Classic navy might be a mainstay of kitchen design, but the bravest among us will be well rewarded by opting for brighter shades. Whether your reference point is sea, sky or a field of cornflowers, these uplifting mid-blues will bring out the shine in warm metallics and pop against other punchy hues. Subtleties in shade will make all the difference here, so choose blues with a grey undertone if you’re wary of committing to zingy colour. A matte finish will ensure a sleek, modern look.
Above left Painted cabinetry lifts this wood kitchen by Pierre Yovanovitch, which features a worktop in Basaltine stone. Price on application (pierreyovanovitch.com). For similar paint, try Little Greene’s ‘Woad’, £52 for 2.5 litres (littlegreene.com). ‘Laleggera’ chair by Riccardo Blumer for Alias, £624, Twentytwentyone (twentytwentyone.com)
Left German creative director Swantje Hinrichsen opted for Reform’s Basis design in a custom colour. From approx £218 for a front (reformcph.com). For coloured grout, try Topps Tiles’ ‘Matrix’ range (toppstiles.co.uk). ‘Hanging lamp’ by Muller Van Severen for Valerie Objects, from £612, Viaduct (viaduct.co.uk)
Above right Australian architecture firm Cloud Dwellers utilised two-tone laminate cabinetry and terrazzo countertops to modernise the kitchen of this suburban home. Approx £29,950 (cloud-dwellers.com.au). For similar tiles, try ‘Minokoyo’ tiles, price on application, Nagoya Mosaic Tile Co. (nagoya-mosaic.co.jp). For similar paint, try ‘Open Water’ by ELLE Decoration x Crown, £37.99 for 2.5 litres (crownpaints.co.uk)