Kitchen Trends at IMM LivingKitchen 2013 - Blues!
As I walked throughout the different sections of the IMM Cologne Living-Kitchen fair in Germany, one of the common threads I spotted was the use of blue. The blues ranged from dark teal to more cobalt in color. Most commonly, they were deeper shades of blue with a touch of warmth.
I found this color range to be dramatic and fresh. I would not call it a strong, mainstream trend at the show, but if you are considering blue in your kitchen design, here are some ideas for incorporating this different color, in different ways.
Below: It is not often that a dark color is designed as wall cabinetry with white cabinetry below, usually the opposite, but in this case, the tall, dark, toekick section adds a solid foundation to balance the upper section.
Below: A perfect example of less is more, allowing the faucet to be featured as a sculptural piece.
Below: A quiet deep blue backdrop ties in with blue accessories, allowing the white cabinetry to "pop".
Below: A gutsy move to design in a blue floor, the gloss and richness of the color adds style. I'm not sure I'm fully on board with the choice of table on this floor.
Below: Graffiti as art, perhaps inspired by plants, surrounded by blues and greens and coordinating blue floor. I'm ok with the cabinet color, but I would have chosen a different backsplash to work with the graffiti.
Below: Simple, straightforward cabinetry that's interesting and very attractive to look at. The wood planking above adds needed warmth.
Below: An active mix of texture and clean lines and finishes, it's a good looking area which doubles as storage.
Below: I can see this color could highlight many other colorful accessories and useful items - I really like the use of this blue in this context.
I'm wondering - since we are moving ever more toward the kitchen as a living area, and as we coordinate with surrounding rooms, perhaps it's a natural time to consider using blues in the kitchen? Hmmmm...I think that's an intriguing concept!
Sunday, February 3, 2013 at 12:05PM | 4 Comments | Share Article | tagged blue, color, design, trends 
Reader Comments (4)
That backsplash is an aquarium. That is so innovative! Was everyone commenting on this? I think yes, it fights with the graffiti. But I've never seen an aquariium as a backsplash so I think it's a really neat idea!
Shame on me for being so blase about the aquarium! When I was there, no one was around, so I'm not sure what the reaction was. But, cool, yes, you're right!
YesI certainly agree with the comments about blue being in vogue at present. Also your images tie in with my own observations of trends towards the incorporation of pseudo-old items or pseudo-artisan items with clean modern lines. The pseudo old/artisan items include replica fruit box/trays but your images show similar themes with the white storage boxes going with the blue units
Thank you for your comment, I like when there is consensus; it's what I look for, as it seems you do as well :)