Cooking With Color: When to Use Blue in the Kitchen
Keep your cool. We show you when to nosh around navy or try a taste of turquoise so you can stay relaxed while finishing your kitchen
If your idea of bliss is a weekend spent relaxing seaside or poolside in a warm, sunny place, consider bringing that tranquil vibe into your kitchen with blue. Whether you opt for a fun watery turquoise or a more formal deep and dark navy, there are many ways you can incorporate a little or a lot of this cool, stress-reducing color.
One caveat about using blue in the kitchen: We humans have evolved to see blue as an appetite suppressant, due to how few of our natural food sources are blue and the many toxic things that sport the hue. Depending on just how much you overindulged during the last holiday season, this may or may not be a good thing for you! But if you're still fond of this calming hue for your kitchen, check out these blue paint suggestions and ideas on how to incorporate the color into your own kitchen.
One caveat about using blue in the kitchen: We humans have evolved to see blue as an appetite suppressant, due to how few of our natural food sources are blue and the many toxic things that sport the hue. Depending on just how much you overindulged during the last holiday season, this may or may not be a good thing for you! But if you're still fond of this calming hue for your kitchen, check out these blue paint suggestions and ideas on how to incorporate the color into your own kitchen.
Anyone who has selected kitchen finish materials knows how overwhelming it can be to decide on and coordinate all the various selections. Make it easier on yourself by focusing on one element to begin with, such as your backsplash. Find something you absolutely love and then use it to drive the remainder of your decisions.
Find a local tile pro to install a custom backsplash
For instance, these indigo backsplash tiles from Ann Sacks are this kitchen’s showpiece. All of the other materials work with the tiles. The color of the cabinets and drum shades are pulled from them, while the countertops and flooring were kept more subdued so that they complement rather than compete with the stunning backsplash.
Find a local tile pro to install a custom backsplash
For instance, these indigo backsplash tiles from Ann Sacks are this kitchen’s showpiece. All of the other materials work with the tiles. The color of the cabinets and drum shades are pulled from them, while the countertops and flooring were kept more subdued so that they complement rather than compete with the stunning backsplash.
If you’ve picked out a bold backsplash tile that you love but are concerned that it will appear too busy, consider using it as an accent band within a wall of white subway tiles. This can also help you stick to a budget. There is a lot of color in this kitchen, but because the blue is such a soothing hue, it doesn’t feel like a stressful overload.
I love the drama and elegance of black and white kitchens, but sometimes they can appear too stark and cold. By adding a third color — cobalt blue in this case — the kitchen will feel livelier and have more personality. Of course, this particular kitchen is big on charm with such a fun and creative backsplash.
Speaking of charm, check out this incredible kitchen island. Not only is it about the largest one I’ve seen, but it is also very clever to take a traditional piece of furniture and paint it such a fun and whimsical color. Classic, traditional kitchens need not be stuffy. Color is a terrific tool for adding personality.
When using a bold color for your cabinetry, consider breaking it up by using white or another neutral for the cabinet frame, or mixing different colors or materials for the upper cabinets versus the base cabinets. This beautiful, serene palette of white, blue and gray is perfect for a cool kitchen in a hot climate.
Not a fan of colorful kitchen cabinetry or backsplash tiles? This backsplash is made from back-painted sheet glass. It’s a clean, simple, modern way to add a splash of color to your kitchen. If you are a savvy DIYer, you might even be able to create and install such a backsplash yourself, making it an affordable option too.
Find the perfect set of contemporary bar stools
Find the perfect set of contemporary bar stools
This is a very pretty blue and one that works with a variety of kitchen styles. Because it has lots of gray in it, it tends to read as a neutral and works well for someone who wants kitchen color that doesn't feel over the top.
This is such a smart way to use bold color in a space. An accent wall can be easily repainted in another fun hue or a more neutral color, depending on how your design tastes change. You could pick up one of the other colors from the backsplash tile or go in an entirely different palette direction altogether. The pretty robin’s egg/sky blue used here is bold yet soothing.
Tell us: Have you used blue in your kitchen? Post a photo and share details in the Comments section below!
Tell us: Have you used blue in your kitchen? Post a photo and share details in the Comments section below!
Blue paint picks for kitchens (clockwise from top left):
1. Sea Sparkle 5003-7B, from Valspar
2. Bali Blue KM3795-1, from Kelly-Moore
3. Blue Willow 570F-4, from Behr
4. Sonata 351-3, from Pittsburgh Paints
5. Indigo SW6531, from Sherwin-Williams
6. Symphony Blue 2325, from Pratt & Lambert
7. Blue Dusk 1644, from Benjamin Moore
8. Turquoise Tear Drops 042-5, from Mythic Paint