White kitchens are crisp, clean and bright, but if you’re looking for a break from all that sameness, blue kitchens – or at least kitchens with pops of blue – deserve a second look.
They were on proud display at last year’s housing design awards in Ottawa, cropping up in renovations, custom builds and production homes. A little time with Google tells you it’s not just an Ottawa thing: blue is big pretty much everywhere.
And little wonder – blue kitchens feel calming, create a feeling of spaciousness (think of a big blue sky or a tranquil sea), and accord with virtually any kitchen design, from traditional to modern. The color is also available in everything from rich, royal blues to lighter shades that help to visually open up smaller spaces.
However, despite what some websites claim, there’s no credible evidence that blue will lower your blood pressure.
Blue, when it’s used judiciously throughout the kitchen, can help tie an entire design together. Blue cabinetry and islands have become especially popular and allow you to simply change the wall colour when the space needs a freshen-up.
Adding blue to your kitchen can be as simple as shopping for a few blue cushions, some bar stools and a place setting. Do you have an empty wall in the kitchen? Track down a big, blue art poster for a sudden splash of sophisticated colour.
Use blue to make a statement or help anchor your kitchen. The colour can be as bold or as subtle as you choose, and it works handsomely in virtually any design.
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Before tackling your kitchen, check our list of Ottawa home improvement pros and designers