Dark blue kitchen cabinets: contemporary and timeless designs

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….

modern shaker kitchen with white tiles and brass handles
Kitchen extension in Wandsworth, designed by Naomi Astley Clarke. Price on application. Photography: Paul Massey

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.

blue and pink kitchen design
Shaker kitchen painted in Railings and Pink Ground by Farrow & Ball, from Olive & Barr. Prices start from £10,000.

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!

modern space with navy unit, brass stools and brass lights
Mood kitchen in Moon Blue, from Scavolini. Price on application.

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.”

marble worktops on navy units and island with stone flooring
New Classic collection painted in French Blue with Goia marble (main) and Icarus granite (island) worktops, from Martin Moore. Kitchens start from £45,000. 

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.

classic and elegant kitchen design with central island
Bespoke open-plan traditional in-frame kitchen, from Simon Taylor Furniture. Price on application.

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.

classic kitchen design painted in dark blue
The Butler collection in Lithadora, from Tom Howley. Prices start from £25,000.

Inspiration: Modern dark blue cabinets

modern design with handleless units and dining area
Modulnova’s MH6 kitchen collection in satin matt lacquer Blue Notte, from DesignSpace London. The worktops in this design are 20mm thick Carrara marble, with appliances from Miele and the New Form X-Trend tap in brushed stainless steel. Kitchens from DesignSpace London start from £25,000.
open-plan space with grand island topped up marble surfaces
Linear kitchen with cabinets painted in Railings by Farrow & Ball, from Harvey Jones. Prices start from £35,000.
modern units with open wall-mounted shelf
Dark blue kitchen cabinets with Prête-Moi Ta Plume print by Christian Lacroix for Schmidt. Kitchens from Schmidt start from £10,000, including delivery and fitting.

Timeless designs

modern timeless kitchen design with marble peninsula
Padstow Moonlight Blue with Tuscan Walnut cabinetry, from Masterclass Kitchens. Kitchens start from £15,000.
modern open-plan scheme with gold extractor canopy
Wakefield kitchen in Marine, from Kitchen Stori. Price on application.
classic scheme with central island and industrial style lights above
Holkham kitchen, from Davonport. Prices start from £40,000.

Featured image: Classic Urbo Studio kitchen, furniture finished in Indigo Blue with Urbo handleless island furniture finished in Grey Bronze from Roundhouse.

Enjoyed this post? Click here for light blue kitchen ideas

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