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2023's most popular cabinet color is ready to make a splash
By
Patricia Shannon
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Patricia Shannon
Patricia Shannon is an experienced lifestyle writer specializing in home, decor, garden, and news content with over a decade of writing experience. Patricia worked as a lifestyle editor for over a decade before embarking on her freelance writing career. In addition to contributing to The Spruce, she also works with publications like Southern Living,Better Homes & Gardens, and Coastal Living.
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Published on 09/24/23
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Determining where to start your paint color journey can be daunting no matter the shade, but when it comes to kitchen cabinetry, taking a bird’s eye view is essential. That's why we were totally intrigued reading a new report from Living Spaces, which noted that one of 2023's most popular kitchen cabinet colors in the U.S. was bolder than we expected: alongside white, blue was tied for second among most states.
Designers think that it's easy to see why blue is taking over as the kitchen cabinet color of choice. Janel Laza, senior designer at FORM Kitchens, loves the shade for kitchens and advises picking a blue you are drawn to, works well with your home’s aesthetic, and complements your color scheme.
“My advice is always to look at the rest of your home—what furniture,soft goods, paint colors do you like,” Laza says.
To help make even more of a case for blue cabinetry, Laza, Mimi Meacham, owner and principal designer of Marian Louise Design, Houzz senior editor Mitchell Parker, and Annie Obermann, principle designer, Forge and Bow, share why blue kitchen cabinets get their vote.
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Blue Is Approachable
Blue's easy-going demeanor gives it a surprising versatility and allows some homeowners to more comfortably add it to their kitchens through cabinetry. “Blue, to me, is neutral,” Laza says. “It's like a pair of blue jeans, it goes with everything.”
However, not everyone will approach the decision of color selection with a level of nonchalance, which is why Obermann shares a trick to help nervous homeowners settle on the right shade.
“When selecting a blue, especially if adding color is intimidating, look for something that is a muted version of the color you like,” she says. “It will look sophisticated and add color without being overwhelming.”
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It Has a Broad Color Range
With so many shades of blue, each with a distinct look and personality, the varied hues are almost deserving of their own color wheel. While we often think of walls as being the primary place for color play, in the kitchen, it’s all about the cabinetry. Playing with the color range to find the ideal shade to suit your space is key.
“The beauty of blue is that there are a lot of different varieties and it can lean whichever way you are drawn to,” Laza says.
Though the range can be a lot to take in, you can rest assured in the fact that blue is highly agreeable, meaning it gets on with a broad array of hues. Start by finding the blue you’re drawn to and allow it to inform your home’s complementary color scheme, accessories, and finishes.
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Kitchen Islands Are the Perfect Place for a Color Pop
Upper cabinets aren’t the only place where blue can play. “Blue is becoming increasingly popular as the leading choice for a contrasting island color, offering a pop of interest in the kitchen,” Parker says. Consider how the cabinets on the kitchen perimeter can complement the blue island, whether that means embracing natural wood tones or opting for a soft gray or creamy white.
You don’t have to put your complementary colors in neutral, though. Keep in mind the plentiful shades that can play a role whether in a more subdued or bold way. Just ensure you give the color combination plenty of time to marinate in the form of samples or swatches before committing to the scheme.
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Blue Complements Natural Elements
"Blue is inviting, and it complements every wood tone,” Parker says. “Kitchen designers on Houzz say blue can read like a neutral and support warm brass and stainless steel with equal success.”
Whether it’s deep, saturated hues like black or brown, or soft grays or yellows, blue can provide a pleasing counterpoint when doused on cabinetry. As for drawing out rich wood details, consider selecting a jewel-toned blue. The rich shade can highlight architectural elements and flourishes that lighter shades might not be as quick to highlight.
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The Ideal Shade Can Set the Scene
“The right blue will vary by home, and pros can offer the best advice for each individual space,” Parker says. That might mean pulling an ocean-inspired blue-green to create the feel of a coastal retreat or finding the appropriate blue-gray that delivers a historic feeling and adds to your home’s classic architecture.
For those who aren’t enlisting the help of a designer, you can still use their expertise to help narrow down your options and find a blue that’s suitable to your home’s aesthetic.
“I would research a few popular blue colors that designers use over and over, get samples of them and try them out in your space,” Meacham suggests. “After living with it for a few days, you should develop a favorite.”
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