Green may have had us swooning in the past few years, but there’s something so elegant and timeless about dark blue kitchen cabinets.
If you are renovating or thinking about updating your space, why not consider dark blue kitchen cabinets? They’re sophisticated, dramatic and suit an array of designs and styles – from classic Shaker to handleless and modern. “This luxe shade is incredibly versatile: think of it as a little black dress that can be styled up or down,” says Richard Davonport, managing director at Davonport. And we couldn’t agree more!
Some of the latest looks that have caught our eye include dusty dark blue cabinets – that almost lean into charcoal – with statement stones, brass finishes and artisan décor.
We’ve got plenty of inspiration for you, as well as the answers to your burning questions about dark blue kitchen cabinets. So read on….
Will a dark blue kitchen date?
One of the most popular questions when it comes to choosing the colour for kitchen units is: ‘Will my dark blue kitchen date?’
Committing to a shade and splashing it on every cabinet, even the island if you’re feeling bold, isn’t the easiest of decisions. However, if you pick navy or a muted dark blue as your go-to colour, rest assured it will stand the test of time. “Because of its versatility, a dark blue kitchen is not a fad or colour that will go out of style,” explains Richard.
The other elements in your kitchen and styling play an important role in ensuring your dark blue cabinets won’t date. “Pairing blue and shaker cabinetry is one way to give your kitchen timeless appeal that will be stylish 15 years later…or more,” adds Richard.
What is a shaker-style kitchen and is it right for me? Click here
And, if you prefer a modern aesthetic, fear not – you can still achieve a contemporary yet timeless scheme. Opt for sleek, handleless units, statement marble surfaces and metallic accents, be it through bar stools or lighting, to complete the look. Voilà!
What colours go well with dark blue kitchen cabinets?
Whether you want to be daring and go all-out on this luxe hue or want to tone it down with the help of neutrals, there are plenty of colour combinations you can have a play with.
“We regularly see blue used as an accent colour alongside greys and off-whites. People choose a darker blue for small touches, such as a feature island or a cupboard interior. The result is a kitchen that is calm and tranquil, but not lacking in character,” says Richard Moore, design director at Martin Moore.
“Although two-tone kitchens remain quite dominant, we are seeing an increasing number of our clients opting for ‘colour drench’ kitchens – that is using one, strong colour throughout, with all-blue kitchens proving particularly popular.”
Why not add a pop of navy to your kitchen by creating a focal feature out of your island, and paint the main storage cabinets in a contrasting milky, neutral shade?
Equally, soft shades such as sage green or pastel pink work well with blues. “Dark blue works well with other mid to light tones of blue, pale shades of green and light greys or warm beiges, depending on the look you’re trying to achieve,” says Tom Howley, founder of the eponymous brand.
What materials should you go for?
Depending on the look you want to achieve and the shade of dark blue you choose, you can mix and match a range of materials. For a rustic or even industrial touch, create a feature wall with exposed bricks surrounding your dark blue cabinets. “Deep blue looks stunning against exposed brickwork or natural wood,” says Tom.
We love classic chairs with woven seats in a colourful open-plan kitchen-diner. “Natural touches such as wooden and woven textures bring out blue’s warmth, instantly making the kitchen feel more homely and lived-in,” he adds.
And, when it comes to finishes, metallics such as chrome, copper and brass all work well with dark blue units, as well as matt black.
Inspiration: Modern dark blue cabinets
Timeless designs
Featured image: Classic Urbo Studio kitchen, furniture finished in Indigo Blue with Urbo handleless island furniture finished in Grey Bronze from Roundhouse.