This past year, it seems that every kitchen that’s crossed our desktops has one thing in common: cabinets painted a deep petrol blue. As well as a few other features: a single long kitchen counter with a subway tile backsplash, open shelving, and a kitchen island painted a corresponding blue. Is the cult of the blue kitchen upon us?
We first started noticing the trend when we featured the West London kitchen of chef Skye Gyngell. Designed by British Standard, the two-tone kitchen has cabinets painted in Farrow & Ball’s deep Hague Blue, a cult color in its own right, and upper walls painted white. (When we first saw the kitchen, we found ourselves thinking, If I had this kitchen I’d be just like Skye Gyngell, with an arsenal of fresh herbs and root vegetables stored in vintage jars.)
But why blue? Essayist Maggie Nelson notes in Bluets, her ode to the color blue, “culinary advisors generally recommend against blue light, blue paint, and blue plates when and where serving food.” Why then, is everyone painting their kitchen blue?
“Ask people their favorite color, and in most parts of the world roughly half will say blue,” Natalie Angier writes in the New York Times. More supporting evidence: Painting an interior in shades of blue can translate to an increase in home value, and, according to studies, it’s associated with decreased heart rates, improved concentration, enhanced creativity, and a sense of calm. Which all comes in useful in a room where you might find yourself wielding a saucepan, reading a recipe, tending a boiling-over pot, all at the same time.
Here are 10 kitchens that illustrate the new époque bleue era.
- A Housewares Collection with a Cult Following
- A NYC Cult Shop Heads to Tokyo
- 10 Paint Colors with Cult Followings: Architects’ All-Time Favorite Paint Picks
- Pared Down Simplicity: New Furniture from a Cult Woodworker
Frequently asked questions
What is the trend alert highlighted in the article?
The trend alert highlighted in the article is 10 Blue Kitchens with Painted Kitchen Cabinets.
What is the inspiration behind this trend?
The inspiration behind this trend is the desire for homeowners to add color and personality to their kitchens while sticking with a classic and timeless look.
What are some popular shades of blue seen in these kitchens?
Some popular shades of blue seen in these kitchens include navy blue, royal blue, and dusty blue.
What type of cabinet finish is typically used for this trend?
Matte and chalky finishes are typically used for this trend as they create a more relaxed and casual feel.
What is the benefit of painted cabinets?
Painted cabinets allow for more flexibility in terms of color choices and can give a kitchen a fresh and updated look without the need for a full renovation.
Can this trend work in a small kitchen?
Yes, this trend can work in a small kitchen as long as the right shade of blue is chosen and paired with complementary decor and accessories.
What is the suggested color scheme to pair with blue cabinets?
Neutral and natural colors such as white, grey, beige, and wood tones are suggested to pair with blue cabinets.
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