Kitchens are often referred to as the heart of the home, and for good reason. This space sees family and friends come together to cook, eat, and spend quality time with one another. The kitchen’s design and decor have a huge impact on the overall feeling and functionality of the room. Strategically bringing in brass and blue accents is an excellent way to create a warm, inviting, and stylish kitchen that promotes connection.
Why Choose Brass and Blue
Brass and blue is a timeless color combination that has been used in kitchens for decades. The pairing of these two materials creates an overall look that is both classic and contemporary.
Brass fixtures add a touch of understated elegance and metallic warmth. The brass undertones mesh well with a variety of styles from modern to traditional. Brass is anti-microbial which makes it perfect for high-touch areas like faucets and handles. The natural patina that develops on brass over time adds more character and depth to the look.
Cool blue tones provide a soothing and tranquil counterbalance to the bright warmth of brass. Varying shades of blue can be incorporated through paint, tile, textiles, and decor pieces. The color blue is known to suppress appetite slightly, making it an apt choice for kitchen spaces.
When combined, the brass and blue play off each other beautifully. The mix feels upscale yet livable, striking the ideal balance between sleek and cozy.
Paint the Walls Blue
Painting the kitchen walls blue is a simple yet high-impact way to bring this color into the space. Depending on the desired look and feel, the shade of blue can range from pale sky blue to deeper navy.
Soothing, Airy Tones
For a relaxed vibe, lighter blue hues like powder blue, icy blue, or sky blue work well. These muted tones evoke images of clear blue skies and are soft enough for an open, airy look. To make the blue pop, opt for bright white trim and cabinetry.
Crisp and Nautical
More saturated blues like navy, denim, or cobalt have a nautical feel perfect for coastal homes. With crisp white cabinets and brass hardware, this color scheme is reminiscent of ships and the open sea. Darker blues work well in smaller spaces where light walls would make the room feel closed in.
Cool and Modern
For contemporary spaces, consider vibrant shades like teal, aqua, or peacock blue. When paired with sleek cabinets and modern fixtures, these bolder blues create a look that is undeniably current and stylish. The strong blue makes a dramatic impact without feeling overpowering.
Pro Tips
- Test blue paint samples on the wall before fully committing to make sure the tone works with the room as intended. Blue can read differently depending on the light.
- For north facing rooms, opt for lighter blue hues to keep things feeling bright and airy. Darker shades can make these spaces feel cold.
- If concerned about all blue walls feeling too bold, paint just one or two walls blue to add a fun accent.
Incorporate Blue Tile
Another excellent way to bring blue into a brass and blue kitchen is through backsplash or floor tile. Blue tile adds pops of color, texture, and personality.
Moroccan Style Tile
Vibrant Moroccan-style tiles in shades like cerulean blue instantly transport the kitchen to an exotic locale. These intricate tiles pair perfectly with warm brass lantern lighting and carved wood details.
Subway Tile
For a more understated look, blue and white subway tiles create clean horizontal lines. The classic tile shape gives a nod to old-world kitchens. Consider a herringbone pattern or alternating rows of blue and white for extra visual interest.
Geometric Tile
Bold geometric shapes like hexagons provide fun dimension when done in varying tones of blue. The angled tiles create dynamic lines and curves when arranged in unique patterns. Metallic grout ties the look together and adds contrast.
Mosaic Tile
Tiny mosaic tiles may be small in size but pack a big design punch. Thousands of little tiles in an array of blue hues form breathtaking murals when pieced together. This look pairs well with stainless steel appliances for a contemporary vibe.
Pro Tips
- Only tile the backsplash area to keep things from feeling too busy. Full walls of intricate tile can be visually overwhelming.
- Incorporate some white or gray tiles along with blue ones to help ground the overall look.
- Consider rounding out edges of geometric tiles to soften lines and create a smoother flow.
- Use sanded grout on floors and walls to allow for wider joints that resist staining better over time.
Add Pops of Blue in Decor
Paint and tile establish an underlying blue theme while carefully selected decor pieces in coordinating blues provide the finishing touch. Look for blue accents in cabinetry, barstools, window treatments, appliances, and accessories.
Cabinets
Painting the lower cabinets a deep shade of blue is an eye-catching detail. For something more subtle, add glass-front upper cabinets revealing beautiful blue and white dinnerware.
Barstools
Upholstered stools in a navy blue or indigo provide a pop of color and cushy seating for casual meals. Top stools off with brass nailhead trim for some metallic shine.
Window Treatments
Blend blues together in window valances and curtains for a pulled-together palette. Play with different textures like voile and linen as well as patterns like ikat and stripe. Hang drapes high and wide to let in light.
Appliances
Smeg and other high-end brands offer refrigerators, ranges, and dishwashers in fun shades of blue like pastel pink. While expensive, these statement appliances make a huge impact.
Accessories
Look for blue and brass items like canisters, planters, kettles, and serving pieces to scatter throughout. Bun feet on furniture legs and brass cabinet hardware also help tie the look together.
Pro Tips
- Stick to the 60-30-10 rule with blue accents – 60% neutral, 30% secondary, 10% accent color.
- Anchor bold blue pieces with natural materials like wood cutting boards and marble or stone countertops.
- Display collections of blue and white ceramics together on open shelves for an artful arrangement.
- If your style is more muted, stay with soft powdery blues versus bright primaries.
Incorporate Plenty of Brass Elements
Once the blue foundation is set, it’s time to infuse warmth with brass. The metallic sheen plays perfectly against the cool blue tones. Brass offers versatility in terms of the desired aesthetic – both modern and traditional kitchens benefit from brass accents.
Fixtures
Swap out dated hardware and fixtures for new ones made of solid brass. Sink faucets, cabinet knobs and handles, pendant lights, and appliance details like range hoods pack the most punch. Brushed brass provides a satin-like finish that nicely disguises fingerprints and water spots.
Furniture Pieces
Bring in brass through larger furniture pieces like dining tables, bar carts, shelving units, and free-standing kitchen islands. The mixed metals feel luxe paired with blue-gray cabinetry.
Decor Items
Look for decorative brass accents like trays, canisters, wire baskets, and latches to incorporate throughout the kitchen. Items made of raw brass develop a beautiful patina over time.
Pro Tips
- Opt for solid brass pieces rather than brass-plated whenever possible for superior quality and longevity.
- For a cohesive look, finish all fixtures and hardware in the same shade of brass – i.e. polished, brushed, satin, or oil-rubbed.
- Balanced out cool and warm metals in a space. For example, pair stainless steel appliances with brass accents.
- Use brass functionally as well as decoratively. For example, choose brass French door hinges or a brass lazy susan.
Create an Inviting, Multi-Purpose Space
With soothing blue tones and warm brass accents established, focus next on overall functionality and ambiance. A few enhancements turn a basic kitchen into a relaxing, multi-purpose space for more than just cooking.
Maximize Storage
Maximize every inch of space with storage solutions that maintain a clean, organized appearance. For example, utilize roll-out trays and drawers in lower cabinets and stackable, see-through bins for pantries. Keep counters clutter-free by stashing small appliances in cabinets.
Upgrades Convenience
Look for ways to upgrade convenience like top-of-the line appliances, touch faucets, charging stations, and voice assistant connectivity. A kitchen is meant to be used so make sure it is optimally equipped.
Promote Flexibility
Use an open layout, bar-height island, comfortable stools, and furniture-like finishes to blur the lines between kitchen and living spaces. With flexible functionality, the kitchen transitions smoothly from meal prep to homework help to cocktail hour.
Enhance Lighting
Proper lighting transforms a space. Incorporate muted general lighting with targeted task lighting and accent lighting. Try a striking statement pendant over the sink, vintage-style bulbs under cabinets, and neon lighting built into shelves.
Allow for Personalization
Make the space feel homey and personalized with meaningful pieces like framed family photos, kids’ artwork, and collected treasures from travels displayed on the fridge and shelves. Paint the inside of a hutch a fun color for a peek of personality.
Pro Tips
- Plan adequate landing space around appliances and islands to allow multiple people to work comfortably.
- Test lighting at different times of day and adjust window treatments as needed. Lighting needs change based on the task.
- Carve out personalized storage areas for each family member’s items to minimize clutter.
- Incorporate greenery. Herbs on a windowsill or a potted fern thrive in kitchen areas.
Brass and Blue Kitchen Inspiration
Need a visual spark to get your creative juices flowing? Below are some stunning examples of kitchens decked out in brass and varying shades of blue. Let elements from the ones that catch your eye guide your own brass and blue kitchen design.
Transitional Twist
This kitchen hits the sweet spot between classic and contemporary with subway tile backsplash, marble countertops, and a mix of painted cabinets and natural wood. Pops of navy blue on the range hood and open shelves keep things current. Brass pendants and hardware add just the right amount of shine.
Coastal Chic
Cool aqua cabinets give this beachy kitchen a breezy, relaxed vibe. White quartz countertops and light wood flooring keep things airy and bright. The woven pendant ties in texture while the brass faucet and stainless appliances provide contrast.
Modern Marvel
Sleek high-gloss cabinetry in a deep blue-green hue gives this modern space its sophistication. Classic marble counters and subway tile backsplash temper all the contemporary components. The brass pendant and metallic barstools feel both retro and current.
Vintage Character
Sage green cabinets make a bold counterpoint to the bright brass accents in this unique kitchen. Distressed wood counters and antique-style lighting and hardware convey vintage farmhouse charm. Pops of navy in the hood and floor pattern pull it all together.
Urban Oasis
This navy blue kitchen exudes an urban loft vibe with its exposed brick wall, black windows, and minimalist vibe. The lighter blue backsplash prevents it from feeling too dark and moody. Brass pendants add eye-catching shine.
FAQs About Brass and Blue Kitchens
What color blue pairs best with brass?
Lighter muted blue tones like powder blue and soft gray blues complement brass particularly well. These shades have a timeless, calming effect. That said, vibrant blues can also pop beautifully against brass depending on the desired aesthetic.
How do you adjust brass color?
Brass has undertones of gold, brown, orange, and yellow. To make brass warmer, add more yellow. For a cooler effect, add silver or gray. Chemical finishes like ruthenium plating and liver of sulfur alter the tone as well.
Should I mix metals in the kitchen?
It’s recommended to stick to 2-3 metal finishes in a single space for a cohesive look. Mixing brass with black stainless steel, nickel, chrome, or oil-rubbed bronze works well. Just be sure the finishes play off each other nicely and don’t clash.
Does brass go out of style?
Thanks to its natural elegance and versatility, brass remains a staple in interior design. Brass constantly evolves and reinvents itself, managing to feel fresh and current regardless of trends. Both traditional and contemporary spaces benefit from strategic use of brass.
Is brushed or polished brass better?
This comes down to personal preference. Polished brass has a shiny, mirrored surface that screams glamour. Brushed brass has a muted satin finish that shows fewer fingerprints and fits with more casual decor. Living finishes like oil-rubbed brass provide a happy medium.
How do you take care of brass?
Caring for brass is simple. Use a gentle brass cleaner and soft cloth to routinely dust pieces free of fingerprints and residue. For a protective coating, apply paste wax to limit tarnishing. Many opt to let their brass develop a patina, giving it a lovely antiqued look.
Conclusion
The timeless combination of brass and blue creates kitchens with style, soul, and widespread appeal. Varying blue tones infused throughout provide a tranquil backdrop primed for warm brass accents to shine. Paint, tile, decor, lighting, and hardware offer myriad possibilities to incorporate these classic colors in harmonious ways. Beyond just aesthetics, focus on maximizing comfort and flexibility so the kitchen can work for the whole family. With some thoughtful planning and strategic brass and blue infusion, this essential space can both look and function beautifully.
