Kitchen appliances have come a long way from the standard white and stainless steel options of the past. These days, manufacturers are embracing color and releasing appliances in vibrant hues that add a fun pop to kitchen design. From retro reds and turquoise tones to sleek matte black finishes, colorful appliances are having a moment. Here’s an in-depth look at the trend toward colorful kitchen appliances and whether it’s here to stay.
The Rise of Colorful Appliances
The shift toward colorful appliances began several years ago, driven by changing tastes and trends in kitchen design. As people moved away from the uniform look of matching cabinetry and appliances, they started seeking unique styles that allowed more personal expression. This opened the door for appliance brands like Big Chill, SMEG, and La Cornue to make a splash with their colorful retro-inspired designs.
The trend accelerated as mainstream brands like LG, Samsung, and GE launched their own lines of colorful appliances to appeal to consumers looking to add visual interest to their kitchens. Depending on the brand, you can now find refrigerators, ranges, microwaves, and dishwashers in hues like cobalt blue, fire engine red, violet, gold, and matte black. Even small appliances are getting involved – brands like KitchenAid and Cuisinart offer stand mixers and toasters in an array of colors to coordinate with any decor.
Benefits of Colorful Appliances
So what’s driving the trend toward appliances that make a bold colorful statement? There are several benefits that appeal to today’s design-conscious homeowners.
Adds Personality and Visual Interest
Nothing transforms a kitchen faster than switching out stainless steel appliances for vibrant colorful ones. It’s an easy way to add your personality into the space. Pops of color draw the eye, create focal points, and make the kitchen more visually interesting.
Complements Color Palettes
Colorful appliances allow you to extend color themes and tie your entire kitchen decor together. Match your blue refrigerator to your blue backsplash tile or find an appliance in that perfect shade of green that complements your cabinet color. It brings cohesiveness to the whole space.
Provides Flexibility
Colorful appliances offer more versatility if you ever redesign your kitchen down the road. You can easily swap out a red oven for a blue one without having to remodel the entire kitchen. Colorful appliances aren’t permanently locked into one style.
Makes a Statement
There’s no hiding a bright yellow refrigerator or a deep purple dishwasher – and that’s the point. Colorful appliances are meant to be noticed. They bring high visual impact that stainless steel just can’t match. It’s a bold way to showcase your personal style.
Key Considerations
While the pros of colorful appliances are plentiful, there are some things to keep in mind before taking the plunge.
- Personal style – Make sure vibrant appliances align with your overall aesthetic and won’t look out of place if your home leans traditional. Colorful appliances work best in contemporary spaces.
- Resale value – Some subdued colors like black, gray, and navy have more mass appeal than bright red or orange. If you plan to sell soon, neutral tones may appeal to more buyers.
- Coordination – If going for multiple colorful appliances, consider sticking with the same color family for cohesion. Mixing wildly different colors can look disjointed.
- Finishes – Matte, glossy, or speckled? Appliance finish impacts the look of color. Glossy finishes make colors pop while matte dials it down.
Key Trends in Colorful Appliances
If you decide colorful appliances are right for your kitchen, what hues should you consider? Here are some of the hottest trends right now:
Matte Black
Matte black finishes have taken the design world by storm because they feel modern yet timeless. Black makes appliances fade into the backdrop yet the matte texture adds just enough interest. It works equally well in modern and traditional kitchens. Try matching black appliances with brass accents for a sophisticated vibe.
Navy Blue
Deep blue appliances like navy are having a major moment right now. This versatile color is bold yet easy to dress up or down to fit your look. Use glossy navy appliances to make a pop of color really stand out. The shade pairs perfectly with both warm and cool color schemes.
Retro Hues
Vintage appliance brands have sparked renewed interest in retro colors like turquoise, mint green, and bright red. These playful shades are a great choice if you want a quirky, 70s-inspired kitchen vibe. Consider mixing retro colors with modern finishes like matte for a unique juxtaposition.
Neutral Tones
For a more flexible color that won’t overpower a space, look for appliances in warmer neutral hues like beige, cream, taupe, and soft gray. These earthy tones add subtle interest while still remaining neutral enough to work in a variety of kitchens. They can nicely offset bolder colors like navy cabinets.
Are Colorful Appliances Just a Fad?
With such a major shift underway in the kitchen appliance world, an important question is whether this trend has long-lasting appeal or if colorful appliances are just a passing fad. The trend does appear to have some staying power. According to industry experts, several factors suggest colorful appliances are here for the long haul:
- Mainstream brands are now offering colorful collections, showing ongoing demand.
- Color hides fingerprints and smudges better than stainless steel, a practical advantage.
- Adventurous homeowners enjoy replacing white and stainless steel with personalized options.
- Matte colors and subdued hues have broader appeal than bright glossy shades, providing versatility.
- Colorful appliances allow people to refresh kitchens without the cost of a full renovation.
However, for resale value, industry experts still recommend exercising some caution. Very bold, bright colors may turn off more conservative buyers down the road. Sticking to versatile, mainstream colors can be a savvier long-term choice. But if you adore a more adventurous hue, don’t be afraid to take the plunge! Updating appliances is simpler than renovating an entire kitchen if tastes change in the future.
How to Choose the Right Color Appliances
Ready to bring color into your kitchen? Use these tips to select the perfect shade for your space:
- Consider undertones: Match appliances to countertops and floors. Warm undertones like beige pair best with warm wood cabinetry. Cool hues complement marble or quartz.
- Decide on a finish: Glossy vs matte impacts how bold the color appears. Glossy makes a statement while matte is more understated.
- See swatches: If possible, view appliance colors in person before deciding. Color chips can look very different in real life than online.
- Evaluate lighting: The direction and tone of lighting affects appliance colors. East facing rooms may look cooler in shade. Opt for warmer tones in low light kitchens.
- Think style: Modern minimalist kitchens give you more freedom to choose vivid colors. Traditional spaces may call for more subdued black, gray or navy appliances.
Are Colorful Kitchen Appliances For You?
Colorful appliances let you infuse personality and visual interest into your kitchen design. While the trend appears to have lasting power, vibrant appliances work best in contemporary spaces. For resale value, mainstream colors like black, navy and gray are safer over bright primary hues. But if your style is adventurous, don’t be afraid to take the colorful appliance plunge! With some savvy selection tips, you can pick the perfect shade to make your kitchen pop.
FAQs About Colorful Kitchen Appliances
Are colorful appliances hard to keep clean?
While stainless steel can show fingerprints and smudges, most colorful appliances have a durable finish that resists marks and cleans easily with just a soft damp cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners. Matte finishes hide fingerprints especially well.
Do colorful appliances cost more than stainless steel?
In most cases, colorful and stainless options are comparably priced within an appliance brand. However, premium retro-style brands that offer unique colors sometimes charge a bit more of a premium. You can find affordable colorful options from many major brands.
Will vibrant appliances go out of style quickly?
While trends come and go, versatile mainstream appliance colors like black, navy, and gray have more long-lasting appeal. For resale value, avoid bright primary colors or opt for swapping out accent pieces like the refrigerator instead of permanent items like cabinetry.
How do I coordinate different colored appliances?
If mixing several colorful appliances, stick with the same color family for a cohesive look. For example, pair a red oven with a burgundy refrigerator and avoid clashing tones. Neutral countertops also help appliances pop.
Should I match appliances to cabinetry or wall color?
It depends on your goal. Matching appliances to cabinetry creates flow. Contrasting them makes appliances stand out more. For walls, pick an appliance color in the same tone (warm or cool) for harmony.
Are white and black appliances still in style?
Absolutely. While colorful appliances are on trend, classic white and black stainless remain popular choices. Black stainless in particular has appealed to modern and transitional homeowners in recent years as an alternative to traditional stainless steel.
Conclusion
The influx of colorful appliance options has opened up exciting new possibilities for personalized kitchen design. Appliance colors allow you to set the tone, from retro charm to contemporary edge. While the trend appears to have lasting power, smart color selection helps ensure your appliances stay current yet classic. With the right hue and finish, colorful appliances can infuse just the right amount of flair into any kitchen.
