Is indigo the new navy? Designers say this is the shade of blue you should be painting your kitchen in 2025

Navy has been a long-standing favorite in kitchen design, but is indigo about to replace it? A blue hue with undertones of purple, designers are predicting it will be the kitchen color of 2025.

Every year, there's a kitchen color idea that becomes the dominant trend. From sage green to navy blue, they're always timeless hues – and while they don't date, new hues certainly take their shine. In 2025, it's all about indigo.

But is this new blue a good color to choose? We speak to experts to find out why indigo kitchens are trending, and the best ways to introduce this moody color to your scheme.

5 ways to introduce indigo to your kitchen

There are so many ways to bring indigo into your kitchen – from the cabinets to the walls to the accessories, it's all about how you style it and the finishes you pair it with. And these five spaces are a perfect source of inspiration.

1. Go bold with indigo kitchen cabinets

If you prefer to keep the base of your kitchen neutral (A.K.A the walls), your kitchen cabinets are a great place to inject a deeper hue into your scheme. Whether you go bold with all your cabinets painted indigo or opt for a two-tone kitchen, it's an effective way to make a statement.

'One of the best ways to introduce indigo to a kitchen is via the cabinets. Instantly creating a focal point and adding depth, the deep blue hue will bring a sophisticated and calming energy to the space,' says Jessica Inglis, consumer and retail marketing manager at Second Nature.

This peninsula kitchen is a perfect example – indigo has been chosen for all of the cabinets as well as the door and window trim, contrasting beautifully with the white countertops and the wood flooring.

2. Create a focal point with an indigo island

For most people, the kitchen island is the heart of the room. It's the space for cooking, socializing, and informal dining, so why not make it the place to introduce this year's trending hue?

'The kitchen is one of the few spaces in a home with multiple surface areas to paint, from walls to cabinets to islands. One of the easiest ways to incorporate this intriguing hue is by painting the island or lower cabinets,' says Hannah Yeo, senior manager of color marketing at Benjamin Moore.

It's a great way to add contrast and gives you the option to be more creative with your design. 'The deep blue hue anchors the room below the waistline, allowing you to introduce lighter tones at eye level for balance,' Hannah adds.

3. Pair indigo with marble countertops

The overall interior design style of your kitchen will really be dictated by the materials and finishes you pair with indigo. Blue and white is one of the most classic pairings – perfect for a timeless kitchen scheme.

'You can pair indigo with marble or white worktops for a crisp contrast, or choose earthy wood tones for a cosy and subtle look,' suggests Jessica. Look to materials and finishes that always endure trends to ensure your space stands the test of time.

This indigo kitchen has a luxurious feel to it, thanks to the white countertops and the striking marble backsplash, adding texture and visual interest to the otherwise sleek scheme.

4. Mix sleek indigo cabinets with natural wood shelves

It's not just the countertops to consider when introducing indigo to a kitchen. The other materials are also important – and wood is one you should absolutely consider pairing with this moody hue.

This kitchen is a beautiful example of how the two can combine to give a space more warmth and add a natural touch. Introducing two wooden shelves above the sink adds character to the space, without competing with the indigo cabinets.

It also breaks up the continuous run of blue used throughout the kitchen – this feels particularly necessary here as the cabinets and countertops both feel more cool-toned.

5. Pair indigo cabinets with gold hardware

Let's not forget about those finishing touches – hardware may be a small element, but its impact is huge. Consider how the metal finish you choose not only pairs with indigo but also the look it creates with each feature in your space.

'Warm metallics such as brass, gold, and copper add a touch of luxury and elegance, enhancing the richness of the indigo,' says Jessica. These warmer finishes are often favored with darker colors – especially blues – as it reintroduces a warmer tone to the scheme.

However, cooler metals like chrome, nickel, and silver can also be used, especially in a kitchen that pairs indigo with natural wood tones, as the wood offers additional warmth.

FAQs

What color is indigo?

Every color has various shades, so it can be difficult to know exactly how to define the color. And if you're wondering what color is indigo, hues can really vary from blue tones to more purple finishes.

'Indigo is a deep blue with pronounced violet undertones. Much like the timeless hue of denim, it adds depth and sophistication to a space, creating an atmosphere of both elegance and refinement,' explains Hannah.

Is an indigo kitchen a good idea?

Dark blue has been a long-standing favorite in kitchen design, so it's perhaps no surprise that indigo is the next shade making a mark. And, with its purple undertones, it adds a more unique hue to your kitchen.

'With its inherent drama, indigo adds depth and instantly sets the mood. Balanced with both warm and cool undertones, these rich hues are easy to incorporate into any space, including kitchens. Whether applied to walls or cabinets, this versatile hue can serve as a neutral backdrop or beautifully highlight millwork,' says Hannah.

It's not just the color itself, but how indigo pairs with other colors, materials, and finishes, as well as its timeless appeal – and it's a nice alternative to the navy hues that have dominated kitchen color trends for so long.

'The appeal of an indigo kitchen lies in its bold, timeless, and versatile palette. Indigo is a sophisticated look that pairs well with both traditional and contemporary designs and brings a warm element to kitchens,' adds Jessica.

Indigo is a dark hue that toes the line between blue and purple. It's part of the color family that is growing in appeal this year – and these five kitchens prove indigo adds depth and character to kitchens both traditional and modern.