Bespoke Design: A Guide To Blue Kitchens
Blue kitchens of all shades and colours are hugely popular due to its varies different tones, which can be mixed and matched with other colours and textures, and we love designing them here at Herringbone.
Blue kitchens are timeless and fun as they can be decorated, accessorised and adapted to fit different styles, personalities and individual preferences. Here we wanted to share a few tips on how to make blue kitchens stand out.
Tone: selecting the right tone and shade for your space is important to get right to achieve your end design goal. Lighter and pastel blues are perfect for helping bring the outdoor inside, connecting the sky with that of your kitchen is a lovely design element that can not only bring calm but also transform the way the space looks and feels – this is perfect for kitchen extensions for example.
Darker blues are also perfect for making a statement, whether that’s the whole kitchen or allowing the island or cabinets to stand out. We also like dark blues in smaller spaces as it creates an intimate environment that you can’t resist wanting to spend time in. The Herringbone Paints range has many different tones to choose from.
Lighter surfaces: lighter worktops or floating shelves with lovely, veined detail and warm light wooden shelves are lovely complements to blue kitchens. Not only do the lighter details stand out but they also help bring “the blue” to life. Marble is stunning and durable, however, less expensive materials such as porcelain or Quartz are also great options that will stand the test of time.
Play with Textures: We love bringing texture into the kitchen space. The different tones of blue, are perfect for adding texture to. Think about warm wooden colours or earthy and natural materials that help bring “the blue” to life and again bring the outdoor, inside. The same goes for lighter/fun coloured tile choices that not only add personality to the space but also help bring in more character to the kitchen.
Make it two-toned: There are many ways of making a two tone kitchen work, however, some of the best ways of achieving a modern yet classic space is to consider the following when using a blue colour tone. A contrast colour for the island works really well so for example go with lighter cabinets and a dark island to achieve this look, naturally this can be done the other way around also. These are straightforward and easy ways to implement two-tone design into your kitchen whilst making an impact.
Kitchen Trends: Two Tone Kitchens
We love how matching a combination of colours in a space can completely transform the mood and atmosphere and create a design that creates a wow-factor. That’s why adding a second colour to your kitchen is an excellent way to add interest to your space. Depending on the colour combinations a two tone kitchen can bring balance, contrast or boldness to the space, which makes you want to spend even more time there. In this blog post we speak a bit about how you can make a two tone kitchen really stand out and, also what you can combine with it.
There are many ways of making a two tone kitchen work, however, some of the best ways of achieving a modern yet classic space is to consider the following. A contrast colour for the island works really well so for example go with lighter cabinets and a dark island to achieve this look, naturally this can be done the other way around also. Alternatively, working with tones of the same contrast is beautiful, so think mixing pastels or mixing deep purples and red for different tones of the same colour. These are straightforward and easy ways to implement two-tone design into your kitchen whilst making an impact.
Often you might think that a dark colour, which you love already, might look and feel too dark for the space you have available. The best way to keep the colour in your design is by breaking the cabinetry up with a lighter, softer colour to balance the space. This way you don’t have to compromise on the dark colour you love. A two-tone kitchen will generally make a space feel and look bigger. We have a selection of colour combinations as part of the Herringbone Paint range here.
In addition to two tone cabinetries, at times adding some decorative splash back tiles or a mirror splashback that enhances the colour tones can work really well. This will not only make a statement as well as add character but also keep the balance and harmony of your interior design choices. This also goes for your choice of handles, cookers and hardware as the colours you pick for your cabinetry will help pull the design together.
How To Pick Your Perfect Colour(s) For Your Kitchen
Picking a colour can be one of the hardest things to do in the design process and so we wanted to give some advice on what to ask yourself when you are ready to choose the perfect colour.
Picking a colour really is down to the individual - if you like pops of colour and aren't afraid of a mix of strong colours on your cabinets go for bright yellows with pastel pinks, greens or greys or if you are more likely to bring in colour through your accessories whites, taupe, terracotas work well throughout the kitchen or paired with another tone of the same colour creating a two-toned kitchen.
Here are some questions to ask yourself when picking your colours for your kitchen.
Don’t choose a colour scheme that you’re not naturally drawn to
Ask yourself what do you wear? Do you like pops of colour in your clothing or do you feel happiest wearing a statement piece of jewelry or accessory? If so, you will never regret going for a bold colour. However, if you feel more comfortable in muted tones, then your kitchen should reflect that.
Don’t listen to anyone else’s opinion
Friends, family and acquaintances will always have their view on the best colour however, you have to love it, no one else. So, go with what you like, what your gut tells you and you will never regret it.
Try colour samples in your space
Make sure you pick up samples and try them in your space at different times of the day. In this way you will be able to see how colours look in different lights. A tip is to make sure to hold your sample vertically, the way the cabinetry sits, not horizontally in order to get the most realistic effect.
Complement your colour choice with textures
Bring in some texture into your space, with different materials that will complement your colour choice. You can use stained wood, veined worktops, ripple glass, open shelving, wooden or stone flooring, patterns etc. Again, make sure you get samples and put them all together.
Design: Dining Nooks And Bespoke Bench Seating
Designing dedicated dining nooks creates a lovely space in the kitchen or just off of it. Using banquette seating on one side will add texture, storage and convenient seating for any occasion. Adding a tongue and groove elements to the area can be a lovely design element that adds a new but classic element to the dining space.
There are many differenmt ways of achieving a lovely dining nook. Why not try to make it a part of the kitchen island for the ultimate social area allowing everyone to always be “in the action” whether that is for entertaining, doing homework, breakfast or week dinners.
We also love designing furniture for dining nooks that sit just off the kitchen helping to achive that desirable broken-plan living space that not only looks stylish but also is incredibly functional and social. Incorporating a bespoke display dresser into the space looks beautiful but it also allows you to create a practical space for when you need to put plates, glasses and placemats on the table.
Incorporating your dining nook into your open plan living space and designing a bespoke banquette seat is also a lovely and practical way to achieve this. Think about the opholstering of the seat and how the colou can be tied into the rest of the space.
Broken-plan vs Open-plan Living
When deciding on the layout of your available space we always suggest asking yourself a few questions such as what do you want from the space? How do you use it? What works for your family/lifestyle situation? etc. It is desirable to have a space that works in many capacities including everyday life, on the weekend and for socialising, which both broken-plan and open-plan living can provide.
Broken-plan is a great option if you like your spaces to be properly divided into set spaces, for example use the end of your floor to ceiling kitchen cabinets to act as a dividing wall that finishes half-way across the space to allow for a walk-through which still ties in your kitchen and living space but gives it a less open-plan feel. If your space has an L-shape it's a great opportunity to make one area the kitchen and the other a nook and/or living room with a dining table to the side. This still offers areas that are clearly broken down but still tie together nicely. Pocket doors are one of our favourite ways to divide a space and also create new spaces that can be closed off when needed.
On the other hand when starting to think of your kitchen design and looking to begin the process, especially if you’re extending, the thought of a great big open plan kitchen with doors leading to the garden surely will have crossed your mind. Open-plan living is incredibly functional and practical because it allows everyone to be in the moment and in the situation at the same time - as part of your everyday life, when entertaining and when preparing food/drinks. Families will natural gather in the living, dining and kitchen areas even if taking part in solo activities like reading, watching TV, colouring in, doing homework, cooking etc. This creates a lovely feeling of togetherness but with some personal space. If however, your family values privacy and less noise travelling, perhaps keeping the living space separate might be better suited for your lifestyle."
