Light blue kitchens are the new gray – these 10 bright and airy spaces prove it

Light blue kitchens are proving popular this year, so much so, this color is a suggested hue to replace gray, sage green and teal shades that have dominated trends in recent years. 

If you've been planning kitchen ideas for a refresh or an update, you've probably been seeing a few light blue kitchens creeping into the mix. This light, uplifting hue is as versatile as it is visually appealing – pairing beautifully with other colors and almost any hardware finish, when designed right, light blue can create a timeless kitchen scheme.

Decorating with a new color can feel like unknown territory, but these light blue kitchen ideas from interior designers and color experts are sure to inspire. From color-drenched schemes to thoughtful shade pairings, there's a design for every style and taste here.

10 light blue kitchen ideas for a relaxing scheme

This year, it's out with the dark and in with the light – and these light blue kitchen ideas are a great starting point. From pretty blue paint colors to cabinetry designs and tile patterns, there are plenty of ways to introduce this hue to match your interior design style.

1. Paint the kitchen ceiling light blue

Introducing light blue into a kitchen scheme can be done in many ways. The versatility of this hue means you don't necessarily need to change the rest of your kitchen – the right shade can almost act as a neutral, so it pairs well with plenty of other colors.

'Light blue is a beautiful color to consider for a kitchen. It is a versatile color family that works well with many different styles,' says Arianna Barone, color marketing manager at Benjamin Moore. If you don't want to change your wall or kitchen cabinet color, why not consider introducing light blue in a more creative way?

'For an unexpected way to bring in light blue paint colors into a kitchen, try it on the ceiling. It is a great way to bring a splash of color and contrast to a classic white-painted kitchen. I love to use light, airy blue paint colors on the ceiling such as Constellation AF-540, Icy Blue 2057-70 and Palladian Blue HC-144,' she adds.

2. Use light blue with marble counters for a coastal kitchen

Marble kitchen countertops are a favorite in kitchen designs thanks to their ability to pair with almost all colors and cabinet styles. So, it probably comes as no surprise that they pair beautifully with light blue in the kitchen, and this pairing is a great way to create a more coastal feel to a space.

'To create a casual, coastal look, pair light blue paint colors with white countertops, shiplap or bead board, and warm woven accents,' suggests Arianna. In this kitchen scheme, light blue has been used for all of the cabinetry and topped with white marble counters. The use of woven and bamboo bar stools and gold hardware brings warmth and character to the space.

3. Pair light blue cabinets with white tiles for a timeless scheme

A light blue kitchen can feel truly timeless and classic when paired with the right colors and finishes. Opt for kitchen cabinets in a muted light blue shade, and pair them with white subway tiles for a soft, traditional look.

'Our Trinity Blue paint color works perfectly, soft, muted and elegant against the pale walls and worktops. This color is proving to be a classic choice and always looks fresh but not too fashionable,' says Helen Parker, creative director of deVOL.

In this kitchen design, this light blue hue has been paired with classic white tiles, natural wood through the bar stools and island counter, and aged brass hardware for the handles and faucet. The end result is a scheme that feels timeless and elegant.

4. Create a contemporary design in an east-facing kitchen

Light blue hues can work beautifully in almost any kitchen, but the natural light your kitchen gets will have an impact on how the color reads. Light blue is particularly favorable in east-facing kitchens, especially when paired with other light, neutral hues.

'Pale and mid bright blues play well in east-facing rooms due to their interaction with the natural light, creating a clean and contemporary look. As with most colours, always try using an empathetic white rather than a clean white as this helps to soften the contrast,' says Patrick O'Donnell, brand ambassador at Farrow & Ball.

In this kitchen, light blue cabinetry has been paired with a warm white paint color on the walls, retaining a sense of airy openness in the kitchen while still feeling warm and welcoming.

5. Don't be afraid to pair light blue with darker hues

White is often the go-to color when working with brighter or more saturated hues, and it works beautifully. However, for a more daring scheme, try pairing light blue with darker, contrasting shades.

'A crisp, cool white paint color makes for a classic pairing with light blue. But to bring a touch of drama and bolder contrast, try deeper hues like Amazon Green 2136-30, Polo Blue 2062-20, and Jack Pine 692,' recommends Arianna.

The kitchen color scheme doesn't need to be all light blue – introducing the dark green has given this kitchen character and instantly makes the kitchen feel lived in. The white paint used on the upper cabinets lifts the room and prevents the kitchen from feeling small and dark.

6. Paint the lower cabinets light blue

For a more visually interesting kitchen scheme, create contrast by painting the lower cabinets light blue and the upper cabinets white. Not only does it strike a balance between colorful and neutral, but it gives the kitchen a more unique appeal.

'When remodeling this Northern Virginia kitchen, the client chose to use white and light blue, a stark contrast to the previous shades of yellow paired with wood cabinets,' explains Camille LeDew, design specialist at KBF Audi.

By introducing light blue on only the lower cabinetry, they've injected more personality into the space, and made the kitchen feel more cohesive with the rest of the open plan living space which has a blue thread running through it.

7. Paint the walls, ceiling, and cabinets the same color

Light blue is such an uplifting, versatile color, so there are plenty of different designs to choose between. From a color drenched kitchen to balancing light blue walls with rustic white cabinetry, this inviting hue can be introduced to plenty of kitchen styles.

'Kitchens are often the heart of the home and blue shades can be a particularly effective color choice. Pair light blue paint on cabinetry with neutral walls painted in Shirting for a classic color combination, and vice versa. Alternatively, opt for an all-over blue scheme to create an encompassing, wraparound feel,' suggests Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene.

Color-drenching has been used in the kitchen, paired with a red and white chequerboard floor to add contrast. By covering the walls, ceiling, and cabinetry in one light blue hue, the kitchen feels cozy and warm without compromising on the lightness of the scheme.

8. Create a light blue feature wall with open shelving

Introducing a kitchen accent wall creates a wonderful focal point in the space, and means you don't have to rethink the entire kitchen design. Instead of simply painting one wall light blue, consider introducing shelving for decor and additional storage. 

'Opt to use light blue on a wall with open shelving or pair it with crisp white cabinets. Open shelving allows the wall color to stand out as a focal point in the space,' suggests Arianna. 

'Try a more saturated option, like Morning Sky Blue 2053-70, or a soft blue-gray similar to Silver Gray 2131-60, or Gray Cloud 2126-60. Blue-grays are slightly more neutral and an easier transition into more colorful hues, if your preferences lean toward a more neutral color palette,' she adds.

9. Make a statement with light blue tiles

A light blue kitchen scheme doesn't just involve paint ideas – tiles are a great way to introduce this refreshing hue in a more decorative and textural way. Whether you opt for something plain or an eye-catching pattern, tiles are both stylish and practical in a kitchen, and work in any style of space.

'Light to mid-blues, long beloved in bathrooms, are gaining traction in kitchens too. While commonly associated with coastal vibes, this versatile hue can certainly transcend classic themes, offering an unexpected and playful pop of color that adds dimension to any kitchen,' says Kali Gibson, of Fireclay Tile.

In this kitchen, light blue patterned tiles have been used on the wall behind the hob – they not only create a beautiful feature in the space, but provides that functional element, too. To ensure the tiles feel cohesive with the rest of the scheme, a light blue runner has been placed on the floor, and seating in the adjacent room has been upholstered in the same shade.

10. Introduce chrome hardware to light blue cupboards

Light blue can be used in kitchen styles that lean more classic or contemporary, so it's all about the materials and finishes you pair this hue with that will create your desired kitchen aesthetic.

'For 2024, paler shades of blue are in, with the shift reflecting our desire for moderation, balance, and nonintrusive energy within their home. Lighter blues offer a more contemporary approach, even when traditional cabinetry such as shaker is chosen as it brings a crispness to a kitchen,' explains Richard Davonport, managing director at Davonport. 

'This can be enhanced further by working with lighter shades of worktop materials as well as with hardware choices, moving away from brass to more industrial finishes,' he adds. Chrome decor has been proving popular this year, so if you're creating a more modern scheme, consider introducing chrome cabinet hardware in place of those warmer metals.

Light blue kitchens are incredibly versatile. This hue is refreshing and uplifting, and offers a great alternative to the darker palettes that have dominated trends over the last few years. There are so many ways to introduce light blue into a kitchen, and depending on the colors and materials you pair it with, you can create a plethora of different kitchen styles.