Are dark blue kitchens still on trend? Designers discuss the enduring appeal of this deep, traditional hue

Going back a couple of years, there was one kitchen color that dominated trends: dark blue. From teal to navy, every celebrated kitchen was painted in a shade of this moody hue.

But as we head into 2025, is it still a kitchen color to consider? This year's kitchen trends are certainly embracing moody hues and layered designs, but there's also a shift toward warmer tones.

To find out the verdict on this once-favorite color, we've turned to interior designers and color experts to find out if dark blue kitchens are still on trend, or if it's time to try something new.

Are dark blue kitchens still on trend?

Over the last few years, dark blue kitchens have proved to be an enduringly popular choice. From navy kitchens that embrace a moody yet timeless aesthetic to teals that offer a touch more saturation – is this kitchen color still on trend?

'Blue kitchens are deeply popular and for good reason. They don’t seem to age in look and are a tried and tested formula that just keeps on giving,' says Patrick O'Donnell, brand ambassador at Farrow & Ball.

It's perhaps the versatility of dark blue that has made it an enduring choice in kitchen design. It not only feels classic, but its ability to transcend interior design styles makes it a safe choice for a kitchen that never dates.

'Inspired by the deep blue sea, this universally loved color offers timeless appeal. From navy islands to sapphire walls, dark blues provide a striking balance against warmer hues, making a lasting statement throughout the home in 2025,' says Hannah Yeo, senior manager of color marketing at Benjamin Moore.

'As we continue to move towards more nuanced, layered design with personal touches, dark blue’s ability to evoke both calm and sophistication ensures it remains a top choice for interiors,' she adds.

The main difference between dark blue kitchens now is the way you style them. As trends continue to embrace layered and warm designs, choosing the right kitchen countertops, hardware finish, and decor is key to a successful scheme.

'To maintain an updated feel in your kitchen, consider a bolder hardware choice like bronze or satin brass, or matt black bronze cabinet hardware to add a contemporary feature that will contrast against the dark blue cabinetry,' suggests Fred Horlock, design director at Neptune.

For a truly classic scheme with plenty of contrast, a moody blue hue like navy pairs beautifully with statement marble countertops and warm brass cabinet pulls.

'Warm wood tones and gold accents add a modern twist to this traditional look. For a softer vibe, opt for matte or eggshell finishes. Blue Spruce 1637, a deep, alluring blue gray, paired with warm wood accents, exudes quiet luxury,' adds Hannah.

There's also a more considered approach to the dark blue shades that work well in a kitchen. While in past years, trends have embraced more saturated hues, 2025 promises a more nuanced, pared-back approach.

'While vibrant hues continue to have a place in design, the colors that feel most relevant now have a sense of ease and adaptability. They reflect a growing desire for spaces that offer both style and sanctuary. Dark blue fits perfectly into this sift, offering a color that is both sophisticated and approachable,' explains Hannah.

'To achieve a harmonious balance in the kitchen, consider pairing dark blue cabinetry with lighter-colored accents such as soft beige, light gray or off-white textiles. Brass pendant lights, warm neutrals, and natural textures, like linen or cotton, complement the deep blue tones, creating a space that is both inviting and visually balanced,' she adds.

But while dark blue kitchens remain on trend, there is an argument for embracing something less expected. This year's interior design trends focus on unique, personality-filled interiors, and colors are a big part of it.

'I think we’re going to see less of the dark blue for now, but if it’s a look you’re set on for your units, then pair them with bronze or brass hardware – not chrome or nickel,' says interior designer Benji Lewis.

Instead, he recommends looking for hues that imbue the same atmosphere that dark blue does. 'Dark blue offers a feeling of reassuring calm, but so do neutrals like ivory and cappuccino, so for long-term appeal I’d look to use tones like these.'

Dark blue kitchens are undeniably still on trend – and they always will be. In 2025, it's all about pairing dark blue hues with warmer finishes and layered decor for lived-in appeal. But, if you want to created a more unique design, pairing blue with less expected colors is just as stylish.