Introduction

Choosing the color of your kitchen appliances is an important decision that can dramatically impact the look and feel of your kitchen. With so many options on the market, from stainless steel and black to vibrant reds and blues, it can be overwhelming trying to settle on the perfect color scheme. This article will walk you through the key factors to consider when selecting appliance colors for your kitchen remodel or redesign. We’ll provide tips on coordinating appliance colors with your cabinetry, countertops, backsplash, and overall kitchen decor. Read on for insights on appliance color trends and ideas for creating a cohesive, stylish kitchen aesthetic through strategic appliance color selection.

Consider the 3 Main Parts of Your Kitchen

When picking appliance colors, it’s important to think about the three main components of your kitchen design:

Cabinets

Your cabinetry color will serve as an anchor point for your entire kitchen scheme. Popular cabinet colors include white, gray, espresso, and stained wooden finishes. Consider how potential appliance colors will coordinate with your cabinets. Contrasting shades can make the appliances stand out, while complementary tones will blend in seamlessly.

Countertops

Granite, marble, quartz, butcher block – your countertop material brings another color dimension into the kitchen. Cool-toned countertops tend to pair well with stainless steel, while warm wood counters complement black appliances. Make sure your appliance choice enhances your countertop rather than clashing with it.

Backsplash

The backsplash introduces pops of color, texture, and pattern. From neutral subway tile to bold glass mosaics, your backsplash design will also influence your appliance color selection. Look for tones incorporated in your backsplash to pull the whole look together cohesively.

Popular Kitchen Appliance Color Trends

Before deciding on a color, it’s helpful to know what’s trending in kitchen appliance hues. Here are some of today’s most popular options:

Matte Black

Matte black appliances immediately create a contemporary, sophisticated look. This versatile color complements both light and dark cabinetry beautifully. Black stainless steel delivers a more muted alternative to the traditional stainless finish.

Vibrant Hues

Unique colors like cobalt blue, emerald green and fire engine red appliances make a serious style statement. These eye-catching shades work best against a neutral cabinet/countertop backdrop. They have a retro, vintage feel.

Stainless Steel

A classic that continues to dominate the market, stainless steel appliances have a timeless, universal aesthetic. This versatile neutral tone pairs well with any cabinetry and countertops. Stainless offers a clean, modern look.

White & Neutrals

White appliances keep things light and airy, while tan, gray, and other neutrals blend in for a subtle, coordinated look. These muted shades are ideal for small kitchens or minimalist designs. They complement both dark and light color schemes.

Mixed Metals

Mixing appliance finishes like stainless steel, matte black, and brushed bronze can create visual interest. Just adhere to the 60-30-10 rule for pulling off this eclectic but balanced look.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Colors

Now let’s explore some key considerations that will help guide your appliance color selection:

Kitchen Size

Pay attention to the dimensions of your kitchen. A smaller space will feel most open and airy with light, bright appliance colors like white or stainless steel. Bold colors can overwhelm a tiny kitchen, but make more of an impact in large, expansive rooms.

Natural Lighting

The amount of natural light your kitchen receives should also inform your appliance colors. Darker hues like black or navy blue tend to work best in brightly-lit rooms. Appliances in pale shades keep a dim kitchen feeling more open, while vibrant colors can help illuminate a dark space.

Kitchen Style

Your kitchen’s overall aesthetic will provide direction for appliance color choices. For contemporary designs, matte finishes in black, gray or white are fitting. In a cottage kitchen, vintage-style appliances in retro hues feel cohesive. Stainless steel offers a versatile, universal look perfect for any kitchen style.

Personal Preference

At the end of the day, choose appliance colors that make you happy! You’ll be looking at these major appliances every day, so pick hues that correspond with your personal taste. While trends come and go, pick what will give you joy.

How to Coordinate Appliance Colors

When it comes to selecting your appliance color palette, you’ll want to think about how to create a coordinated, harmonious look. Here are some tips for thoughtfully combining colors:

Tie in Cabinetry Color

Choose appliance colors that complement your cabinetry for a united aesthetic. For example, white cabinets could pair well with a white fridge, stove and dishwasher. Stainless steel pops nicely against darker espresso cabinetry.

Repeat Backsplash Hues

Incorporate any strong colors or patterns from your backsplash into your appliances. If your backsplash contains shades of blue glass tile, opt for navy appliances that pull it all together.

Contrast with Countertops

Since countertops take up a lot of visual space, use contrast to differentiate them from appliances. Dark quartz counters look best with light stainless, white or beige appliances, and vice versa.

Mix Finishes Mindfully

Be strategic when combining finishes like stainless steel, black, white and bold colors. Limit yourself to 2-3 complementary colors/finishes for best results.

Choose Retro Hues Together

If opting for a retro-style palette of turquoise, cherry red and butter yellow appliances, commit fully to the theme by selecting coordinating colors together.

Helpful Tips for Picking Appliance Colors

Follow these handy tips for selecting the optimal appliance color scheme:

• If your cabinetry finish is highly unique, opt for neutral stainless, black or white appliances that won’t compete.
• Light-colored appliances open up smaller kitchens, while dark shades provide contrast in large, airy rooms.
• Stick to 1-2 colors max for a clean, uniform look. More than that can feel busy or disjointed.
• Add pops of color with small countertop or portable appliances like your coffeemaker, toaster or stand mixer. Leave larger pieces neutral.
• Don’t be afraid to have some fun! Your appliances don’t have to match exactly – incorporating some whimsical personality can add charm.

How Color Impacts Maintenance and Cleaning

When comparing different appliance colors, factor in practical considerations like how easy they’ll be to clean and maintain:

• Stainless steel shows fingerprints but wipes clean easily. New fingerprint-resistant stainless options help minimize smudges.
• Matte finishes like black and white hide fingerprints well, but some colors like red or blue can stain more easily.
• Smooth, glossy finishes are most resistant to scratches, dents and stains. Brushed, textured metals show wear more over time.
• If you anticipate your appliances getting heavy use, opt for durable, metal finishes over painted colors which can chip or fade.
• If your heart is set on a bold color, choose appliances that either come with that hue or can be easily customized later with replaceable, affordable panels.

Recommended Appliance Color Combos

Here are some stylish, coordinated color combinations for your kitchen appliances:

White Cabinets + White Appliances

An all-white kitchen exudes a light, airy elegance. The crisp, bright pairing of white cabinetry and appliances feels clean and fresh. Add pops of color with accessories or an accent wall.

Espresso Cabinets + Stainless Appliances

The dynamic combo of dark espresso cabinetry and sleek stainless appliances brings modern contrast to the kitchen. Warm wood tones complement the cool steel beautifully.

Gray Cabinets + Matte Black Appliances

Gray kitchen cabinets allow matte black appliances to take center stage. The two neutrals work in harmonious tandem to create a soothing, sophisticated vibe.

Navy Cabinets + Brushed Brass Appliances

Make a dramatic style statement by pairing rich navy blue cabinetry with the opulent finish of brushed brass appliances. The mood is bold and contemporary.

White Cabinets + Vintage Appliances

All-white cabinets provide the perfect blank canvas for playful vintage appliances in cheerful pastel shades like mint green, pale yellow or robin’s egg blue.

Conclusion

Selecting the ideal appliance colors for your kitchen requires carefully considering the existing elements like cabinetry, countertops and backsplash as well as your own personal taste. By thinking about color combinations, the kitchen dimensions, lighting and style as well as practical factors like maintenance, you can confidently create a cohesive, aesthetically pleasing appliance color scheme. Feel empowered to have fun with bold hues or take the classic route with versatile stainless steel and neutral shades. Appliance finishes provide the perfect way to infuse your own unique personality into the heart of your home.

FAQs About Picking Appliance Colors for Your Kitchen

What are the most popular appliance colors right now?

Some of today’s hottest kitchen appliance color trends include stainless steel, matte black, white, mixed metals and bold pops of color like navy blue, emerald green or fire engine red. Stainless steel remains the most widely used finish.

What color appliances go with white cabinets?

White cabinets give you flexibility to choose appliances in lighter shades like white for an airy, seamless look or stainless steel for striking contrast. You can also opt for bolder colors like black for modern edge or pinks/blues for retro flair.

Should I match my appliances to my cabinets?

It’s not mandatory, but coordinating cabinet and appliance colors creates a unified, harmonious look. Contrasting shades can make appliances stand out more if that’s your goal. Just ensure colors complement rather than clashing.

What appliance finishes match with granite countertops?

Stainless steel, matte black or white appliances all pair beautifully with popular granite countertops in gray, brown and beige tones. Avoid bold appliance colors that may compete with the countertops.

Can I mix stainless and black appliances?

Yes, mixing stainless steel and black appliances can create stylish contrast. Try a stainless fridge with black oven/dishwasher or black stove with stainless microwave/fridge. Stick to the 60-30-10 distribution rule.

Should appliances match if visible from other rooms?

If your kitchen is open to living/dining rooms, consider whether you want appliances to fade into the backdrop or make a bold style statement. Matching provides unity, while INTENTIONAL mismatched colors add eclectic flair.

How do I choose appliance finishes for a small kitchen?

In a smaller kitchen, limit your appliance finish selection to 1-2 complementary colors for a streamlined look. Light or reflective finishes like stainless, white or glass doors will make the space feel more open.

What appliance colors work best in a dark kitchen?

White, stainless steel or glass-fronted appliances reflect light and keep a dark kitchen feeling open and airy. Vibrant colors like fire engine red also brighten a dim kitchen while making a bold style statement.

What appliance colors match quartz countertops?

Popular neutral quartz counters in creamy whites, grays and beiges pair nicely with matching white/beige appliances or contrasting stainless, black or navy. Bold quartz patterns may call for simple stainless appliances.

How to Pick the Color of Your Kitchen Appliances

Think About the Purpose for Each Appliance When Choosing Colors

When selecting colors for your kitchen appliances, consider the purpose and functionality of each appliance and how color impacts that:

Refrigerators

Focus on stain-resistance and easy cleaning for fridges, since they handle lots of food spills. White and stainless steel are ideal. Avoid black, which shows fingerprints. You open fridges most, so opt for a neutral/basic color.

Ranges

Prioritize durability on stoves which endure high heat. Stainless steel, enameled cast iron or porcelain hold up best. Black or white look stylish, but require gentle care. Add a pop of color with a retro SMEG range.

Dishwashers

Since dishwashers stay closed most of the time, you can use bolder colors like red or blue without durability concerns. Keep stainless and white interiors for visibility while washing.

Microwaves

Microwaves are opened frequently but used briefly. Darker finishes hide fingerprints between cleanings. Since microwaves are smaller appliances, they present a great opportunity to incorporate pops of color.

Ask Yourself These Questions When Narrowing Down Colors

Consider the following to guide your decision-making process:

• Do I prefer light or dark finishes overall?
• How will the appliances be used daily? What’s most practical?
• Which existing kitchen elements do I most want the appliances to complement?
• Are there any colors I want to specifically avoid or gravitate toward?
• How important is resistant to smudges and fingerprints? Easy cleaning?
• What’s my style – traditional, contemporary, eclectic? Which colors suit it best?
• Do I prefer appliances that blend in or make a statement?
• How will my color choice impact resale value if I sell my home?

Don’t Neglect the Interior of Appliances

Focusing solely on exterior colors overlooks opportunities for creativity inside appliances:

• Black interiors of ovens and dishwashers hide grime between cleanings
• White dishwasher/fridge interiors optimize visibility
• Glass oven doors showcase racks in signature colors like Le Creuset orange
• Colored oven light bulbs provide pops of color when cooking
• Patterned refrigerator shelves lined with colorful liners keep contents organized

Remember You Can Always Change Appliance Colors

If your style evolves or you tire of your existing appliance hues, know that many color options are reversible:

• Appliances like SMEG fridges come with replaceable panels in a rainbow of colors. Switch it up easily down the road!
• Removable skins from companies like Appliances Connection adhere to update appliances in hundreds of colors and patterns.
• Peel-and-stick films like Contact Paper transform appliance exteriors temporarily, without commitment.
• Spray paint offers a budget-friendly way to freshen up the color of appliances like dishwashers. Use specialty paint formulated for metal surfaces.

So don’t stress your decision too much – if you change your mind later, updating appliance colors is totally doable!

Key Takeaways for Successfully Picking Appliance Colors

• Coordinate with existing kitchen elements like cabinetry, counters and backsplash
• Consider kitchen size, lighting and overall style when selecting colors
• Choose finishes that are durable, fingerprint-resistant and easy to clean
• Incorporate pops of color with small countertop or portable appliances
• Mix metals, paint colors and materials intentionally for a cohesive look
• Factor in how heavily each appliance will be used on a daily basis
• Remember you can always change the color later if needed with panels, skins or paint

Conclusion

Picking the perfect appliance colors for your kitchen requires balancing practical factors like size, lighting and maintenance with your own personal taste. By considering the entirety of your current kitchen design and thinking about how you use your appliances daily, you can confidently create a color scheme with the stylish, coordinated look you love. Whether you prefer classic stainless steel, eye-catching bold hues or an eclectic mix, let your appliances reflect your unique personality. The colors you choose will bring you joy each time you cook a meal or host friends and family. With so many possibilities available today, you can infuse function and aesthetics to design a kitchen that dazzles from the inside out.