The Kitchen Cabinet Trend That's More Than Just A Unique Color And Why

Blue is set to be the "it" color for interior decorating in 2026, and one place we've been seeing it pop up time and time again is on kitchen cabinets. Actor Dwayne Johnson (a.k.a. "The Rock") showed off some cobalt blue cabinets on his Instagram page; model Christie Brinkley has a bright and cheerful take on the blue cupboard trend; and model and actor Brooke Shields recently revealed her own inky-blue kitchen in an unrelated clip on her Instagram. And it isn't just a fad. In fact, HGTV's Hilary Farr swears this kitchen color will never go out of style, and designers say that blue — a color that strays from the typical neutral whites or creams we often see in kitchens — actually makes a ton of sense for kitchen decor in particular. Toronto designer Sam Sacks, for example, told Elle Decor that "the cooler undertones of a blue palette are the perfect foil for the variety of metals used in cooking equipment, from pots and pans to appliances."

But blue is more than just a smart stylistic choice, and there's a reason why this color continues to be one of the most popular choices for kitchens. It turns out, there are mental health benefits to decking your house in blue, and by painting your kitchen blue, you can turn the heart of your home into a haven of peace and calm amidst life's chaos. Believe it or not, studies have shown that blue is not only a therapeutic — and possibly even lifesaving — color, it can also improve productivity as well as your mood.

So what's the science behind blue's effect on people and their moods? It all comes down to color theory, the study of how colors work harmoniously together, and a big part of that is color psychology — or the effect different colors can have on people's moods and emotions. The color blue is known for its calming effect and ability to reduce stress and anxiety, conveying peace and tranquility. And if you're skeptical of the notion that there's any merit behind color theory, think again. Many banks and financial institutions employ it, using blue in their company branding because it conveys stability and trustworthiness. Plus, research has found that shoppers find stores with blue interiors to be more comfortable, making them inclined to spend more time shopping there.

Studies have shown that the color blue may also increase performance and attentiveness. One study that assessed the preferences and effects of interior design colors among university students found that blue interiors were not only preferred by the students, but also correlated with a calmer mood and the facilitation of better studying habits than other colors, such as green, yellow, or red.

Blue can also be therapeutic in some settings. A study of Japanese train stations found that when blue lights were installed, suicide attempts there decreased by 84% over a 10-year period. In fact, blue light therapy is already used to treat some instances of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

When it comes to styling your home, remember that not all blues are created equal! Blue comes in a spectrum of shades from navy blue for a luxurious look to powdery light blue for a softer aesthetic. Therefore, it's important to keep the shade and tone of blue in mind to set whatever mood you're going for in your kitchen. While light blue exudes tranquility and peace, a darker shade tends to denote authority, power and elegance. With the right shade, you can perfectly compliment whatever style kitchen you have in mind. 

If you're afraid of fully committing to a blue room, you may choose to make a statement by adding just a pop of blue instead. This might mean painting only the top or bottom cabinets in a bold shade and leaving the other half a neutral white, cream, or wood, or painting just the kitchen island in an eye-catching blue. And if you do opt for floor-to-ceiling blue cabinets, light-colored marble or quartz backsplashes and countertops compliment blue cabinets incredibly well, as do stainless steel appliances.

One thing to be cautious about while you're decorating with blue is that since blue is on the cold end of the color spectrum (in contrast to warm colors such as red), you can run the risk of using a shade that feels too icy and frigid. And you certainly don't want to give yourself or your houseguests "the blues" when they walk into your kitchen! So to keep your kitchen feeling cozy, calm, and peaceful, try balancing the blue with some warmer tones. One way to do this is by opting for brass or gold hardware instead of silver, or by incorporating little accents in rich woods or sunny yellows.