Is your kitchen starting to look a bit gray these days? Perhaps it’s time to slip in some blues. And no, I don’t mean a burst pipe. The current vogue in kitchen design is the delightful strength and elegance of blue cabinets. Just imagine your kitchen completely transformed, buzzing with the energy of a busy Portland blue kitchen cabinets café on a rainy day. Welcome to life in the new age where blue is just as good at home as in the sky or sea.

You might feel a trifle stunned at such a choice. Let me tell you, however, that blue is hot right now. Whether your style leans toward a quiet retreat in the countryside or lively gathering spot right in town, blue cabinets can hit just the right notes. There is something inherently pacifying about the feral coloring of blue; like curling up with a hot Portland paper right in bed. And what’s blue is certainly not out of this style. From navy to cobalt, the range of colors it runs is vast. Each one embraces fresh aspects of life, like having a jazz play list that matches your mood.

Now comes the fun! You can mix up textures. Matte or glossy hardware in brass or nickel — everything is free game. Set your imagination loose. Pair those blue cabinets with marble counters or red-oak butcher block. It’s like creating a piece of art where all aspects harmonize joyously. Remember, if the textures are the ice cream, then the cabinets are your dessert.

In a conversation last week someone said to me, “Blue in the kitchen? Wouldn’t that feel… really cold?” But folks, here’s the catch: Blue can sing warmth in ways you won’t even expect. Picture the splendid evening sunsets in Portland, where blue and orange blend harmoniously. Touch up things with wood accents to bring comfort in. Try to start it with a mocha the instant you step into light.

For those who are slightly worried, start out small. Dip your toe in the blue paint by trying it on just one feature wall or an island. No one ever got a headache from testing the water(s). It’s the difference between borrowing your friend’s kayak and plunking down a lot of hard-earned dough for one of your own–only to find out you don’t really like paddling.

Are you worried about what guests will think? Imagine their delight and surprise when they find your kitchen peacocking about in blue–it’s a new masterpiece every time. It’s a conversation starter that just keeps creating itself like Portland’s much loved food carts–buzzing with stories but never running out of spice. And let’s face it, when were “praise and ooh” ever bad guests around your dinner table?

This kitchen remodel isn’t something you should do alone, folks. Be sure to consult a designer. They are the Sherlock Holmes of cabinets, solving the mystery of your ideal kitchen layout. They might even add a little sage advice, such as choosing eco-friendly materials–a nod to Portland’s evergreen culture.

In closing, if your kitchen is bleaker than a February night in Portland, you might want to think about using blue cabinets to add a little color and light. They do say that home is where the heart resides; why not let that heart beat along with a little bit of blue time after time this season?