The Rise of Colorful Appliances
It feels like stainless steel has been the go-to appliance finish for years, replacing basic black and white and standard 70s colors like Harvest Gold and Avocado Green before that. But in recent times, brands like Smeg and Big Chill have landed on the market, offering a fresh perspective outside of the norm. While those companies might be mostly known for retro-inspired appliances, they also have contemporary lines that will perk up your kitchen without taking it back decades if that’s what you prefer.
As a self-proclaimed design enthusiast, I’ve always been drawn to colorful kitchen appliances. There’s just something so joyful and personality-packed about them, don’t you think? I remember the first time I laid eyes on Delonghi’s kMix collection – the sleek, retro design, the touches of stainless steel, and those bright, cheery colors had me instantly smitten. I wanted them all, but ultimately settled on the vibrant orange toaster. Making toast has never been so much fun!
Embracing the Color Trend
Traditionally, backsplashes, cabinetry, and walls have been the major players when it comes to adding color and personality to a kitchen. But now, colorful appliances are coming in hot. With new hues, new styles, and a new place in kitchen design, today’s fridges, dishwashers, and ovens are nothing like the colored appliances of the 1970s (unless, of course, you want them to be).
According to Better Homes & Gardens, three factors are converging to bring more color to large kitchen appliances: a demand for personalization, an increase in color appliances on the market, and a shift to more color in the kitchen generally. Homeowners are looking for ways to make their living spaces truly their own, and colorful appliances are the perfect way to inject some personal style into the heart of the home.
Choosing the Right Hues
So, which shades are currently in style? Well, it’s a mix of timeless classics and newer, fresher hues. According to industry experts, lighter colors are especially hot right now, with white glass panels, beiges, pinks, and light blues being popular choices for refrigerators. On the darker side, navy is also making a big splash, with the color being offered across appliance suites from brands like Samsung and SMEG.
Personally, I’m drawn to the more vibrant end of the spectrum. When I was perusing Design Milk’s roundup of colorful appliances, the Scarlet red Marvel refrigerator and the Emerald green Hallman range really caught my eye. And who could resist the cheerful personality of a big, bold orange Smeg range? It’s like having a work of art right in your cooking space.
| Appliance Color | Symbolic Meaning | Design Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Pink | Positivity, warmth, romance | Soft, dreamy, blends masculine and feminine elements |
| Red | Passion, energy, appetite stimulation | Vibrant, alluring, can energize a space |
| Orange | Inspiration, happiness, invigoration | Warm, uplifting, pairs well with complementary hues |
| Yellow | Cheer, warmth, summer vibes | Bright, cozy, transitions well through the seasons |
| Blue | Tranquility, dependability, trust | Calming, peaceful, complements a wide range of colors |
| Green | Vitality, growth, prosperity | Balanced, welcoming, grounds a space |
| Purple | Sophistication, romance, serenity | Regal, contrasting, adds personality |
Making It Work in Your Kitchen
So, you’ve fallen for a vibrant, style-forward appliance, but you’re not sure how to make it work in your space. Well, fear not, my design-savvy friend! There are plenty of ways to incorporate colorful appliances into your kitchen, no matter your existing aesthetic.
One timeless approach is to use the color to draw attention to a specific area of the kitchen, as designer Anne-Marie Brunet of Sheridan Interiors Inc. suggests. In a monochromatic kitchen, a boldly hued range or refrigerator can become the instantly recognizable focal point, bringing life and personality to the room.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more tailored look, colorful appliances can actually help you achieve that seamless, blended aesthetic. Some brands, like La Cornue, offer coordinating cabinetry so your eye-catching appliances don’t stand out like a sore thumb. Or, you can take a DIY approach and match the appliance color to your walls or cabinets with a custom paint job.
No matter which route you choose, the key is to consider the long-term. As Brunet advises, “Consider the lifespan of that appliance and select the appropriate color that relates to their personality and to their surrounding furnishings (if not changing these).” After all, you don’t want to be stuck with a trendy appliance that doesn’t quite fit your home’s aesthetic down the line.
Bringing it All Together
Of course, the beauty of colorful appliances is that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. The joy of this trend is in the personalization, so don’t be afraid to let your unique style shine through. If you’re a maximalist at heart, go ahead and mix and match those vibrant hues to your heart’s content. But if you prefer a more cohesive look, take cues from the rest of your kitchen and home decor to create a seamless, coordinated aesthetic.
And remember, as designer Paul McCormack of SMEG USA reminds us, “If someone is looking to bring in colorful appliances, first off they should do what brings them joy because colorful appliances will certainly bring joy.” So, whether you opt for a pastel pink fridge or a bold, retro-inspired range, let your personality shine through and transform your kitchen into a space that truly reflects your unique style.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to peruse the Big Chill color swatches for my next colorful appliance investment. After all, a girl can never have too much joy in her kitchen, right? Happy cooking, my friends!
