Hicks' Blue (208) is a deep, inky blue from Little Greene, strong enough to carry a whole kitchen and rich enough to make a single wall feel considered. It is named after David Hicks, who Little Greene describe as one of the most important designers of the 1960s and 70s, known for strong colours that, when combined, created dramatic effects.
That lineage shows. Hicks' Blue is confident rather than moody: a saturated blue with real depth, which looks crisp beside white and warm beside timber and brass. It is one of the Little Greene blues our customers ask about most for kitchens.
Photo Credit: Little Greene; Colours Used: Hicks' Blue (208), Green Verditer (92)
Hicks' Blue in the kitchen
Dark blue cabinetry has become a modern classic, and Hicks' Blue is a natural choice for it. In Little Greene's own kitchen shot it runs across the walls and the cabinets together, so the units sit back into the room rather than standing out from it. A pale worktop, a white sink and a fresh accent of Green Verditer (92) keep it light.
- Full run of units. Walls and cabinets in one colour for a calm, tailored look.
- Island only. A Hicks' Blue island against pale walls and units is a simple way to add depth without darkening the whole room.
- Lower cabinets. Hicks' Blue below with a lighter colour or open shelves above.
For cabinets, use Intelligent Eggshell (10 to 15% sheen) or Intelligent Satin (30 to 35%). Little Greene state that the Intelligent finishes withstood 10,000 scrubs in industry-standard testing, which matters on doors that are handled every day.
Feature walls, bathrooms and beyond
- Bathrooms. Hicks' Blue behind white sanitaryware is a striking, clean combination, as the bathroom below shows.
- Studies and dining rooms. Rooms used in the evening suit a deep blue, especially under warm lamplight.
- Colour drenching. Walls, woodwork and ceiling all in Hicks' Blue make a small room feel cocooning. Our article on why colour drenching works explains how to do it well.
- Front doors and furniture. A single painted chest or a front door is the gentlest way to try it.
Photo Credit: Little Greene; Colour Used: Hicks' Blue (208)
Which finish to choose
Every Little Greene colour is available in every finish.
- Walls. Absolute Matt Emulsion for the richest, flattest look in living spaces, or Intelligent Matt Emulsion (2% sheen) for kitchens, bathrooms and hallways, where walls need washing.
- Cabinets, woodwork and furniture. Intelligent Eggshell, Intelligent Satin or, for a lacquered look, Intelligent Gloss (87 to 90% sheen).
- Outside. Intelligent Exterior Eggshell for a front door or window frames.
The Intelligent finishes are self-priming, but because Hicks' Blue is a deep colour, it is worth a first coat of Intelligent ASP tinted towards the topcoat, especially over a pale existing colour. It helps build depth and can save a third coat. Allow 1 to 4 hours between coats, and up to seven days for the paint to reach full hardness.
Colours that pair with Hicks' Blue
Little Greene's own photography pairs Hicks' Blue with Green Verditer (92), Loft White (222), Dock Blue (252) and Etruria (326), from a crisp white to softer, chalkier blues.
From the other brands we stock, these are our own suggestions:
- Little Greene Slaked Lime (105). A warm mineral white for ceilings and woodwork that softens the contrast.
- Farrow & Ball Wimborne White (239). A versatile, gently warm white for joinery around a Hicks' Blue wall.
- Paint & Paper Library Clean White (101). For the sharpest, freshest contrast on cabinets and trim.
- Farrow & Ball Ammonite (274). A calm, pale grey for an adjoining room or hallway, so the blue feels part of a whole.
Photo Credit: Little Greene; Colours Used: Etruria (326), Hicks' Blue (208)
Questions we are often asked
Is Hicks' Blue navy?
It is a deep, saturated blue with more colour in it than a near-black navy. Sample it in your own light to see how dark it reads.
Will Hicks' Blue make a small kitchen feel dark?
It will feel richer and more enclosed, which many people love. If you are unsure, use it on the lower units or an island only, with lighter walls above. A sample pot painted onto a board and held against your units is the best test.
Can I paint laminate kitchen doors in Hicks' Blue?
Yes. Little Greene state that the Intelligent finishes adhere to melamine and Formica. Clean thoroughly, give a light key, and follow the same method as our guide to painting IKEA furniture.
Shop Little Greene Hicks' Blue
Intelligent Eggshell · Green Verditer · All Little Greene colours
