As the heart and soul of the home, your kitchen should inspire you to cook, connect and entertain – a place you’re proud to host and spend time in. When it comes to finding the perfect colour for this space, blue is a timeless shade that never seems to go out of fashion.
Whether you dive in headfirst with floor-to-ceiling statement wallpaper or dip your toe in with subtle accents, there are so many ways to incorporate beautiful blue when designing a kitchen – and it doesn’t need to break the bank.
If you’re in need of some inspiration, look no further than the 12 ideas curated below, where you’ll find a design for every style, along with practical advice on how to style it in your home.
1. Add a touch of luxury to your blue kitchen with marble worktops
Luxury, durable, and heat-resistant, marble is one of the best kitchen worktops you can choose and comes in a range of different colours. Whether you choose white and gray Carrara or a striking Blue Bahia, it pairs beautifully with a blue kitchen and instantly makes the space feel high-end.
William Durrant, owner of Herringbone House, says, “The cool tones in the stone complement blue well because its natural veining softens the boldness of the colour perfectly. If you choose a marble with stronger veining, it can become a real focal point against the simplicity of blue units.”
It’s worth bearing in mind that this worktop can easily scratch and stain, meaning it might not be the most practical choice for busy family kitchens. However, any stains can be removed using a poultice, followed by a re-polish.
William Durrant has worked in the cabinet and furniture manufacturing industry for over a decade. After learning from powerful kitchen brands, he had a desire to manage all aspects of home design projects, so he founded Herringbone Kitchens, now known as Herringbone House over 10 years ago.
2. Tile your kitchen island in blue
Don’t reserve tiles for just your kitchen splashback – why not include them on your island, as seen in the photo above? Bold and unexpected, this kitchen trend is having a moment and is a fun way to experiment with colours and textures.
Whether you coordinate your tiling with the walls to make the space feel bigger or mix and match designs to add personality and flair, this is an easy way to spice up your kitchen and help it stand out from the crowd.
If you’re keen to give this idea a go, our how to tile a kitchen wall guide will come in handy, providing everything you need to get started. Just make sure you check whether the island’s surface is suitable for tiles or if it needs additional prep to prevent them from popping off later.
Shop our favourite blue tiles
Stonehouse Studio Porto Blue Encaustic Effect Tiles
These gorgeous patterned tiles are made from matt-finish porcelain and are inspired by Porto in Portugal.
Martil Light Blue Porcelain Glazed Wall Tiles
Suitable for both walls and floors, these glossy porcelain tiles come in a lovely shade of duck-egg blue.
Akara Imperial Pattered Wall and Floor Tiles
These patterned tiles are crafted from durable porcelain and feature a pretty design that is sure to turn heads.
3. Use natural materials in your blue kitchen
If you’re concerned that your blue kitchen might look cold and uninviting, combining this colour with natural materials is the perfect solution.
Interior designer Katie Malik says, “Blue works beautifully with natural materials because it contrasts the cool tones of the color with the warm, earthy tones of wood. This combination makes a kitchen feel both fresh and inviting. Layering blue with natural materials brings balance, texture, and a welcoming warmth to the space.”
To create a dramatic effect, Katie recommends pairing blue with darker woods like walnut; for a bright and airy feel, she suggests light finishes such as maple or pine to lift the space.
Katie Malik is the founder and creative director of Katie Malik Design Studio, based in Cambridge. She originally studied at Cambridge University as a linguist, then retrained in Interior Design at Chelsea College of Art in London and the National Design Academy. Katie launched her own business in 2014 after gaining previous experience at high-end London design studios.
4. Add artisanal charm with a blue mosaic splashback
Bring life and character to your blue kitchen by including a mosaic splashback design, as seen in the photo above. This works particularly well if the rest of your kitchen is plain and is a simple way to add a little extra charm.
Isabel Fernandez, Director of Quorn Stone, says, “A mosaic introduces movement and texture, giving the surface a more detailed and handcrafted feel. The smaller format naturally catches the light, adding depth and subtle pattern without overwhelming the room. It is a lovely way to create interest in a compact space or to bring a touch of artisanal charm to a simple run of cabinetry.”
Since you tile a kitchen splashback once everything else is done, it’s easy to incorporate this idea into your existing setup without having to completely revamp the space.
Isabel Fernandez, Director at Quorn Stone, carries a wealth of experience and expertise from sourcing premium tiles globally, to leading the brand’s growth and awareness. With a first-class honour’s degree in Business Management and Marketing, Isabel has played a pivotal role in the expansion of Quorn Stone since she joined in 2016.
5. Use wallpaper on your kitchen island
Kitchen islands are often overlooked, but there are many ways to experiment with their design. In the photo above, this wallpaper idea instantly adds colour, fun and personality to the space, with secondary shades of green and red echoed in the flowers and fruit bowl.
Before you get started, check whether your island’s surface is suitable for wallpaper – smooth materials like MDF and plywood work well. Kitchens are prone to splashes and spills, so make sure your wallpaper is washable, durable and sealed with a protective coating.
Nicolle Whyte, Design Director at Olive & Barr, says, “To embrace the growing heritage and layered-texture trend, consider introducing wallpaper into your kitchen design. Subtle prints, botanical patterns, or gently textured papers add depth and warmth without overwhelming the space.”
Galerie Hidden Treasures Blue Oak Tree Leaf Wallpaper Roll
Calming and delicate, this leaf-patterned wallpaper will brighten any kitchen island.
Acanthus Floral Vintage Peel and Stick Wallpaper
Featuring a 19th-century–inspired botanical design, this peel-and-stick wallpaper is easy to use and gorgeous to look at.
Galerie Hidden Treasures Blue Oak Tree Leaf Wallpaper Roll
Add a touch of nature to your kitchen with this oak tree print wallpaper.
Nicolle Whyte is Design Director at Olive & Barr. Having originally studied a BA in Interior Design, she soon discovered her love for kitchen design. After spending several years working with some of the leading kitchen brands, Nicolle started her role at Olive & Barr in February 2020, bringing her extensive skills and expertise to the team.
6. Go for a multi-tonal design in your blue kitchen
“Relying on a single shade can sometimes make a space feel flat or overwhelming, especially if the tone doesn’t perfectly suit the natural light,” warns Katie Malik. Her solution? Mix different shades of blue to create depth and interest.
In the photo above, the upper quarter of the walls and parts of the ceiling are painted a soft powder blue, while the cabinets are a contrasting navy. This nicely breaks up the space and allows you to use darker colours without making the room feel crowded or smaller.
She adds, “By mixing tones – darker and lighter blues – you create visual interest and a sense of dimension, giving the room a more considered, professional look.”
7. Let your blue splashback do the talking
If you’re searching for kitchen splashback ideas, we think blue is an excellent choice, thanks to its versatility and timeless appeal. Perfect for both traditional and contemporary spaces, there are lots of ways you can style this soothing shade.
Isabel Fernandez agrees, “Blue has a wonderful way of bringing calm and character into a kitchen. It works beautifully with natural materials such as warm woods, classic brassware and honed stone, creating a space that feels both grounded and uplifting.”
If you like the idea of a blue kitchen but are not quite ready to invest the time and money into new cabinets, changing your splashback can be an easier way to test whether this color is right for you.
8. Break up the blue with patterned window treatments
Breathe life into your blue kitchen by installing patterned blinds that flatter the design. When it comes to choosing a style, Ana Zuravliova, Trend Specialist at Blinds Direct, says patterns have a unique ability to transform a space, but they need to complement – not compete with – the décor.
“Opt for softer shades of blue or smaller-scale prints if your kitchen is compact, as these create interest without feeling busy. If your kitchen is more spacious, you can introduce bolder patterns to make the windows a focal point.”
To avoid your kitchen feeling overwhelming and intense, Ana recommends pairing patterned blinds with neutral cabinetry, simple worktops, and small matching accessories like tea towels or crockery.
Get inspired by our window treatment picks
Clavering Birds Night Roller Blind
Featuring subtle accents of pink, green and white, this pretty blind complements a wide range of colour schemes.
These roller blinds are made to measure, with a calming blue-and-white wave design.
Blue Diamond Geo Made to Measure Roller Blind
Modern and stylish, these geometric roller blinds are a great way to add a pop of colour against white cabinetry.
Ana Zuravliova is the Trend Specialist at Blinds Direct, where she shares her expertise on interior design and emerging home décor trends. Her passion lies in helping customers navigate the latest design trends while finding practical solutions for their homes.
9. Add wallpaper in your blue kitchen
This blue kitchen idea won’t be for everyone, but colour enthusiasts will love how this statement trend adds personality to the room. To help it feel cohesive and intentional, choose a pattern that includes the same shade as your cabinetry.
Wallpapering your kitchen might seem like a recipe for disaster – they’re a hotspot for spills, stains, and steam that can cause condensation – but it’s definitely possible with the right materials. If you can’t use a room-specific wallpaper, Homebuilding’s Assistant Editor Sarah Harley recommends applying it with an extra-strength, mildew-resistant wallpaper paste and sealing it with decorator’s varnish.
To ensure you get the perfect shade, Rob Tavender, Design Consultant at Anglia Kitchens and Bedrooms, recommends placing a wallpaper sample next to the cabinetry to see how they sit together.
Rob Tavender
Rob brings 37 years of interior design experience to Anglia Kitchens and Bedrooms, along with a quiet, confident approach to each project. He is known for his hand-drawn plans, which allow him to shape a space with care and precision.
10. Create a sense of calm in your kitchen with soft pastel hues
The combination of steamy pans, multitasking recipes, and time pressure can make cooking feel rather stressful. If you often feel hot and bothered while preparing your daily meals, consider a pastel color palette to promote a sense of calm, as seen in the photo above.
Ana Zuravliova says, “Soft blues, such as powder blue and baby blue, are perfect for creating a serene and calming atmosphere. These hues are ideal for kitchens where relaxation is key. Light blue walls can make a room feel airy and spacious, especially when paired with light beige or cream roller or vertical blinds.”
If you’re keen to try Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2026, Rachel Dunn, Head of Product at The Faux Flower Company, says it pairs perfectly with muted pastels – so this could be your chance to give it a go.
11. Introduce contrast with black accents in your blue kitchen
Whether you opt for a dramatic worktop idea or contrasting hardware and fixtures, Katie Malik says that using black in your blue kitchen adds definition, sophistication and elegance.
She adds, “It anchors the design without overwhelming the space. The key is strategic placement: small, well-chosen black accents can elevate the overall look, while too much black can feel heavy or overpowering.”
In the photo above, the kitchen features subtle accents such as black photo frames, bar stool legs, and cabinetry handles, all of which tie in beautifully with the dark worktop, giving it a luxurious feel.
12. Add a pop of pink in your blue kitchen
We love this blue kitchen idea above, featuring blue cabinets against pink walls and matching breakfast bar stool legs. Instead of opting for a typical white, which can often look flat and uninspiring, this homeowner chose a soft rose shade that injects the space with joy.
Since blue is a cool-toned colour, it can sometimes feel sterile or uninviting, which is why incorporating a warm shade like pink is such a great idea, helping the space feel more cosy.
If you’re not ready to fully commit to pink, start by adding small accessories to your blue kitchen, such as colourful utensils, seating, appliances, or ornaments. Once you’ve decided it’s the right fit for your home, you could consider painting your kitchen cabinets or walls.
These blue kitchen ideas show just how many ways there are to experiment with this versatile colour – whether you’re a minimalist, maximalist, or somewhere in between.
Before you get started on your new design, it’s worth taking a look at these kitchen layout ideas to get some practical inspiration. Or, if you decide that blue isn’t your thing, you might be tempted by these gorgeous pink kitchen ideas.
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