As a celebrity style editor, I spend my days catching glimpses of the world's most beautiful kitchens, and this has been the case since (even before!) 2023.
In January of that year, Reese Witherspoon shared her baby blue cabinets via Instagram, and, at the time, they stopped me in my tracks. There was something so quietly chic about this shade. It was a refreshing break away from the classic natural, without feeling overwhelming – something that remains a fine line. It's hardly a surprise, then, that I was just as impressed by her kitchen cabinet color when I revisited her post earlier today.
In the years since Reese first shared her light-blue kitchen, I've seen hundreds more celebrity homes, yet this one resonates with me the most. This color radiates a certain sophistication that's hard to find beyond the classic white, cream, or gray: one that's able to transcend trends, as the longevity of her post reminds me.
With that said, however, designers, including Tom Howley, say that this hue is one of the most fashionable you can choose for the year ahead.
Shop the Baby Blue Kitchen Edit
Add a hint of powder blue to your breakfast nook with these scalloped placemats. Featuring a delicate, refined border, they’re perfect for elevating every meal, from casual gatherings to special occasions.
Crafted from pale blue resin with a cloudy marble effect, the Luna bath tray brings serene sophistication to your bathroom. Perfect by the sink or draped across a bath stool, it adds a subtle touch of luxury to everyday routines.
The Henley rug brings a gentle touch of pale blue to your living room. Featuring a rich blue border and a softly faded center, it’s a simple yet stylish way to introduce this on-trend shade into your space.
Since 2012, the Old Havana collection has brought rustic yet refined charm to the table. Artisan-crafted in Portugal with reactive and crackle glazes, each piece combines luminous color with durable design for everyday use. Mix and match or coordinate styles to create a timeless, effortlessly elegant table setting.
Splatterware never goes out of style, and this jug is a seasonal favorite. Perfect for brightening winter tables or adding charm to spring gatherings, it brings effortless character to any setting.
A counter lamp is an effortless way to introduce a pop of color, and this baby blue design makes a striking statement. A playful take on the classic bobbin style, it adds fresh character to your kitchen. Available in pink, yellow, beige, and crimson, there’s a shade to suit every aesthetic.
Moving away from traditional ‘safe’ neutrals (like the aforementioned white and gray), Tom Howley's customers are increasingly choosing bolder shades – led by blue – reflecting a broader shift toward personalised, mood-driven spaces for 2026.
'Over the past year, we’ve seen a remarkable 147% increase in blue kitchen sales, making it our fastest-growing paint colour choice. From deep navy tones that add drama and sophistication, to softer, chalky blues that bring a sense of calm and freshness, blue is an incredibly versatile choice for kitchen cabinetry,' Tom comments.
Reese's home has a traditional Americana feel, with old-money glass-fronted kitchen cabinets and a classic marble island countertop. However, as Tom Howley explains, this color complements any kitchen style, so you can follow her example without worry.
'It pairs beautifully with natural materials like oak and marble and works equally well in classic and contemporary settings,' he says.
Blue is the new neutral. From Reese Witherspoon’s kitchen to your own, 2026 is the year to let your cabinets make a statement, elegant, versatile, and timeless.
