The Elegant Allure of Colonial Blue Kitchen Cabinets

With its rich, slightly grayish hue, colonial blue brings a sense of refined sophistication to any kitchen. The timeless shade evokes classic American style and exudes an airy elegance that never goes out of fashion.

Colonial blue kitchen cabinets have enjoyed immense popularity over the years. They lend kitchens a light and breezy feel that manages to be both soothing and stately. If you're looking to impart your kitchen with a graceful, traditional beauty, colonial blue cabinetry is an excellent choice.

Finding the Perfect Shade of Colonial Blue

Not all blues are created equal. From a robin's egg pastel to a deep navy, blue has many faces. So what exactly is the quintessential colonial blue?

Classic colonial blue is rich and slightly grayish in tone. Benjamin Moore's Huntington Blue is one of the most popular colonial blue cabinet colors. Other similar shades like Hale Navy and Old Navy evoke the same New England colonial style.

Lighter, sky blue-tinged hues give off a soft, beachy vibe. Deeper navy blues feel bold and dramatic. The true colonial blue hits that just-right sweet spot—subtle enough to feel breezy but deep enough to still make a statement.

Different Tones for Different Folks

While there's a classic colonial blue, lighter or darker shades give you creative license. A pale robin's egg blue feels youthful and feminine. A moodier navy imparts an elegant gravitas.

Keep in mind undertones as well. Blues with gray or green undertones complement colonial style kitchens. Purpler-toned shades may clash with your finishes.

Cabinet Styles That Allow Blue to Shine

Certain cabinet styles better complement a colonial blue kitchen. Clean-lined options allow the blue to take center stage.

Shaker-style cabinets pair beautifully with colonial blue. Their simple, no-fuss design mirrors colonial blue's breezy elegance. The flat recessed centers and subtle lip details on shakers interplay nicely with the cool blue tones.

Slab cabinet doors also work well. Their flat, seamless fronts maintain the straightforward look that lets the blue color make an impact. Avoid ornate styles like cathedral or anything heavily distressed, as they'll compete too much with colonial blue’s subtle beauty.

Beyond Shaker and Slab

While shaker and slab cabinets are foolproof options, other styles can also complement colonial blue. For a truly authentic colonial look, flat-panel doors with woodgrain details are a great nod to the era.

Raised panel doors also pair nicely, though avoid heavily embellished designs. Simple lines and recessed square or rectangular panels balance the blue best.

Countertop Colors to Match or Contrast

Choosing countertops to match or contrast your colonial blue cabinets impacts the whole kitchen's look.

For contrast, white countertops like marble, quartzite, or soapstone beautifully balance the rich blue. The crisp white pops against the blue, keeping the space feeling light and airy.

Warm white granite also complements colonial blue cabinets. It provides subtle contrast without overly harsh edges. White Corian or cultured marble offer budget-friendly options too.

To match, butcher block countertops introduce organic warmth. The wood grain and light tan hues coordinate with colonial blue’s subtle grayness. But too much matching can feel monotonous.

The Bold Black Counter Contrast

While white countertops may be safer, don't shy from bold black counters. The dramatic contrast of rich black granite or soapstone beside colonial blue cabinets makes a striking, elegant statement.

Backsplash Accents: Subway Tile and Beyond

No colonial blue kitchen is complete without the perfect backsplash. While subway tile may be the quintessential pairing, don't be afraid to get creative.

A pure white subway tile backsplash allows the colonial blue cabinets to take the lead. The crisp, clean tiles accent the blue without overpowering.

Light blue or navy backsplash tiles coordinate with cabinetry beautifully. Go for a soft sea glass tile or vibrant cobalt to complement different blue tones.

NATURAL WHOLE PARAGRAPHS EXPLORING BACKSPLASH IDEAS LIKE MARBLE, MOSAIC, PENNY TILE, ETC.

Hardware and Lighting to Make Blue Pop

Don't underestimate the power of hardware and lighting in a colonial blue kitchen. The right selections make the space truly shine.

Brushed nickel and oil-rubbed bronze knobs and pulls bring out the warmer undertones in colonial blue cabinetry. Brass hardware also complements the blue handsomely.

For lighting, graceful pendants over the kitchen island command attention. Circular wrought iron fixtures work for traditional kitchens, while cylindrical glass pendants impart subtle glamour.

Accent the cabinetry with sconces and under cabinet lighting. This brightens up the space and highlights the dimensional details of your cabinetry.

Mixing Metals and Fixtures

Don't be afraid to mix up your metals and lighting fixtures. Combining antique brass pendants over the island with modern nickel sconces can feel fresh and eclectic.

Finishing Touches: Moldings, Floors and More

Beyond cabinetry, counters, and backsplashes, finishing elements create seamless colonial blue style.

Crown molding elegantly defines where the cabinets meet the ceiling. Opt for simple trim, as ornate crown moldings will clash with colonial blue’s unfussy vibe.

Hardwood flooring introduces natural warmth to balance the cool blue tones. Buttery oak or lighter maple work well. Or opt for a subtle blue and white tile pattern.

Glass cabinet doors, open shelving, and furniture-like pieces like china cabinets further elevate the elegant allure of colonial blue kitchens.

Achieving Different Looks with Colonial Blue

While colonial blue cabinetry suits traditional, colonial-inspired kitchens beautifully, you can also use it to achieve more eclectic looks.

A industrial edge with black stainless steel appliances and hardware creates dramatic contrast against crisp colonial blue. Marble or concrete counters enhance the moody edge.

Soften the traditional vibe by pairing blue cabinets with a beadboard backsplash, woven rattan pendants, and cheery sunflower accents for a breezy cottage feel.

Or channel the relaxing allure of the beach with sandy toned granite, driftwood-gray floors, and a sand tile backsplash. Seashell knobs complete the coastal charm.

With its rich gray-blue hue and adaptability to various styles, colonial blue kitchen cabinets impart timeless sophistication and beauty. The right cabinet style, counters, backsplash, and finishes let this versatile shade shine.

Colonial blue kitchens exude an inviting, breezy elegance perfect for traditional home spaces. But the cool blue tone also pops against modern and coastal elements as well. Colonial blue cabinetry offers enduring, graceful allure.