Navy and Cream Kitchen Cabinets Are Taking Over - Here's How To Get The Look
The combination of deep navy blue and light cream cabinetry is taking kitchen design by storm. This elegant color scheme adds striking visual contrast and dimension to any kitchen. The look is both timeless and on-trend, with the versatile navy and cream pairing suiting contemporary and traditional spaces alike. By using navy blue on lower cabinets and cream cabinets above, you can easily infuse this hot trend into your own kitchen. Here's how to get the navy and cream cabinet look.
With strategic pops of color and smart finishing touches, it's simple to recreate this popular navy and cream kitchen aesthetic. Read on to learn how to choose the perfect cabinet colors, add the right hardware and countertops, and pull the whole space together with great lighting and decor.
Choosing Your Cabinet Colors
The foundation of the navy and cream kitchen trend begins with choosing cabinet colors. Deep blue navy evokes a coastal vibe, while creamy off-whites keep things airy and bright.

For the navy lower cabinets, look to shades like classic navy, cobalt, or deep teal. Matte finishes give a sophisticated look, while gloss finishes reflect more light. Paint is the most common navy finish, as it adheres well to cabinet doors and frames. But you can also stain wood to achieve a rich navy stain.
With cream uppers, consider warm antique white, almond and oyster white tones. Matte or eggshell finishes prevent dinginess. Staining to a cream stain works for certain wood types like maple or oak.
Creating Cohesion
Using navy lower cabinets and cream upper cabinets grounds the look while allowing each hue to stand out. But you have options for bringing the two colors together. Try using cream on the lower cabinets and navy blue up top for visual interest. Navy on the island and cream on the perimeter cabinetry also works well.
For cabinet doors, combine shaker style doors in cream with solid slab navy doors. Or use the same door style in both colors. Choose complementary hardware finishes like brushed nickel or bronze. Then inject another color like sage green or sky blue for accent cabinetry or the island.
Hardware and Finishing Touches
Hardware, countertops, and lighting serve as the perfect finishing details for any navy and cream kitchen. Here are some ideas to complete your look.
For hardware, opt for brass, nickel or black knobs and pulls. Go for matching finishes or mix metals for extra allure. Bar pulls spanning drawers have a traditional vibe, while circular knobs keep it simple. Handles on doors add a modern touch.
Countertop surfaces like white and gray marble, granite and quartz complement navy cabinets nicely. Butcher block counters add gorgeous contrast. Use a marble, glass or subway tile backsplash in soft creams or whites.
Finally, hang pendant lights over islands and peninsulas to illuminate prep spaces with style. Under cabinet lights also provide task lighting for countertops. Sink fixtures, faucets and soap dispensers in brushed metals tie everything together.
Styling A Navy and Cream Kitchen
When it comes to overall aesthetic, navy and cream kitchens work beautifully for both formal and casual spaces. Here are some top tips for styling and decor.
Traditional kitchens benefit from beadboard cabinetry, glass door cabinets and bronze hardware. Open shelves lend a casual element. Contemporary spaces thrive on solid slab cabinets, stainless steel and pops of color. Modern farmhouse looks feature exposed brick, apron sinks and open shelving. Go for two-toned shaker cabinets, brass hardware and a farm sink.
Incorporate navy and cream into decor like throw pillows, area rugs and window treatments. Add white dishes to open shelving for an enticing visual pop. Fresh flowers, glassware and ceramic serving pieces in cream, white and light blue keep the palette going. Wall art and framed prints can subtly pick up the navy.
Beyond being trendy, navy and cream kitchens offer many benefits for your space.
The eye-catching color scheme makes an elegant statement. The contrast of dark and light colors creates visual interest. This versatile look is easy to personalize across styles from modern to farmhouse. Navy blue is timeless and will never go out of style. The color palette is also easy to implement through cabinet paint colors alone.
Cream counters and backsplashes prevent navy cabinets from looking too dark and dreary. This color combo looks clean, crisp and natural. For resale value, these classic colors offer broad appeal.
So if you're planning a kitchen update, navy and cream cabinetry offers an attainable way to get a hot, contemporary look that will stand the test of time. Use the tips above to nail this coveted kitchen trend that delights the eye, sparks joy and makes a stylish statement.