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Pick your hue: Go for something light, dark or somewhere in between.

Blue ushers in a feeling of comfort and calm, which, let's face it, is exactly what you need in your kitchen. And while the cool hue won't necessarily take away the everyday stress that comes with whipping up weeknight dinners or perfecting holiday menus, the soul-soothing shade can certainly make it a more warm and inviting room to complete the task at hand (a win in our eyes). But since indigo, navy and azure (among other energizing kitchen paint colors) tend to overwhelm, start small with these blue kitchen cabinet ideas.

Similar to other kitchen-friendly colors like white and gray, this versatile hue offers endless opportunities. Lean in ever so slightly with a light sky blue, go bold with cobalt or make a dramatic statement with a dark gray-blue. The size of your kitchen plays a big role in your color decision — small kitchens, for example, can feel cramped if you paint all the cabinets in a dark, deep color, so it's better to go for something softer or only paint the kitchen island in the statement shade. It's not just about the paint, though: Be sure to finish off your newly-designed kitchen with a chic backsplash, glossy hardware and modern accents.

Dark colors, like navy, can make any space feel smaller. To trick the eye, pair navy cabinets with a white island, accented with pendant lights and open shelves in the same crisp color.

Subway tiles are timeless and all, but these black-and-white tiles make a stylish statement (and work well with any shade of blue).

Embrace the navy and off-white color palette by incorporating bar-style bistro chairs in coordinating hues.

Go for the unexpected by layering teal-painted kitchen cabinets with a slab of marble-style backsplash (or better yet, peel-and-stick wallpaper that looks like the real deal).

Since you don't want to overwhelm a small kitchen, keep it dark on the bottom (dark teal, for example) and stark white on top. Dot the shelves with plates, bowls and glassware in complementary blue shades.

Add color to an otherwise all-white kitchen by painting the lower cabinets in a striking sky blue shade. Throw a patterned rug on the floor to tie everything together.

Opt for dark gray-blue kitchen cabinets, if you want a more understated look. Keep the rest of the space light and bright with marble countertops, white shelving and soft gray walls.

Lower cabinets in a deep blue offset the bright white cabinetry lining the kitchen. Wicker stools add to the room's cool and airy feel.

For a sense of symmetry, incorporate similar shades — some lighter, some darker, some just right — in the open shelving. Here, a curated collection of glasses and dishware match the bright blue cabinetry.

Copper cookware and leather stools play up the terra-cotta flooring and dusty blue cabinets down below.

Even if you don't want to paint your entire kitchen blue, make a statement by covering a small section (or in this case, the entire pantry) in an inviting indigo shade. Everything else in the kitchen should stay neutral, so the blue can really stand out.

Modern details, like glossy gold fixtures and hardware, add a touch of sophistication to royal blue cabinets. Incorporate a bevy of dark wood tones and black metals to relax the space.

Draw the eye up by matching the cabinet color to the subway tile backsplash. Go with a high-gloss finish across the board to keep everything looking fresh.

Modern meets country in this kitchen, featuring classic blue cabinets, monochromatic floral wallpaper and brushed gold hardware.

A mosaic backsplash plays off the kitchen's royal blue cabinets, while a butcher block countertop and matching stools lean into its natural charm.

Warm up an all-white kitchen with a dark blue island, outfitted with distressed wood stools, metal lantern pendants and farmhouse-inspired accents.

For a more cohesive look, paint everything — the kitchen cabinets, open shelving and paneled walls — in the same shade (a pretty powder blue, in this case).

Sleek navy cabinets bring a splash of color to wood-covered walls, which are actually made up of salvaged basketball court floorboards.

Preserve the kitchen's traditional look and feel by leaving the upper cabinets in their natural finish and painting the lower half in a versatile gray-blue shade.

Blend old and new by painting modern-style cabinets in a cool blue, complete with slate gray countertops and brass finishes.