The colour blue is associated with feelings of calm and relaxation, so it’s a perfect shade for the kitchen, where most people spend a lot of time. That’s why we all love the Greek kitchen aesthetic, as it holds a certain serenity that reminds us of time off from work. Mediterranean interiors all have a unique vibe since they tend to have a more rustic and effortless design.
Blue kitchens are special, but they can appear colder than summery with the wrong shade or colour coordination. Of course, the balance between cold and warm tones depends on colour theory, which is why ultramarine blue is considered cool, while Thalo blue is warm. On the other hand, not everyone perceives colours the same, so it’s all about personal preferences at the end of the day.
Regardless, let’s see how to style your blue kitchen for the summer.
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Don’t have a colour limit
Blue kitchens don’t have to be shaded in one single blue tone ― they can be quite interesting with different tones across the room. Multiple blue hues won’t strain the eye, but you might need to introduce a little bit of white to balance the splash of colour.
Some of the best shades of blue you can play with include the following:
- Ocean boat blue;
- Maya blue;
- Egyptian blue;
- Cerulean;
- Cobalt;
- Bleu de France;
- Royal Azure;
For example, your kitchen cabinets can have a richer shade of blue and act as the main focus in the room, while the decorations could come in less vibrant tones of blue to match.
Adopt some more white where possible
The ideal Greek kitchen style includes a lot of white, especially on the walls, as this contributes to the room’s calmness. You could also introduce high-quality materials, such as marble, to contribute to the Mediterranean feeling. This material will not only contribute to an elegant design but also last longer compared to other options on the market.
However, try not to go overboard with either blue or white, as this can make the room feel cold and impersonal. Try introducing different items for decoration purposes, even if they’re different shades from the original plan, and add a bit of your personal touches.
Approach an airy look
A blue summery kitchen deserves an airy and open space where you and your family or friends can move easily at the same time. If you have the budget and the resources for it, consider an open floor plan for the blue kitchen accompanied by a dining area that can be any other colour you’d prefer.
The dining area should be a bit warmer, so you could design it in crisp black and white tones, as well as earthy tones and textures on furniture and decorations. While the kitchen is definitely livelier, the dining space requires a bit of softening up.
Add a lot of plants
A Mediterranean kitchen has a lot of plants that help purify the air and bring the family a bit closer to nature. Most plants can thrive in the humidity of a kitchen, but make sure you give them the right amount of sunlight to avoid withering. Some of the best kitchen plants include the following:
- Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) is low-maintenance and likes humid conditions;
- Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) is great for windowless kitchens but is toxic to pets;
- ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas) is considerably resilient and can thrive in a shady spot;
- Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) grows fast but can also be toxic for pets;
Other ways to achieve the summery feeling in your kitchen
Even if you don’t have a blue kitchen but would still like the summer vibes, you can update it with several tips. For example, the scent of a room can definitely send you somewhere far, such as a Greek beach, which is why choosing floral or citrus-based scented candles or fresheners will drastically change the vibe of the room.
You could also replace the window fixtures with lighter curtains, which would allow the sun to enter the room more effectively. Curtains made of cotton or linen, especially in neutral tones, are perfect for this season. They contribute to airflow, and the natural material can keep a room a bit chilly.
Keep the kitchen cool during scorching weather
According to the latest news, the UK might experience early summer heatwaves, meaning the weather will get as hot as possible this summer. So, we must prepare our homes by cooling them smartly, such as airing out the room early in the morning or late at night. Of course, make sure to install screens at your windows to prevent the appearance of mosquitos. In addition, closing the blinds to block light indoors during the day helps maintain a normal temperature.
Ideally, having an outdoor space where you can cook on a grill or oven would tremendously help keep the kitchen a bit colder since more indoor heat will only make the room unbreathable. However, you could also try cooking in the morning or at night or simply choose to prepare simple meals instead of cooking thorough ones.
When it comes to coolers and fans, you might want an alternative that doesn’t cost as much. Freezing water bottles or ice packs is an affordable and smart way to cool the room or even yourself while cooking. It is not wasteful, as you can continuously use the water. When the ice is not needed anymore, you can use it to water the plants.
What do you think about a blue kitchen?
Blue kitchens are great because they convey feelings of relaxation and are perfect for summer. You can update them with some white shades to achieve that Greek look or complement them with a lot of plants to bring more nature indoors. Regardless, the colour blue makes the room look cooler, which will be helpful during the summer heatwave. You could also make the room feel cooler by closing in the blinds, preparing food rather than cooking, or using freezing water bottles.
