look.
Weave in Matte Black Hardware
Make slate blue cabinets feel sleek with matte black hardware and a geometric backsplash, as ATX Interior Design does in this well-designed setup.
Put Aqua Blue With Gold Hardware
Don't fear bright colors in a small space. This galley kitchen from Shelby Girard, VP, Creative & Design, at Havenly, has an eclectic, but modern look, with aqua cabinets, gold hardware and a patterned runner rug.
Add a Contrasting Backsplash
Subway tiles are timeless and all, but these black-and-white tiles make a stylish statement (and work well with any shade of blue cabinetry).
Opt for Pops of Aqua
Go for the unexpected by layering teal-painted kitchen cabinets with a slab of marble-style backsplash (or better yet, peel-and-stick wallpaper that looks like the real deal).
Bring in Different Shades of Blue
Since you don't want to overwhelm a small kitchen, keep it dark on the bottom (dark teal, for example) and stark white on top. Dot the shelves with plates, bowls and glassware in complementary blue shades.
Keep It Bright and White
Add color to an otherwise all-white kitchen by painting the lower cabinets in a striking sky blue shade. Throw a patterned rug on the floor to tie everything together.
Tone It Down With Gray Hues
Opt for dark gray-blue kitchen cabinets, if you want a more understated look. Keep the rest of the space light and bright with marble countertops, white shelving and soft gray walls.
Blend Dark and Light
Dark colors, like navy, can make any space feel smaller. To trick the eye, pair navy cabinets with a white island, accented with pendant lights and open shelves in the same crisp color.
Keep Navy Down Low
Lower cabinets in a deep blue offset the bright white cabinetry lining the kitchen. Wicker stools add to the room's cool and airy feel.
Balance Out the Blues
For a sense of symmetry, incorporate similar shades — some lighter, some darker, some just right — in the open shelving. Here, a curated collection of glasses and dishware match the bright blue cabinetry.
Bring Out Other Cool Tones
Copper cookware and leather stools play up the terra-cotta flooring and dusty blue cabinets down below.
Turn Blue Into the Focal Point
Even if you don't want to paint your entire kitchen blue, make a statement by covering a small section (or in this case, the entire pantry) in an inviting indigo shade. Everything else in the kitchen should stay neutral, so the blue can really stand out.
Mix and Match Hardware
Modern details, like glossy gold fixtures and hardware, add a touch of sophistication to royal blue cabinets. Incorporate a bevy of dark wood tones and black metals for contrast.
Make It Glossy
Draw the eye up by matching the cabinet color to the subway tile backsplash. Go with a high-gloss finish across the board to keep everything looking fresh.
Cover Walls With Wallpaper
Modern meets country in this kitchen, featuring classic blue cabinets, monochromatic floral wallpaper and brushed gold hardware.
Break It Up With Mosaic Tiles
A mosaic backsplash plays off the kitchen's royal blue cabinets, while a butcher block countertop and matching stools lean into its natural charm.
Create a Farmhouse Feel
Warm up an all-white kitchen with a dark blue island, outfitted with distressed wood stools, metal lantern pendants and farmhouse-inspired accents.
Take Baby Blue to the Ceiling
For a more cohesive look, paint everything — the kitchen cabinets, open shelving and paneled walls — in the same shade (a pretty powder blue, in this case).
Highlight Blue Against Light Wood
Sleek navy cabinets bring a splash of color to wood-covered walls, which are actually made up of salvaged basketball court floorboards.
Leave Upper Cabinets Au Naturel
Preserve the kitchen's traditional look and feel by leaving the upper cabinets in their natural finish and painting the lower half in a versatile gray-blue shade.
Combine Modern and Rustic Styles
Blend old and new by painting modern-style cabinets in a cool blue, complete with slate gray countertops and brass finishes.
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