Light blue kitchens are gaining in popularity this year, so this color is a recommended hue as an alternative to the gray, sage green, and teal shades that have dominated trends in recent years.
If you're planning your kitchen ideas for a refresh or update, you've probably seen some light blue kitchens thrown into the mix. This bright, uplifting shade is not only visually appealing but also versatile. When designed properly, light blue can pair beautifully with other colors and almost any hardware finish to create a timeless kitchen scheme.
Decorating in a new color can feel like uncharted territory, but these light blue kitchen ideas from interior designers and color experts are sure to give you some inspiration. From colorful schemes to thoughtful color combinations, there's a design here to suit every style and taste.
10 relaxing light blue kitchen ideas
This year, we are stepping out of the darkness and into the light. These light blue kitchen ideas are a great starting point. From pretty blue paint colors to furniture designs and tile patterns, there are many ways to incorporate this hue into your interior design style.
1. Paint the kitchen ceiling light blue
(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)
There are many ways to introduce light blue into your kitchen plan. The versatility of this shade means you don't necessarily have to change other parts of your kitchen. The right shade acts as a near-neutral, so it pairs well with many other colors.
“Light blue is a beautiful color that's perfect for the kitchen. It's a versatile color family that's suitable for a variety of styles,” said Arianna Barone, color marketing manager at Benjamin Moore. If you don't want to change the color of your walls or kitchen cabinets, consider introducing light blue in a more creative way.
“For an unexpected way to bring light blue paint color into your kitchen, try it on your ceiling. It's a great way to add color and contrast to a classic white painted kitchen. I used Constellation AF- I love using bright, airy blue paint colors like 540, Icy Blue 2057-70, and Palladian Blue HC-144,” she added.
2. Use light blue and marble countertops in your coastal kitchen.
(Image credit: Sims Hilditch / Neptune)
Marble kitchen countertops are popular in kitchen design because they can be paired with almost any color and cabinet style. So it's probably no surprise that it pairs beautifully with light blue in the kitchen, and this combination is a great way to create a more coastal feel in your space.
“To create a casual coastal look, pair a light blue paint color with white countertops, shiplap or beadboard, and warm woven accents,” suggests Ariana. This kitchen plan uses light blue for all the cabinets, topped with white marble countertops. Textile and bamboo bar stools and gold hardware bring warmth and character to the space.
3. Pair light blue cabinets with white tiles for a timeless style.
(Image credit: deVOL)
A light blue kitchen can have a truly timeless and classic feel when combined with the right colors and finishes. Choose muted light blue kitchen cabinets and pair them with white subway tile for a soft, traditional look.
“Our Trinity Blue paint color is a soft, calming and elegant shade that works perfectly against pale walls and worktops. This color has proven to be a classic choice and always looks fresh. visible, but without being too fashionable,” says Helen Parker, creative director at deVOL.
In this kitchen design, this light blue hue is combined with classic white tile, natural wood on the bar stools and island counter, and aged brass hardware on the handles and faucet. The result is a scheme that feels timeless and elegant.
4. Create a contemporary design with an east-facing kitchen
(Image credit: Alexandra Kaehler design, photography Aimée Mazzenga)
Light blue shades work beautifully in almost any kitchen, but the natural light that hits your kitchen will affect how the color appears. Light blue is especially preferred in east-facing kitchens, especially when combined with other light neutral shades.
“Pale blues and medium light blues work well in east-facing rooms due to their interaction with natural light, creating a clean, contemporary look. Like most colors, they help soften contrast, so always Try to use a sympathetic white rather than a clean white,” says Patrick O'Donnell, brand ambassador for Farrow & Ball.
In this kitchen, light blue cabinetry is combined with a warm white paint color on the walls, giving the kitchen a feeling of warmth and coziness while still keeping it airy and open.
5. Don't be afraid to combine bright blue with dark shades
(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)
White is a color often used when working with bright or saturated colors, and it works beautifully. However, for a bolder scheme, try pairing light blue with dark contrasting shades.
“A crisp, cool white paint color makes a classic pairing with light blue. But for a dramatic touch and bold contrast, try Amazon Green 2136-30, Polo Blue 2062-20, or Jack Pine 692. Try deeper shades like ,” suggests Ariana.
Your kitchen color scheme doesn't have to be all light blue. Introducing dark green gives this kitchen character and creates a lively atmosphere in the kitchen. The white paint used on the upper cabinets brightens the room and keeps the kitchen from feeling small. And dark.
6. Paint the lower cabinet light blue.
(Image credit: KBF Audi/Nova Soul Imagery)
To plan a more visually interesting kitchen, create contrast by painting the lower cabinets light blue and the upper cabinets white. Not only does it balance colorful and neutral, but it also gives your kitchen an even more unique appeal.
“When renovating this Northern Virginia kitchen, the client chose to use white and light blue, which contrasted with the previous yellow hue paired with the wood cabinetry,” says KBF Audi Design Specialist Camille LeDue explains.
By introducing light blue only to the lower cabinets, we injected more personality into the space and made the kitchen feel more integrated with the rest of the open-plan living space, where blue threads run through. .
7. Paint the walls, ceiling, and cabinets the same color.
(Image credit: Little Green)
Light blue is a versatile color that uplifts your mood, so there are many different designs to choose from. From a colorful kitchen to a balance of light blue walls and rustic white cabinets, this attractive hue can be incorporated into a variety of kitchen styles.
“The kitchen is often the heart of the home, making blue tones a particularly effective color choice. Pair the light blue paint on the cabinets with neutral walls painted in shirting for a classic color combination. or vice versa, or create an enveloping atmosphere by going all blue,” suggests Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Green.
The kitchen has a colorful décor, which is combined with the red and white checkered flooring to add contrast. By covering the walls, ceiling, and cabinets in light blue, we created a cozy and warm atmosphere without sacrificing the brightness of the kitchen.
8. Create a light blue feature wall with open shelves
(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)
Introducing an accent wall in your kitchen can create a great focal point in your space and eliminate the need to rethink your entire kitchen design. Rather than simply painting one wall light blue, consider adding decorative shelving or additional storage.
Use light blue on walls with open shelving or pair it with crisp white cabinets. “Using open shelving allows the wall color to stand out as the focal point of the space,” suggests Ariana.
Try a more saturated option like Morning Sky Blue 2053-70 or a softer blue-gray like Silver Gray 2131-60 or Gray Cloud 2126-60. “If your tastes lean toward a more neutral color palette, blue-gray is slightly neutral and can easily transition into more colorful shades,” she added.
9. Make a statement with light blue tiles
(Image credit: Fireclay Tiles)
Light blue kitchen schemes include more than just paint ideas. Tiles are a great way to introduce this refreshing hue in a more decorative and textured way. Whether you choose a plain color or an eye-catching pattern, tiles are both stylish and practical in the kitchen, making them suitable for any style of space.
“Light to mid-blues, long a favorite in bathrooms, are gaining popularity in kitchens. Although commonly associated with coastal vibes, this versatile shade certainly plays with classic themes. and beyond, offering an unexpected and playful pop of color that adds dimension to any kitchen,” says Kari Gibson of Fireclay Tile.
This kitchen features light blue patterned tiles on the wall behind the stove. These tiles not only create beautiful features in your space, but also provide a functional element. To bring the tile together with other elements, a light blue runner is placed on the floor, and the seating in the adjacent room is upholstered in the same shade.
10. Add chrome hardware to light blue cupboards
(Image courtesy of Chantel Elshout Studio)
Light blue can be used for more classic or modern kitchen styles. So, it's all about the materials and finishes that pair with this color to create your desired kitchen aesthetic.
“2024 will see the arrival of lighter shades of blue, a shift that reflects our desire for moderation, balance and unobtrusive energy in the home. Bright blues add a refreshing touch to the kitchen. , offering a more contemporary approach even when traditional cabinetry such as the Shaker is chosen,” explains Richard Davonport, Managing Director of Davonport.
“This can be further enhanced by lighter shades of worktop materials and hardware choices, as well as moving away from brass to more industrial finishes,” he added. Chrome trim is popular this year, so if you're creating a more modern design, consider introducing chrome cabinet hardware instead of the warmer metal.
Light blue kitchens are incredibly versatile. This shade is refreshing and uplifting, making it a great alternative to the darker palettes that have dominated trends for the past few years. There are many ways to incorporate light blue into your kitchen, and depending on the colors and materials you combine it with, you can create a variety of kitchen styles.
