Refurb & Restore Issue 46 2026 | Page 28

WHY BLUE KITCHENS ARE TRENDING WITH LIFE TRADE

According to Houzz’ s Kitchen Trends Study 2026, blue is now the most popular cabinet colour in renovated kitchens, increasing by 18 % compared to the year before. Head of Life Trade, Paul Berryman, shares his thoughts on what makes them so popular with customers:
Total versatility:“ No matter the shade, one of blue’ s strongest offer- ings is its adaptability and versatility. Whether chosen for a contemporary kitchen or a traditional property, blue spans an enormous range of tones allowing it to suit any interior scheme. A colour associated with stability and calm thanks to its link to the natural world, blue is a strong option for a kitchen that will transverse trends.”
Pair with natural materials:“ Blue also works exceptionally when paired with natural or natural-effect materials such as stone, wood and metal thanks to its grounding qualities. When these elements are combined, rather than competing, they complement each other. A deep blue kitchen for example looks striking against a dark natural stone-effect kitchen island with detailed veining.”
Ideal for creating zones:“ Using blue as a design tool is a great way to bring clarity and create distinct zones in an open-plan kitchen. By opting for a darker blue on kitchen islands, preparation zones or standalone cabinet runs, it creates a strong visual anchor which helps to define work areas and create interesting features at the same time. The colour difference allows each space to have its own identity.”
www. life-trade. co. uk
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