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Guest Picks: The Blue Kitchen
Houzz contributor, design blogger, photographer and editor of http://www.TheSwelleLife.com
Houzz contributor, design blogger, photographer and editor of http://www.TheSwelleLife.com... More »
Blue is my absolute favorite color, but not just any old blue. Cobalt, royal, electric and ultramarine just don't do it for me. They might as well be called something else altogether. My heart lies with the pale, icy shades awash with light, such as aqua, faded turquoise, powder blue, the more saturated dusty blue, soft slate and duck egg.
To me, these blues are the ultimate in dreamy serenity without being exclusive — they are gorgeous with so many other colors and can look fresh and modern as well as retro.
Considering that the kitchen is the heart of the house, a blue kitchen is a thing of joy for me. I've done mine in an elegant, dusty blue that looks a bit like duck egg in parts of the room, with a powder blue on the chimney breast wall to lighten things up and add some gentle contrast. The color gets so many compliments yet still seems to be reserved for those on the daring side!
This ideabook offers product suggestions for introducing all kinds of blues, even cobalt, to your kitchen furnishings and decor!
— Denise from The Swelle Life
To me, these blues are the ultimate in dreamy serenity without being exclusive — they are gorgeous with so many other colors and can look fresh and modern as well as retro.
Considering that the kitchen is the heart of the house, a blue kitchen is a thing of joy for me. I've done mine in an elegant, dusty blue that looks a bit like duck egg in parts of the room, with a powder blue on the chimney breast wall to lighten things up and add some gentle contrast. The color gets so many compliments yet still seems to be reserved for those on the daring side!
This ideabook offers product suggestions for introducing all kinds of blues, even cobalt, to your kitchen furnishings and decor!
— Denise from The Swelle Life
by Martha Mockford
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A calming powder blue is such a great color choice for the kitchen, the epicenter of the house where breakfasts are both rushed and enjoyed leisurely.
This soft and pretty blue is fairly neutral and can be paired with nearly any other color for contrast or harmony. Plum and mauve would add richness and depth, but I'd lean toward maximizing the light airiness with mint green, aqua and soft slate for a dreamy, romantic feel.
This soft and pretty blue is fairly neutral and can be paired with nearly any other color for contrast or harmony. Plum and mauve would add richness and depth, but I'd lean toward maximizing the light airiness with mint green, aqua and soft slate for a dreamy, romantic feel.
by PowerDirect
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Rarely are the words "come see my awesome-looking dishwasher" uttered, but if I had this pastel blue, '50s-style Smeg, I'd be throwing a kitchen party with it as the guest of honor.
It's freestanding and designed to be on display, though you really wouldn't entertain the notion of hiding it under your worktop, would you? It would be gorgeous amongst lots of white gloss cabinetry and strategically placed appliances in matching blues and accents of lavender, pink or aqua to complete the pastel look.
It's freestanding and designed to be on display, though you really wouldn't entertain the notion of hiding it under your worktop, would you? It would be gorgeous amongst lots of white gloss cabinetry and strategically placed appliances in matching blues and accents of lavender, pink or aqua to complete the pastel look.
by Netfurniture
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Okay, technically this bar stool is mint green, but my idea of blue — the ultimate blue — is that dreamy, washed-out turquoise or aqua that is very close to mint green. It's all in the family.
A row of these set against a white or slate blue breakfast bar would be worth having for the look alone. Add a large window with morning sunlight washing over them, and this is all I would need to get me out of bed in the morning.
A row of these set against a white or slate blue breakfast bar would be worth having for the look alone. Add a large window with morning sunlight washing over them, and this is all I would need to get me out of bed in the morning.
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Rustic, painted, wood and country looks are great, but sometimes you want to use your blue for sharp, graphic flair. A fashion designer is a good bet for outstanding, stylish dinnerware, and Jasper Conran serves up these stunning accent plates in a modern mosaic for Wedgwood.
These plates are so cool that I would have the dinner table set at 1pm.
These plates are so cool that I would have the dinner table set at 1pm.
by Orla Kiely
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I don't see any reason for a mug not to reflect your great design taste, and doesn't coffee taste better when it comes out of something great looking? Orla Kiely's iconic double stem design mug is very retro yet also fresh and cheery. It's the kind of mug that you don't hide in the cupboard but display on your shelf.
If I had two or more, I would keep one aside for storing my paint brushes, especially the ones with colorful handles.
If I had two or more, I would keep one aside for storing my paint brushes, especially the ones with colorful handles.
by Designers Guild
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I love tablecloths; they're like outfits for the table. Just throw one on to instantly transform the look of the room!
Pick out different colors in your kitchen to highlight, and choose a print to liven up the space. Add linen napkins in a solid for bold contrast, or mix prints for a textural effect.
Pick out different colors in your kitchen to highlight, and choose a print to liven up the space. Add linen napkins in a solid for bold contrast, or mix prints for a textural effect.
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| I love the idea of carrying the color theme through to every last detail, so how delightful would it be to pull out cobalt ramekins in your blue kitchen for your guest's creme brulee? Top the dessert with blueberries if you want to show just how obsessive you are, or deviate a bit with the contrast of a few bright red raspberries. And add a powder blue or lilac plastic sundae spoon to eat it with, perhaps? |
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A kitchen scale is a must-have for anyone who cooks, so no excuse is needed to buy a pretty retro model. Available in a range of colors, this blue is a versatile, neutral shade on the more saturated side of steely. It has a very compact design yet holds up to 5 kilograms of ingredients in the removable stainless steel bowl.
Aesthetically speaking, this scale would work equally well in a modern or country kitchen, but it would be quite charming surrounded by vintage canisters and breadboxes too.
Aesthetically speaking, this scale would work equally well in a modern or country kitchen, but it would be quite charming surrounded by vintage canisters and breadboxes too.
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Two of my most favorite things come together in this 1960s British-made kitchen table: pale blue and mid-century modern design.
The powder blue table top is made in ultra-retro melamine and folds at the sides, of course! Its contrasting elm legs match the structure of the four chairs that are upholstered in cream faux leather. It's a fun set with classic design that could be customized in different fabrics, colors and prints. I'd love to see it played up with candy-striped upholstery in white, pink and mint. It would be as much about decor as it would be function.
The powder blue table top is made in ultra-retro melamine and folds at the sides, of course! Its contrasting elm legs match the structure of the four chairs that are upholstered in cream faux leather. It's a fun set with classic design that could be customized in different fabrics, colors and prints. I'd love to see it played up with candy-striped upholstery in white, pink and mint. It would be as much about decor as it would be function.
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The beach house design of this painted wood sideboard would bring the feel of an endless summer to the kitchen. It's so bright and cheery with its clean lines and Bahama blue finish. Its just what I need when I stumble in for my wake-up cup of coffee.
The best accompaniment to this piece would be a sun-drenched window and lots of leafy plants in colorful, painted pots.
The best accompaniment to this piece would be a sun-drenched window and lots of leafy plants in colorful, painted pots.
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One of the most desirable shades of blue is the gorgeous duck egg. Its hint of green gives it depth and makes it a classic, versatile choice for furniture and decor.
This set of six dining chairs is not only beautiful in blue, but ethically made from solid, reclaimed wood. They would pop against a white painted wood table, and I'd love to see the hue reflected back in a pattern on white china place settings.
This set of six dining chairs is not only beautiful in blue, but ethically made from solid, reclaimed wood. They would pop against a white painted wood table, and I'd love to see the hue reflected back in a pattern on white china place settings.
by John Lewis
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This is such a great blue, a strong and beautiful shade of azure. I love the design: a mix of modern, clean lines with curves taken from the shapes of traditional kettles and teapots reflected in the lid and rotating base holding cord storage.
There's a matching toaster, but I think it would be great on its own or with a contrasting color for extra pop.
There's a matching toaster, but I think it would be great on its own or with a contrasting color for extra pop.
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I was so excited to see this kitchen knife in a gorgeous pastel blue — not only in the handle, but the blade is as well! I would have trouble keeping it hidden in the drawer and would be tempted to leave it in full view on a cutting board on the counter.
It would also make for a nice presentation should one need to be used at the table during a dinner party. I'd probably find an excuse to do so.
It would also make for a nice presentation should one need to be used at the table during a dinner party. I'd probably find an excuse to do so.
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This is a great change from the usual stainless steel kitchen sink! I defy anyone walking into a kitchen fitted with one to resist having a look in.
How striking it would be contrasted with a woodblock worktop, and how rich against dark granite? Add a deep windowsill in front with colorfully painted plant pots, and washing the dishes instantly becomes a bit more pleasant.
How striking it would be contrasted with a woodblock worktop, and how rich against dark granite? Add a deep windowsill in front with colorfully painted plant pots, and washing the dishes instantly becomes a bit more pleasant.
by Abbode Cookware
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This dog bowl is so good looking that I'm trying to think of ways a dog-less home, such as mine, can work it into the decor. Dog dishes are usually kept in the kitchen and can make a mess of the area they're kept in, but at least when it's tidy it will look gorgeous in enameled sky blue.
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| For me, there is no blue more gorgeous than washed-out aqua. On a wall it's like eternal sunshine inside. The kitchen is the ideal room for this happy color; it's the place you go when you're just waking up and want a positive start to the day. It's also a serene hue, which is lovely for a quiet cuppa in the afternoon. |
by ogormans.ltd.uk
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I love this time-tested retro-style toaster that is made even more exciting by the vast array of colors it comes in — there are three blues to choose from! Choose wisely, this design was built to last forever, and the timer and elements are replaceable.
I would be very tempted to group this toaster in one of the blues with other complementary appliances in soft shades, like a powder blue kettle and pale aqua retro scale.
I would be very tempted to group this toaster in one of the blues with other complementary appliances in soft shades, like a powder blue kettle and pale aqua retro scale.
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I have to admit there's something disconcerting about the "invisible fridge" style that is concealed by what looks like a cupboard door. The fridge is the visual anchor in the kitchen, am I wrong?
But this "piano design" refrigerator-freezer in a saturated pale blue is absolutely irresistible in its bright, streamlined simplicity. I'd give hints as to what it is by decorating it with pastel magnets.
And I love that it has three internal neon lights. I wonder if they're blue, too?
But this "piano design" refrigerator-freezer in a saturated pale blue is absolutely irresistible in its bright, streamlined simplicity. I'd give hints as to what it is by decorating it with pastel magnets.
And I love that it has three internal neon lights. I wonder if they're blue, too?
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Blues look fantastic with their analogous pal green, especially the muted pastel shades. The transparency of these glass tiles gives the color a beautiful icy look, creating a focal point in the kitchen that would pop against sleek stainless steel appliances.
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For those who like color but don't necessarily love it, this deep teal is a great alternative to black glass and stainless steel finishes. It's a versatile shade that would look gorgeous in a traditional oak kitchen, as well as one of more minimal design. It would also add depth in a kitchen outfitted with brighter colored appliances.
Next: Cool Blue Kitchens
Next: Cool Blue Kitchens
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