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If you’ve found your way here, it’s likely you’re contemplating installing new blue kitchen cabinets or painting your existing kitchen cabinets blue, and we’re here to offer all of the positive reinforcement you need. “Blue is a classic color for a country house because it evokes that open airiness of a country sky,” says Country Living Editor-in-Chief Rachel Hardage Barrett, who embraced Dutch Tile Blue by Sherwin-Williams in the kitchen (cabinets, walls, and ceiling) of her own Mississippi Delta farmhouse. “It also pairs beautifully with brown tones—think hardwood floors, exposed wooden beams, butcher block countertops, a collection of cutting boards—which is also quite convenient if you gravitate toward a more farmhouse-y aesthetic.”
Blue can also evoke a variety of moods depending on your property. In a coastal setting, for example, you may want to consider an aqua as light-hearted and easy-breezy as your favorite Jimmy Buffett song. In an older property, something with earthy undertones—perhaps from a historic paint collection—will have a little more gravitas. (There’s a reason Wythe Blue is a go-to for old house enthusiasts.) Navy blue is also a consistently popular choice, and in a high-gloss finish it can feel downright modern, if that’s what you’re looking for (yes, we’re talkin’ to you, modern farmhouse folks).
You can also opt for a blue stain (see kitchens #5 and #23!), limit your kick of color to the island (see #9 and #23!), or go top-to-bottom, like an immersive blue cocoon (#10). As you’re exploring cabinet paint colors, you may also want to check out these kitchens with green cabinetry, blue’s kindred spirit, as well as some of our editors’ favorite kitchen paint colors for 2024. Just remember: You do you. If you love it, you really can’t go wrong. And besides, there’s nothing a fresh coat of paint can’t fix.
For more kitchen design inspiration:
Airy Light Blue
One Kings Lane designer Sarah Blank opted for a calming blue for the shelves, brackets, and walls of this kitchen, lending more cohesion to the space.
Get the Look:
Cabinetry and Wall Paint Color: Lulworth Blue by Farrow & Ball
Dark Blue Grey
New York designer Christina Salway painted the cabinets in this Victorian farmhouse a dark blue grey to help the white farmhouse sink and light blue walls pop.
Get the Look:
Cabinetry Paint Color: Catalina Coast by Behr
RELATED: Check Out These Dreamy Open Shelving Ideas for Your Kitchen
Crisp Cobalt Blue
In Wisconsin’s North Woods, a 100-year-old cabin enjoys an unexpected kick of cobalt blue that mimics some of the more vibrant blues found in classic camp blankets.
Get the Look:
Cabinetry Paint Color: Danube by Sherwin-Williams
Light Blue Grey
In a rustic Tennessee cabin, the kitchen island is wrapped in chippy blue wainscoting reclaimed from the home’s front porch.
Get the Look:
Island Paint Color: For similar, try Favorite Jeans by Sherwin-Williams
RELATED: Here’s What Happens When Two Brothers Overhaul a Fixer Upper for Their Families
Turquoise Blue
Jolie Sikes-Smith (you likely know her from the Junk Gypsy) coated the cabinets of her Round Top, Texas, kitchen with a blue interior oil stain and then used a rag to apply and partially rub off a layer of Provincial Wood Finish stain by Minwax.
Get the Look:
Cabinetry Stain Color: Aquarius Oil Stain by Sherwin-Williams (with a top layer of Provincial Wood Stain by Minwax)
Wall Paint Color: Canyon Cloud by Behr
RELATED: See more ideas from Jolie’s Farmhouse Kitchen
Seaglass Blue
In the kitchen of a Colonial farmhouse in Maine, homeowner Tiffany Mizzell coated the existing cabinetry, doors, window trim, and new island (made from an old dresser topped with a thick slab of butcher block) with a coastal-inspired shade of blue. Lobster red counter stools add a playful Maine-appropriate punch.
Get the Look:
Cabinetry Color: Buxton Blue by Benjamin Moore
RELATED: 23 Beautiful and Inspiring Kitchen Renovations
Dark Denim Blue
Designed by Martha O’Hara and Bhavana Bhimavarapu of O’Hara Interiors, this Bone Lake, Wisconsin, cabin features a rugged blue island that plays well with a mix of materials including soapstone countertops, subway tile, reclaimed beams, Douglas fir cabinets, and rush barstools.
Get the Look:
Cabinetry Paint Color: Newburyport Blue by Benjamin Moore
Slate Blue
If you love a rustic look for your cabin or cottage, but don’t want the kitchen to feel too rustic, consider pairing natural wood finishes with a soft, dusty blue, as seen in this Minnesota kitchen by designer Lucy Penfield. It’s the perfect complement that won’t overpower all that pretty wood grain.
Get the Look:
Cabinetry Paint Color: Philipsburg Blue by Benjamin Moore
Rich Navy Blue
Discovered at the Maryland barn sale Chartruese and Co., this 27-drawer indigo workbench-turned-cabinetry sets the rustic, pieced-together feel of this Virginia cottage’s galley kitchen. The browns and golds of the tile backsplash unite the deep pigments of the blue cabinet and emerald green Hallman stove.
Get the Look:
Cabinetry Paint Color: For similar, try Salty Dog by Sherwin-Williams
RELATED: 20 Best Galley Kitchen Design Ideas That Live Large
Watery Aqua Blue
Painting a large island in a big open kitchen helps ground the space. In this Michigan lake house kitchen by designer Steve Somogyi of Chicago firm Steve + Filip Design, the crowd-pleasing cool blue island plays off the water hues located just outside the doors. Adding to the fun spirit, the designers paired the statement island with colorful, patterned encaustic tile for the backsplash.
Get the Look:
Island Paint Color: Jamestown Blue by Benjamin Moore
RELATED: 70 Best Kitchen Island Ideas for Kitchens Large and Small
Saturated Moody Blue
If you’re the sort who loves a rainy day indoors with a cup of tea while bread bakes in the oven, this warm, rich, and a little-bit-moody blue (as seen in a Plain English-designed space) hits just the right note.
Get the Look:
Cabinetry and Backsplash Paint Color: For similar, Opera Glasses by Behr
Glossy Bright Blue
Glossy deep blue cabinetry pairs with white walls in this crisp, modern farmhouse by designer Stephen Shutts. Brass hardware adds a handsome finishing touch.
Get the Look:
Cabinetry Paint Color: Naval by Sherwin-Williams
RELATED: Check Out These Dreamy Open Shelving Ideas for Your Kitchen
Distressed Blue
Salvaged blue barn wood served as the starting point for this kitchen’s blue-and-white color palette. A frame of a muted aqua blue sets off all the colors, while the creamy white cabinetry along the wall lets the island be the room’s focal point.
Get the Look:
Island Paint Color: Morning Calm by Magnolia
Rich Blue
The deep blue of this newly renovated Ontario farmhouse kitchen takes inspiration from “the rich colors and handsome millwork of British farmhouse kitchens,” says homeowner Andraya Frith. Featuring custom peg rail and cabinetry by Bloomsbury Fine Cabinetry, the peg rail–lined shelves are the ideal spot to hang evergreen branches during the holiday season. A citrus garland also plays nicely with the blue tones.
Get the Look:
Cabinetry Paint Color: Hague Blue by Farrow & Ball
Mississipi Delta Blues
In her Mississippi farmhouse, Country Living editor Rachel Hardage Barrett opted to coat the walls, cabinets, and ceiling in the same shade of blue. (Subtle gray undertones keep the blue from feeling too sweet.) The dark island countertop (“Charcoal Soapstone” by Silestone) keeps the airy space feeling grounded.
Get the Look:
Cabinet and Trim Paint Color: Dutch Tile Blue by Sherwin-Williams
RELATED: 15 Best Kitchen Countertop Ideas, Materials, and Designs
Classic Navy Blue
Marine blue cabinets topped with walnut countertops, a red cedar ceiling, and a pine subfloor give this tiny kitchen a handsome nautical vibe. Unlacquered brass and rope pendants add another coastal nod.
Get the Look:
Wall Color: London Fog by Benjamin Moore
Cabinetry Paint Color: For similar, Salty Dog by Sherwin-Williams
Robin’s Egg Blue
To give air to the compact kitchen of a South Carolina river house, designer Heather Chadduck painted the lower cabinets in a cheerful light blue while keeping the uppers the same color as the walls.
Get the Look:
Cabinetry Paint Color: Debonair by Sherwin-Williams
Wall Paint Color: Classic Light Buff by Sherwin-Williams
Bold Sapphire Blue
A vibrant shade of blue doesn’t have to be intimidating, as shown in this 1920s California bungalow kitchen. A countertop-to-ceiling backsplash of Mexican tiles balances the vibrant jewel-toned hue.
Get the Look:
Cabinetry Paint Color: California Blue by Benjamin Moore
Whisper-Soft Blue
A light blue kitchen island adds to the lighthearted spirit of the Michigan lake home of designer Chenault James. It’s an understated use of color that gives the room a more subtly layered look. Red diner-inspired barstools add pops of retro color.
Get the Look:
Island Paint Color: Rhine River by Benjamin Moore
RELATED: This Cottage-Style Lake House Is the Vacation Home of Our Dreams
Deep Periwinkle Blue
“Blue is such an easy color that goes well with lots of other colors,” says homeowner Jules Covey of the cabinetry hue she chose for a newly built kitchen extension. It also complements her many collections, including Amish stars, splatterware, mason jars, and lusterware.
Get the Look:
Cabinetry Paint Color: Juniper Ash by Little Greene
Scandinavian Blue
Designer Meta Coleman chose a light blue for the island in this Scandinavian country style kitchen.
Get the Look:
Island Paint Color: For similar, try Blue Pearl by Benjamin Moore
RELATED: 70 Best Kitchen Island Ideas for Kitchens Large and Small
Deep Rich Blue
In this modern cottage kitchen, architect Steve Giannetti embraced two colors on the lower cabinetry, including a deep blue paint with green undertones and a lighter neutral gray. The color variance, along with the mix of brass and milk glass bin pulls, helps the kitchen feel as if it’s been added to over time.
Get the Look:
Cabinetry Paint Color (Lower Cabinets, Back Wall): Hague Blue by Farrow & Ball
Cabinetry Paint Color (Lower Cabinets, Foreground): Worsted by Farrow & Ball
Distressed Denim Blue
Designer Maggie Cruz’s client said she wanted something outside the norm, so Maggie stained the wood cabinets with a weathered finish and added chicken-wire screens.
Get the Look:
Cabinetry Stain Color: For similar, try Deep Ocean by Minwax
Chambray Blue
In Bellville, Texas, farmhouse homeowner Courtney Robertson outfitted the kitchen of her sprawling farmhouse with a just-bold-enough blue that pairs well with leather barstools and cowboy boots.
Get the Look:
Cabinetry Paint Color: For similar, Laguna Blue by Behr
Classic Muted Blue
To complement a converted barn’s warm wood tones. New York-based designer Hadley Wiggins started with the deep blue-green painted floor then chose what she calls “aviator blue” for the cabinets.
Get the Look:
Cabinetry Paint Color: Blue Toile by Benjamin Moore
Floor Paint Color: Lead Gray by Benjamin Moore
RELATED: Get more design inspiration from Hadley’s own restored 1800s farmhouse.
Rich Aqua Blue
Can’t decide between a bold color for your cabinets and an eye-catching wallpaper for the walls? Why not try it all? Singer-songwriter/designer Holly Williams shows how to balance both beautifully in this Kentucky farmhouse.
Get the Look:
Cabinetry Paint Color: Blue Daisy by Benjamin Moore
RELATED: 20+ Beautiful Ways to Decorate Your Kitchen With Wallpaper
Breezy Farmhouse Blue
For a period-appropriate look for an early 1900s Texas farmhouse, choose a timeless color like this cornflower blue in homeowner Melissa Duckworth’s small galley kitchen. It’s the perfect pairing with reproduction William Morris wallpaper and an antique mint-colored enamel gas range.
Get the Look:
Trim and Cabinetry Paint Color: Jamestown Blue by Benjamin Moore
RELATED: 100 Best Kitchen Decor Ideas to Create the Most Welcoming Space in Your Home
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