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Ideas and inspiration for a cozy blue and white kitchen that include a navy blue kitchen island, neutral quartz countertops, and minimal accessories.
When we looked at the Sugar Maple house for the first time in September of 2021, I knew it was right for us because of many things, but at the top of that list was the kitchen. It’s not a big space, but because of the open floor plan, it feels huge! I love the fact that there are no walls, and that I’m no longer closed off from what’s going on in the rest of the house.
Cosmetic Changes
The kitchen looks very much like it did the day we moved in. The changes I made were purely cosmetic, and they gave me the opportunity to bring in my own personal style….which is slightly different than before. We switched out the sink faucet, and installed new lights. The lights have an industrial/farmhouse vibe, and the bar stools lend a modern feel to the space. We also purchased new appliances. Like in our grey and white master bathroom, I have embraced the brushed nickel metal, and actually love it very much.
A blue and white kitchen is clean and classic…but if you aren’t a lover of blue, all of these ideas can still be used by simply substituting your favorite color. Can you imagine how beautiful our kitchen would be with a dark green island? Or smoky grey?
The Navy Blue Kitchen Island
So let’s discuss the option of choosing a contrasting color for your kitchen island. There are four things to consider:
- First, you have to be sure about adding color! Cabinetry is a huge expense, and the most important element of your kitchen. It’s definitely not a place to experiment. Choosing a neutral color for kitchen cabinetry is always a safe route to go if you have ANY doubts.
- Second, choose an accent color you love. Choose a color you have lived with for many years, and that is used in other rooms of your home. I know there are exceptions to this piece of advice…but on the whole, don’t go with a new and untested color for an element as large as a kitchen island. (Note: I had already chosen navy blue cabinetry for our renovated bathrooms at the Sutton Place house. I knew for sure I loved it, so the navy blue kitchen island was perfect for us.)
- Third, keep the background cabinet color neutral. Not only is that a practical choice, it’s also a good design choice.
- Last, if you love the idea of contrasting cabinet colors, but don’t want to commit to an actual color, consider going with a wood tone. Neutral cabinetry looks beautiful with any natural wood color.
Accent Color Tip
If your kitchen can’t accommodate an island, an accent color can be added by choosing different colors for your upper and lower cabinets. A good rule of thumb is to put the darker color on the lower cabinets to ground the space…but you know how I feel about rules. They are made to be broken!
Accent Pieces
Adding color to a neutral kitchen can easily be accomplished by using well-chosen accessories. In my case, I did that with plates, pitchers, cooking utensils, and linens. Other than the island, these are the ways I brought more blue into the space.
Making A Space Your Own
Moving into a home where none of the design choices are your own is a challenge. Even if you love the choices, there’s still a nagging need to put your own mark on the space. One way I made this kitchen feel like mine was to incorporate items we brought from the Sutton Place house.
Namely, my plate rack. It’s one of my favorite pieces, and there was no way I was leaving it behind! It turns out that the Sugar Maple house has a wall space that was literally made for my rack. It hangs between the pantry door and the laundry room door in our kitchen, and it’s perfectly wonderful.
If you have followed this blog for very long, you know that before we moved, replacing the tile countertops at the Sutton Place house was at the top of my goal list. They were old, and no longer functional. My dream was to have beautiful, neutral quartz counters, so when I saw this kitchen for the first time, my heart skipped a beat. The counters are perfect, and if I could have chosen them myself, I would have picked exactly the same thing.
The Backsplash
Truth be told, and unlike the countertops, the backsplash is not something I would have chosen myself. I briefly thought about replacing it…but I really like it, it’s a classic style, and I consider grey a neutral color. Plus the same tile is used in the fireplace surround. After considering all of these things, replacing the backsplash went out of my head. It would have been a mess, and an unnecessary expense.
There are still a couple of projects I want to tackle in the coming months. Before we moved in, I added glass doors to the cabinets flanking the microwave, and the insides need to be painted to match the cabinets. (Not a job I’m looking forward to!) The sink is very scratched and worn-looking, so I would love to replace it. Other than these two things, there is nothing I want to change. At least not right now!
Update: I got the insides of the glass cabinets painted! See the image below.
Click the images below to be taken directly to the product listing. Every effort has been made to provide sources for the items found in this post. Where actual items were no longer available, I’ve provided similar options. If an item is out of stock but may be restocked, I left it on the list.
*Affiliate links included. See my disclosure statement. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Additional Sources
- Cabinets: KraftMaid Shaker – Dove White
- Island: KraftMaid Shaker – Midnight
- Countertops: Cambria Quartz – Swanbridge
- Backsplash: I don’t have a specific source. It’s honed grey marble hexagon tile, similar to THIS.
- Wall Paint: Sherwin Williams Snowbound
Thank you so much for your kindness and friendship. From the very first time I shared that we were moving, you have all been supportive and interested. I know some of you miss the Sutton Place house, and honestly, I do too. But there is much to look forward to as we transform this new-to-us house into a home.
Where did you find your oil bottle??
Thank you!!
Hi Linda…I got that many years ago on Amazon. I have looked, but cannot find anything similar. I’ll keep looking though!
Ann,
I have been following you for several years and love your blog.I am now in the market fora new refrigerator. Will you tell me how you like your Frigidaire refrigerator? I’m wondering about the water being on the inside of the frig. How do you like this feature? I value your opinion!
Thanks for all you show your readers and your comments.
Hi Pat! We really like our refrigerator. I love the double doors on top and the freezer on the bottom. We opted for no water system though. So there’s nothing on the inside. We have an icemaker, but no water. I wanted the outside to have a clean look. When our kids come home, they wish there was water and ice on the door, but my husband and I are fine without it!
Ann I just love your style, in your previous home and this new home. The blue is perfect. I have wrestled with painting cabinets. I have done it myself and professionally. Both times there inevitably is chipping. Do have some advice?
Ann, I love your kitchen back splash too. I am moving from my current home to my childhood home. We have updated and brought my parent’s house from the 1965 to 2022 bit by bit. I have some renovations that are a necessity for me. A kitchen sink is one of those. The kitchen sink was born in 1965. I actually started 1st grade in that house. LOL. My main priority is the front door. But I’m taking baby steps and doing what I can as I go forward.
I love the backsplash 😍
What a beautiful kitchen, Ann. I really like the backsplash and like you probably wouldn’t have chosen it. That’s what’s so fun about moving, expanding our decorating comfort zone. If you’re not ready to paint the insides of the glass front cabinets perhaps wallpaper in a fun pattern first. Love your new home and enjoying your journey.
Ann, your kitchen is lovely! I am Thrilled your plate rack moved with you ~ it is my dream to have one just like it. You display it so beautifully.
Your plate rack made your kitchen.It fits the space perfectly and adds some color to the space.
You hit a home run with that kitchen! Beautiful!
Ann,
Your kitchen is lovely. I am especially fond of blue and white also. I am so glad you had a place for your plate rack. It looks great in your new kitchen. Thank you for sharing your pretty house with us
Wow that looks beautiful! Your flowers always add the perfect touch!
I love your kitchen! It’s beautiful! I would leave the wood cabinet shelves by the microwave unpainted, just as they are. I see a lot of other wood elements in your kitchen that bring out the shelf colors. It’s a nice contrast. I did notice that another reader commented that the shelves should be painted. Good news: the shelves look pretty now, and if you decide to paint them, they will look great then, too! :)
So happy for you! This lovely kitchen has been made beautiful by your touch. The plate rack was just a grand finishing touch. I love the blue you brought to your new kitchen. It blends perfectly. Enjoy every minute of time you spend in this welcoming space!
Your kitchen is absolutely wonderful, and I LOVE that backsplash. The navy blue island and all your beautiful blue and white dishes and accents are perfect!
Ann, your new kitchen in lovely! All your personal touches are so nice, too. So happy that your plate shelf could be used in your new kitchen as it looks like it was meant to be there! Plus, it looks so pretty with all your blue and white dishes — and your breadboards! Such a great decision to go with glass on some of your cabinets. Thanks for sharing your beautiful kitchen with us!
Beautiful kitchen and Thank You for the recipes 😋
I love your new kitchen with the industrial chic vibe! It’s always good when you can bring something that you love like your dish rack and it fits perfectly. The blue accents throughout make everything cohesive. I had our house built about 3 1/2 years ago and I got a couple scratches in my stainless sink. My husband, who had a detail shop, is a genius with scratches and stains! Get your sink wet and sprinkle it with powdered Barkeeper’s Friend and polish the sink in the direction of the grain with superfine steel wool grade #0000 from Menards in the paint department. It says, “Use for polishing” on the package. You can also just get the sink wet and use the superfine steel wool. Then clean it with Dawn and get the residue out and polish it with stainless steel wipes. I’ve seen him do it many times. Just try it on one scratch and you will be amazed.
Thank you so much for this tip…I am for sure going to try it!
This is my dream kitchen! I love the island color and the backsplash is a beautiful neutral. The personal touches you added just enhance the kitchen. Beautiful!
I love your new kitchen and design. What is the rule of thumb about leaving small appliances out on the counter such as mixers, coffee pots, toasters instead of keeping storage also a priority?
Hi Mary…in a perfect world, all the kitchen appliances would be behind doors. But you need ample storage space to do that…which most of us don’t have. In our case, we use the toaster and coffee maker every day, so dragging it out of a cupboard just isn’t practical. And I actually love the way a pretty stand mixer looks on a kitchen counter! Personally, I think the rule of thumb should be based on what you use the most. For example, I rarely use a blender, so I wouldn’t take up counter space with that. If you never make toast, definitely find a hiding place for your toaster. I hope this makes sense. Thank you!
Your kitchen is so gorgeous and so you! I love the way the plate rack fits in… :-)
Happy Sunday morning Ann!
Did i somehow miss the explanation of the name “The Sugar Maple House?
Hi Lou! Our old house was on a street called Sutton Place. So when we moved, I needed some way to distinguish between the two houses. Our new street is called Sugar Maple Court, so it made sense to call it the Sugar Maple house. Thank you!
The blue island and the backsplash are beautiful features in your new kitchen! I love how your plate rack fits perfectly into your space. Meant to be there for sure ☺️ I’m looking forward to seeing and hearing more about your new home 🏡
So pretty! I’m so glad you left the backsplash. It is stunning and suits the kitchen style beautifully in my opinion. Waiting patiently to see everything you do with Sugar Maple.
Stunning kitchen design Ann! Love the blue and white. Thank you for the suggestions regarding appliances. We will be doing a kitchen renovation, and the stainless is perfect!
Your kitchen is beautiful. The only thing I wasn’t crazy about was the background of the glass cupboards. I’m glad I kept reading, and discovered that you will be painting those! I really like your backsplash, btw! As usual, you have accessorized everything beautifully!
Bringing the plate rack over was brilliant! It makes it home, I am so happy for you and your kitchen is stunning!
Your new home is beautiful!! Do you have any information on the flooring?? Perhaps you have already shared and I missed?
Beautiful–I like the blue and white together.
It’s just so lovely and a big sigh of release to se your beautiful plate rack. You were inspiration for mine my son made for me, and I love it.
Ann, I LOVE your plate rack! How was it attached to the wall?
Hi Sheryl…it’s attached to the wall with a cleat. My daughter’s boyfriend made and hung it, so I can’t give you much more information. He attached the cleat to the wall, and then just hung the plate rack. I hope this helps!
Beautiful kitchen Ann, I love the brushed nickel as well!
I am delighted for u!!! I so enjoy your blog. I feel you are a much loved neighbor. It wouldn’t look like your kitchen without the beloved plate rack.
Please tell me more about the KraftMaid cabinets. Could you just buy the glass from doors and make the change? No service personnel needed?
Are they wood? Come in colors? Help!
Keep your post coming.
Hi Nan…KraftMaid comes in a million different colors and wood tones. It’s available at Lowe’s, but it’s also available from building supply stores that specialize in cabinetry. I just took the original doors to a local glass company and had them replace the wood insert with glass. It was very budget-friendly and made a big difference.
Ann, it’s sooooo beautiful! I actually love the backsplash with the quartz countertops! I’m so happy for you!
You new kitchen is lovely, Ann. So glad to see you brought along your plate rack to the sugar maple house. I’m sure it’s fun to add your own personal touches and make it feel more like home. Love to see your fresh flowers adding a splash of color! Thank you for sharing your lovely pictures, your thoughts along the way, and the resource guide. Happy Sunday! Spring will arrive in another month, then you will be busy planting and putting your ‘special touch’ on the outside of your home. Enjoy!!
Simply beautiful. Thank you for sharing your story in this new chapter of your life.
I remember that you didn’t love your kitchen on Sutton Place and I’m so happy that you now have a kitchen you enjoy being in!
My own kitchen is very much like yours and I love it! I was wondering where you keep your coffee maker? We have a Keurig that stays on the counter and it seems to clutter the counter.
Hi Jan…I actually keep my Keurig on the counter! I just realized that it’s not showing in any of the pictures, which was not on purpose. It sits at the end of the counter to the right of the stove. I keep my k-cups and mugs in the cabinet above it. I did purchase a pretty navy blue model when we moved…but before that I had stainless steel.
I love your kitchen design. I personally like the backsplash. It has personality and style. So glad you are happy and you left behind of those old ceramic tiles you despised and got the quartz of your dream! Makes me want a new kitchen!!