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When you are truly stuck between two kitchen cabinet colors, the easiest way to cure decision fatigue is by using both.
According to Houzz’s 2024 Kitchen Trends Report, which gathered insights from nearly 3,500 homeowners who have completed a kitchen remodel in the past year, nearly a quarter of people choose different colors for their upper and lower cabinets. Not all shades come out on top, though. While blue is a popular choice for base cabinetry (20 percent of survey respondents suggest using it) and the top pick for an island that’s a contrasting hue, only 4 percent said they prefer it on uppers.
Personally, we’re all for an entirely navy or 100 percent teal kitchen (yes, that even includes the ceiling and range hood), but if you are set on applying it from the waist down and wondering what to do everywhere else, here are three no-fail upper cabinet ideas that pair perfectly with a blue base.
Create an Optical Illusion With an Airy White
No shocker here: The most popular color for upper cabinets by a landslide is white. It makes sense, given upper cabinets are usually hung against a white wall, allowing them to blend into the backdrop. But there is another visual trick at play. Using a deep blue as the base “stretches” the room and makes the ceiling appear taller than it really is. (Psst: The ones pictured above are swathed in Sherwin-Williams’s Marea Baja.)
Embrace Its Organic Side With Wood
Instead of doubling down on light blue-green IKEA-hacked base cabinets, Mallory Fletchall of Reserve Home opted for flex open shelving with sliding plywood doors that keep her tiny galley space feeling light and bright.
Surprise Everyone With Red
Pulling this combo off without it reading patriotic all comes down to the tones you use. For blue, stick with softer shades like Little Greene’s Pale Wedgwood. And go with an orange-red such as Farrow & Ball’s Blazer. Your space will feel straight out of a Wes Anderson movie (at least, that was the idea in this charming Airbnb).
