According to Houzz’s Kitchen Trends Study 2026, blue is now the most popular cabinet colour in renovated kitchen, increasing by 18% compared to the year before. Head of Life Trade, Paul Berryman, shares his thoughts on why blue kitchens have made a comeback and what makes them so popular with customers:
TOTAL VERSATILITY
“No matter the shade, from deep navy to soft pastel, one of blue’s strongest offerings is its adaptability and versatility. Whether chosen for a contemporary kitchen or a traditional property, blue spans an enormous range of tones allowing it to suit any interior scheme. A colour associated with stability and calm thanks to its link to the natural world, blue is a strong option for a kitchen that will transverse trends. It is always a colour that customers come back to!”
PAIR WITH NATURAL MATERIALS
“As well as pairing well with a multitude of colours, blue also works exceptionally when paired with natural or natural-effect materials such as stone, wood and metal thanks to its grounding qualities. When these elements are combined, rather than competing, they complement each other and can stand out on an individual basis. A deep blue kitchen cabinet for example looks striking against a dark natural stone-effect kitchen island with detailed veining. The result is a dramatic looking space that is both smooth and textured, refined and welcoming.”
IDEAL FOR CREATING ZONES
“Using blue as a design tool is a great way to bring clarity and create distinct zones in an open-plan kitchen design. By opting for a darker blue on kitchen islands, preparation zones or standalone cabinet runs, it creates a strong visual anchor which helps to define work areas and create interesting features at the same time. The colour difference allows each space to have its own identity while maintaining a seamless flow throughout the kitchen.”
TWO-TONE SCHEMES
“Blue is one of the most versatile colours for a two-tone scheme. For many customers, choosing a darker colour for the lower cabinets and pairing it with a lighter colour, especially a neutral, on the higher cabinets is a great way to help the kitchen feel spacious and airy. As a flexible colour, blue works harmoniously with both warm and cooler colour palettes, allowing two-tone kitchen schemes to feel layered and visually dynamic.”
