I Predict Martha Stewart’s 1980s Kitchen Throwback Hints at a 2026 Comeback for This Dated Color Trend

Martha Stewart, the iconic American retail businesswoman, writer, and television personality, knows a color trend when she sees one.

Martha has helped shape our homes for decades – products from her Martha Stewart Collection on Amazon take pride of place in my kitchen – so when she shared a photo of her culinary space from the '80s, the pale blue color scheme immediately stood out. Conjuring endless skies and infinite seas, blue is once again the color of the moment in luxury design for 2026, just as it was decades ago.

Fresh, airy, and deeply linked to nature, decorating with blue is championed by experts as the perfect backdrop to modern living and the growing desire for restorative, calming interiors.

‘Whether we are working or relaxing, creating or exercising, it is essential to have a space that reflects the optimism and desire for a fresh, new start that is top of the agenda for the year ahead,’ says Marianne Shillingford, creative director of Dulux. Naturally soothing, but equally energizing and hopeful, the shade promises to bring the outside in to enhance well-being and combat the over-saturation of bolder tones.

For a modern kitchen that will stand the test of time, wall tiles and cabinetry in a soft, muted shade, such as a pale duck egg or misty blue-grey, is an easy-to-live-with choice that works beautifully with all styles, including classic shaker and contemporary flat-panel units.

‘To get the best out of a blue like this, pair it with neutrals to give it a chance to sing,’ says Sarah Davies-Bennion, senior designer, of Kate Guinness Design. ‘Mixing it with too many other strong colors will result in a confused look akin to an accident in a child’s paint box.’ This speaks to the emerging 'quiet luxury' aesthetic, which favors sophisticated restraint.

Blue and white is another fantastic color combination for rooms that will remain timeless. Loved by homeowners and interior designers alike, this classic pairing for kitchens is wonderfully versatile. Far from being two-dimensional, the palette can be used to achieve all sorts of looks, from smart and sophisticated to subtle and serene, depending on the shades you use and the proportions in which they are incorporated.

Synonymous with the sea and sky, blues are a go-to for breathing freshness and calm into the home. ‘Blue and white create a tranquil atmosphere,’ says Debbie Leigh, design manager of fabric brand Iliv. ‘Blue is often associated with feelings of serenity and relaxation, while white helps make a room feel airy and spacious. Used together, these colors create a peaceful and inviting atmosphere – perfect in a hectic family kitchen.’

The color duo works beautifully with complementary hues, such as oranges and greens; however, for those looking to embrace a pure two-tone scheme, it is vital to introduce plenty of texture to keep the space inviting and prevent it from feeling stark. Decorating with varied blue tones, patterned fabrics, and materials with beautiful patinas, such as natural wood, handmade Zellige tiles, or brushed metals, will all help bring the look to life and add the depth that defines 2026 luxury design.

Shop the pale blue kitchen edit

In short, blue is far from a fleeting trend – it is a timeless choice that perfectly aligns with the current desire for kitchens that are both calming and highly sophisticated. By embracing subtle blues and pairing them with natural textures and neutrals, you can achieve a kitchen aesthetic that will feel fresh and relevant well into 2026 and beyond.