Color Conversations: Winter Blues

As far as we’re concerned, the winter blues are a good thing. Restorative and soothing, blues naturally radiate calm with a rhythm reminiscent of the ocean. From blue green Agave to the deepest darkest Indigo, Le Creuset has colorful cookware and dinnerware in blue hues for every kitchen and mood.

And we’re not alone when it comes to loving blue in the kitchen and on the table. In fact, we’re seeing blues pop up everywhere around us, even as the Color of the Year 2021 by Benjamin Moore. We stepped into the kitchen with Hannah Yeo, Benjamin Moore Color & Design expert, to ask her why they selected Aegean Teal as the Color of the Year, and some tips for incorporating blue into your kitchen at home.

Q & A with our Color Expert

Q: Why did you select Aegean Teal as the color of the year?

A: “For 2021, we explored how color and design can cultivate comfort in our homes. From natural textures to the elegant craft of vegetable dyeing and cooking, the organic tones embody a sense of nourishment. Aegean Teal 2136-40 is deeply soothing yet uplifting. It invites you to celebrate small, precious moments of joy that take place in our homes. We also chose Aegean Teal because of its versatility and harmony. A delicate mix of blue and green, this mid-tone bridges the warm and the cool colors of the home. The touch of gray makes it easy to use on various surface areas such as your kitchen cabinets or your bedroom walls.”

Q: Why are blue hues so popular right now?

A: “Amid uncertainty, people yearn for stability. Blue resonates with consumers for its restorative and comforting qualities. As we spend a lot more time at home during this pandemic, we seek relaxation and a sense of cleanliness.
It’s also a signal that we’re shifting away from grays and ready to infuse color into our homes. Blue is a great entry point for its familiarity and versatility. Start small with a few blue accent items or go big with painting all four walls in a blue shade. Blue is a crowd-pleasing color that transcends style.”

Q: What emotions and feelings do blue hues invoke? Or said another way, why choose a blue hue for your kitchen?

A: “From serene hazy blue to fun aquatic teal to dark mysterious navy, the range of blues feel more diverse than ever before. Here are some ideas to bring a splash of blue to your kitchen:
Soft blue hues work as a neutral, creating a natural flow with other colors and materials. It balances the warm wood tones and complements metal hardware such as chrome and bronze.
Bright, bold hues create a visual feast of color that feels energetic, happy and fun. Set the table with a Caribbean pitcher or Marseille blue dinnerware to add a dash of excitement to your dinner table.
A dark navy is also a homeowners’ favorite when it comes to kitchen cabinets. A great alternative to black, deep rich blues ground the space without overpowering. Pair with an off-white for the upper cabinets and walls to balance the room.”

Q: What colors pair the best with blues in the kitchen?

A: “Blue is truly versatile and can act as a neutral, bringing the organic hues together-think of fresh herbs, bright vegetable colors, wood cutting board & etc. A blue backdrop allows these colors to come to the forefront without feeling overwhelmed. With Aegean Teal 2136-40, we especially like it paired with sun-baked hues such as Potters Clay 1221, Muslin OC-12, Chestertown Buff HC-9 and Amazon Soil 2115-30.”