We thought we needed to look at some fresh, clean colours to bring in a new sense of style for 2024. From pale pastel blues to mid-blues and shades of aqua, these spring shades can give real boost to colour schemes. Consider pale blues as a contrast or move away from the navy blues and dark greys we’re used to seeing – and pale blue will also work with Pantone’s Peach Fuzz too…

A COOL LIGHT BLUE STUDIO CLASSIC KITCHEN BY ROUNDHOUSE

The understated blue tones of this Roundhouse kitchen create a very sophisticated scheme, with the cabinetry acting as a cool backdrop to the striking wall panels and surfaces, which are polished Kinawi White Paracema Granite. Studio Classic cabinets are painted in Bone China Blue by Little Greene. See more of this stunning kitchen here.

BLUE IDEAS AND CONTRASTS IN ARTWORKS ASCOT BLUE BY ORIGINAL STYLE

Original Style has announced their Tile of the Year 2024 which is Ascot Blue, described as a vivid yet contemporary shade of blue that maintains the heritage feeling of the company’s Artworks tiles. Artworks tiles have a deep shiny glaze, that are available in a wide range of sizes and formats, including dado and edging tiles. This is a great shade of blue for anyone who wants to move away from dark navy, yet still retain the look and definition of a mid-blue.

A BAND OF BLUE NOVA 825 TO ADD DEFINITION, BY BENJAMIN MOORE UK

Benjamin Moore has also announced a Colour of the Year 2024, and it’s also blue … this is Blue Nova 825, described as a strong, versatile and calming blue. Blue Nova is a blend of blue and violet that will elevate a room, and combines with other shades, such as Topaz (a bright terracotta), Polar Sky (an icy pale blue) and Teacup Rose (not a million miles away from our aforementioned Peach Fuzz. Shown here with Honeybee (yellow), Pristine (ivory) and Antique Pewter (grey-green).

SMOKE BLUE WITH ALUMINIUM TRIM FROM ICE KITCHENS

This kitchen, in Smoke Blue, by Ice Kitchens, is made using Egger MFC, with an extensive number of cabinet options, colours and finishes. This layout features J Groove aluminium handles, and with natural wood finish accents, it looks completely modern, whilst having a rather nice retro 1970s feel about it as well. Work surface options include laminates and quartz, the offering also includes Perrin & Rowe taps and Reginox sinks.

PICK A SOFA THAT STANDS OUT FROM ARLO & JACOB

A new kitchen project often ends up with a family room that needs furnishing as well, and a strong design statement can be made by specifying a sofa in a bold colour. In this case, it’s the Ralf Large Sofa from Arlo & Jacob, shown here in a breezy blue-green shade, Lagoon. It has a relaxed, mid-Century vibe, and would look stunning placed in a new kitchen-dining project – perhaps facing outwards towards a sunny garden.

A BEAUTIFUL BLUE FROM LICK PAINT

This perfect blue is Lick Blue 04 Eggshell Emulsion, available from B&Q. It’s a blue that works on walls and cabinetry, and we can see it teamed with darker shades or pale neutrals to great effect. This shade is described as a cool mid blue with grey undertones, so it creates a calm feeling which would definitely be appropriate in a busy kitchen or family space. The mid-sheen eggshell finish is a practical choice for kitchen or bathroom walls, naturally.

STARRY LOOKS … PATTERNED TILES FROM PORCELAIN SUPERSTORE

Gloriously patterned porcelain tiles can work for bathroom, kitchens, halls and porches … in fact almost anywhere. Shown here as floor tiles, they are also eminently suitable for splashbacks and upstands in the kitchen – just the job for pairing with light/neutral cabinet colours. These are Havana Blue, available from  Porcelain Superstore

LIGHTING UP A BLUE KITCHEN WITH INDUSTVILLE

This stunning kitchen, by Classic Interiors, has blue cabinets, which are accented with aged brass pull handles and knobs. With just a couple of extra brass touches, such as the tap and wall light, the scheme springs into life. Shown here,  Sleek Edison Wall Light in Brass by Industville, also available in Copper, Pewter and Black.

MATTE FINISH STONEWARE FOR A BOLT OF BLUE FROM HABITAT

Matte glazed dinnerware is popping up all over the place at the moment, it makes a great style statement, looks good on open shelves, and of course will withstand everyday use in a busy family home. This is Duck Egg Blue, and it’s also available in a very bright and cheerful Mustard, from Habitat

A HINT OF GREY AQUA FROM CROWN IMPERIAL

Gloss finishes have the potential to lighten up a darker kitchen space, with the opportunity to bounce light around with cleverly positioned spots. Choose softer shades for their space-enhancing qualities, or go for darker options for a more dramatic vibe. This is Furore in Grey Aqua by Crown Imperial, with the options of handless, Tip-On Handleless or with a selection of handles. Colours include White, Cashmere, Graphite, Midnight Blue and Black.

EARTHBORN’S PERFECT BLUE … INTRODUCING DOROTHY

This is a classic blue in the making, and it’s described as ‘a true and honest blue’. It’s Dorothy by Earthborn, available in four finishes, Claypaint, Lifestyle, Eco Chic and Eggshell No. 17. Eggshell is the oil-free interior wood finish, suggested use with Surface Primer for cabinetry finishes. Try  Claypaint with an ultra-matt finish for interior walls.

THE DREAM TEAM … BLUE WITH CREAM, BY OLIVE & BARR

A clever mix of two shades of blue, Stone Blue for the cabinets and Inchyra Blue, for the dressers and bookcase, both by Farrow & Ball. This Shaker kitchen and boot room project is by Olive & Barr and illustrates the use of shades of blue alongside light cream for the Aga, work surfaces and flooring.