White may be the dominant color for kitchen cabinetry, but blue can bring a surprising balance to an otherwise neutral or pale kitchen. From classic navy blue to sunny aqua green, shades of blue can impart elegance while still pairing perfectly with neutral surfaces of white, wood or metal. This variety of timeless colors can transform a traditional or modern kitchen into a stylish hub of the home. Read on for my recommendations of seven blues that can give your cabinet a sophisticated makeover.
1. Navy Blue
Why so: Classic and elegant, navy blue is eye-catching and a great choice for kitchen cabinets, especially when paired with white countertops. Bold contrasts will make your navy blue cabinetry look richer and your shiny white more refreshing.
Paint for walls, cabinets and islands: Ebony Blue 163A, Nippon Paint
On the cabinets: Navy blue is a great choice for kitchen island cabinets. As you can see, the dense colors act as anchors within the space and form a focal point in the mostly white kitchen.
Try it: finishes in white, light or warm wood, as well as any shiny metal in the form of accessories, hardware or appliances, will pair beautifully with your navy blue cabinets.
Island colours: Lithadora, Tom Howley
2. Blue Mist
Why it works: This soothing light greenish blue is a surprisingly neutral color in the kitchen. Blue mist is most commonly found in bathrooms or bedrooms and can bring harmony and brightness to the kitchen.
Cabinet paint: SW 0068 Copen Blue, Sherwin-Williams
On your cabinets: Blue haze is a smart choice for dark kitchen spaces due to its pale, reflective qualities. It also makes it a great alternative to white, making it a great choice when you want to use subtle colors on all of your kitchen cabinets, not just on islands or underunits.
Try to match: Similar to white or gray, this cool pastel shade goes well with most white tones, any wood color, gray, and even black. Chrome or steel fittings and fixtures will bring out the silvery essence of this color.
Paint Color: Unknown, try Turquoise Mist 695, Benjamin Moore
3. Cobalt
Why it works: Cobalt, also known as royal blue, may not be easy to pop up in your kitchen cabinets, but this deep blue can bring stunning sophistication to your kitchen with its eye-catching energy.
On your cabinets: If you want the area above your cabinets to feel taller and brighter, choose cobalt blue only for your lower cabinets. If you want to catch the eye, choose to keep it on the cupboard all the time.
Try to match: Cobalt blue is best paired with warm or light woods and white or grey finishes. Reflective fittings and fixtures often blend in perfectly with this bold blue. Choose copper and gold fittings or hardware that will really make your kitchen look magnificent.
Cabinet & Island Paint: Patriot Blue 2064-20, Benjamin Moore
4. Sunny Aqua
How it works: Make your kitchen smile with this happy blue. Again, it’s not the typical color of kitchen cabinetry, but the aqua green sunny undertones make it a perfect match for the warm wood and white found in most kitchens.
Cabinet paint: light green 6027, RAL
On the cupboards: Although the color is lighter, it is still eye-catching when placed in the kitchen. Try using it as the focal point of a room, such as on an island base. Alternatively, it can be a great color for all your cabinets, as shown in the previous photo, as it is not an overwhelming shade.
Try to match: Aqua is an all-round color that can be seamlessly paired with many color palettes, from light colors like white and gray to bright variations of red and yellow. For metal and hardware, I recommend copper, brass, or chrome.
Paint Color: Unknown, try Aqua Spray 500A-3, Behr
5. Dark Cyan
Why it works: Similar to navy blue, dark teal is a great companion to a white finish in the kitchen. It has a luxurious strength that can bring a high touch of style to your kitchen.
Island paints: Hague Blue No. 30, Farrow & Ball
On your cupboards: this palatial shade can be used for a specialty kitchen island. Alternatively, try painting the lower cabinet a dark cyan and the upper cabinet a light neutral color, such as white. It will create rich contrasts.
Try to match: Dark cyan is best paired with lighter finishes – such as white, ivory, and light gray. For hardware and fixtures, almost any color of metal will sparkle against this wonderful greenish-blue backdrop.
Cabinet & Island Paint: Van Deusen Blue HC-156, Benjamin Moore
6. French Blue
Why it works: French blue, also known as military blue, has a hint of gray and a slightly sunny undertone. It’s a true blue color that can bring a sense of history to a traditional kitchen, while a medium intensity can bring a fresh vibe to a modern kitchen.
On your cabinets: French blue is a great choice to highlight period style or antique cabinet details. For modern spaces, it can add cool colors, but it won’t look too cold next to stainless steel appliances.
Try to match: Like most of the blues featured in this article, military school blues work well with neutral finishes. Due to its medium strength, it can be paired with a wide range of shades of wood, from light to dark. The same goes for fixtures and hardware: from polished chrome to brushed brass and everything in between, this versatile blue is a friendly canvas for the metal of your choice.
Paint Color: Unknown, try Yin Yang 824, Benjamin Moore
7. Wedgwood Blue
Why it works: Wedgwood blue is a blue in between, with chameleon-like qualities. This grayish-blue color is softer and softer than French blue, with smoky tones. In fact, it can often be read as gray.
On your cabinets: When you want gray cabinetry but are looking for a hint of color, Wedgwood blue is the shade of choice. This delightful blue color suits both traditional and modern kitchens. It’s an excellent choice for all of your cabinets or just a feature cabinet wall.
Try to match: Wedgwood Blue is an all-around friendly medium to light intense color that can be paired with most neutral finishes and many types of wood (light and dark). Fixtures and hardware in all colors, including rose gold, complement this classic and elegant blue.
Paint Color: Unknown, Try SW 6219 Rain, Sherwin-Williams
