American retail entrepreneur, author, and TV personality Martha Stewart has an eye for interior design trends. Stewart has been designing our homes, especially our kitchens, for decades. So when she shared photos of her '80s kitchen spaces, only one thing caught our attention: blue color schemes. Reminiscent of endless skies and endless oceans, pale blue is just as trendy now as it was in the 1980s.
Fresh, airy and full of natural restorative qualities, decorating with blue is recommended by interior experts this year as the perfect backdrop for modern living.
“Whether you're working, relaxing, creating or exercising, having a space that reflects the biggest challenge of the year ahead: optimism and a desire for a fresh start is essential,” says Marianne Shillingford, creative director at Dulux. Naturally calming, as well as invigorating and hopeful, this shade will bring the outdoors inside to boost your wellbeing.
For a timeless modern kitchen, duck egg coloured wall tiles and cabinets are a great choice, blending beautifully with period features and making it an easy to live with option.
“To get the most out of these blues, pair them with neutrals to bring out their appeal,” says Sarah Davis-Bennion, senior designer at Kate Guinness Design. “Mixing them with too many other strong colors can create a messy look, like a kid's paintbox accident.”
Blue and white is another great color combination for a room that will stand the test of time. Beloved by homeowners and interior designers alike, blue and white is a classic kitchen combination that's incredibly versatile. This palette is not two-dimensional and can be used to achieve any kind of look, from sleek and sophisticated to subtle and subdued, depending on the hues used and the proportions they're combined in.
Symbolizing the sea and sky, blue is often associated with coastal style and is an essential colour for bringing freshness and calm to your home. “Blue and white create a serene atmosphere,” says Debbie Lee, design manager at fabric brand Iliv. “Blue is often associated with a sense of calm and relaxation, while white makes a room feel airy and spacious. When used together, these colours create a calm, inviting atmosphere – perfect for a busy family kitchen.”
This color combination pairs beautifully with other colors like orange and green. However, if you want to go for a pure two-tone color scheme, it's important to incorporate enough texture to keep the space intriguing and avoid it feeling sterile. Decorating with different hues, patterned fabrics, and materials that have beautiful patinas will help liven up the look.
Buy blue furniture and accessories
If you're not planning on re-tiling or repainting your kitchen, why not instead bring some pale blue accents into your home through beautiful furniture, appliances and accessories. Blue is one of the most wonderful gender-neutral colours.
KitchenAid Quilted Cotton Terrycloth Oven Mitts, Potholders
Corive Anti-Slip Kitchen Mat
Shelf Liners with Scissors and Tape Measure for Kitchen Cabinets
