Christie Brinkley's intelligent use of blue means her kitchen cabinets are unmissable – but designers say there's a trick to following suit

If we were to define Christie Brinkley's kitchen by one feature, it'd be her blue-painted cabinets. One glance at her space is enough to remember the striking tone that covers her glass-fronted cupboards, but there's a secret to their sucsess.

As designers explain, the best blue kitchens are those designed in a way that allows the color to breathe. Thankfully, Christie's space provides the ultimate blueprint. While the model has painted her cabinets in a vibrant hue, she has ensured the remaining features, including her tiled backsplash and side wall, are painted in a soft neutral.

In keeping some of her kitchen lighter, the cabinets (and the bottom of her island) can stand out in the way they deserve. The color is unrivaled, meaning it leaves a legacy in the space and remains in your mind long after you've stopped looking at the photo (or, in my case, at least).

Shop the blue kitchen edit

As designers explain, interrupting blue with neutral tones is crucial to its success.

'When it comes to kitchen design, blue remains an enduring favourite as it brings a sophisticated and timeless aesthetic. It's a really versatile colour choice that works just as well in classic or country kitchens as it does in modern and contemporary designs,' comments Nathan Kingsbury, the creative director of Nathan Kingsbury Design, before expanding on how to follow Christie's lead.

'One of the key things to consider when choosing blue for the kitchen is bringing in contrast. Pairing blue with crisp whites, warm wood tones, or brass accents will help to create visual interest and stop the space from feeling overly dark (especially if you choose a darker navy shade),' he says.

'This contrast will also bring warmth and elegance to the space. Introducing natural elements like marble or wooden worktops will also help to create a timeless feel. Not only do they bring in a natural element, they also add depth and texture to the space, making it feel more inviting.'

Lastly, it's important to refine your kitchen lighting ideas before following Christie's lead.

'Do remember that lighting in a darker blue coloured kitchen is crucial. You want to make sure there's plenty of natural light and supplement this with adequate artificial lighting – be it overhead, under-cabinet or task lighting – to ensure the kitchen feels beautiful, bright and functional too,' Nathan says.

Will you introduce this bold tone into your own kitchen? Let me know your thoughts about her space (and your own decor ideas) in the comments below.