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 available, it can be overwhelming to decide which colors will work best. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of selecting the ideal appliance colors to match your kitchen’s aesthetic.
Determine Your Kitchen’s Style
The first step is identifying the overall style of your kitchen. Is your kitchen traditionally elegant or contemporary and sleek? Do you want a homey farmhouse vibe or prefer an urban industrial look?
Once you’ve narrowed down the style, it will be easier to choose coordinating appliance colors. Here are some popular kitchen design styles and colors that typically complement them:
Traditional Kitchen
- White, bisque or stainless steel appliances
- Black, navy or wood tones for accents
Contemporary Kitchen
- Stainless steel, black or gray appliances
- Pops of bright accent colors like red or orange
Farmhouse Kitchen
- White, off-white or matte black appliances
- Vintage-looking appliances like turquoise or yellow
Industrial Kitchen
- Stainless steel or matte black appliances
- Exposed ductwork and metallic accents
Consider the Cabinets and Countertops
You’ll want your appliances to blend in with or complement your existing cabinetry and countertops.
Cabinet colors like white, gray, black or wood tones are versatile and pair well with most appliance colors. Bold cabinet colors like navy or green look best with stainless, black or white appliances.
Countertop materials like granite, quartz and laminate can come in nearly any hue. Look for appliance finishes that tie into the countertop coloring. For example, white cabinets with gray quartz countertops could pair nicely with glossy white or slate gray appliances.
Choose Finishes Wisely
Appliance finishes have varying aesthetic qualities to consider:
- Stainless steel has a modern, sleek look that matches most styles. Fingerprints can be an issue.
- White (or bisque, off-white, etc.) is classic and clean looking but requires more careful cleaning.
- Black (or slate, charcoal) is bold and contemporary but shows smudges. Matte finishes hide fingerprints better.
- Colorful finishes (red, blue, orange, etc.) make a cheerful statement. Consider potential clashes with wall colors.
- Wood paneling offers a rustic, vintage vibe. Works well in farmhouse or traditional spaces.
- Glass displays elegant transparency and allows LED interior lighting to shine through.
Create Cohesion Across Appliances
For a streamlined look, match major appliance finishes like:
- Refrigerator and dishwasher
- Range/oven and microwave
- Multiple fridges or freezers
Don’t worry about absolute uniformity across small countertop appliances like the toaster, blender or coffee maker. Just aim for general coordination.
Consider How Much Color to Use
Using different colors across appliances can look fun and eclectic. But too many competing hues may create a cluttered, disjointed appearance.
Some guidelines for striking the right balance:
- Match the main appliances like fridge, oven, dishwasher. Use small pops of color for variety.
- Limit colorful appliances to one or two statement pieces. Keep others neutral.
- Vary shades of one color family (like shades of blue) rather than totally different colors.
See Appliance Colors in Your Space
It’s hard to envision how appliance colors will look in your actual kitchen. Here are some tips:
- Get appliance samples from retailers. See real-life colors and finishes.
- Use digital visualization apps to see appliances in a photo of your kitchen.
- Visit showrooms and model homes to compare options side-by-side.
- Purchase one small appliance in the color you’re considering before committing to larger pieces.
Prioritize Durability
No matter how great the color, appliance finishes need to stand up to daily use without chipping, peeling or showing excessive dirt and grime. Consider these durability factors:
- Stainless steel and enamel finishes are very durable.
- Glossy finishes resist scratching and staining better than matte.
- Darker colors can conceal smudges and wear better over time.
- Smooth or textured finishes are easier to keep clean than porous ones.
Ask Yourself Key Questions
Before making final appliance color decisions, ask yourself:
- Do the colors complement my kitchen style and existing elements?
- Are the finishes durable enough for high-traffic areas?
- Do I want my appliances to blend in or make a statement?
- Will I still enjoy the colors years down the road?
By carefully considering your kitchen’s current design, goals and lifestyle, you’re sure to select appliance colors you’ll absolutely love. With the right selections, your kitchen will have a pulled-together, visually appealing look you’ll enjoy for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Picking Appliance Colors
How do I match new appliances to my existing kitchen?
Take cues from your current cabinetry, countertops, flooring and wall colors. Cool-toned grays and blues tend to pair well with stainless steel. Warm wood cabinetry can complement black or white appliances. Reddish granite or terra cotta floors could match a bold red fridge.
Should my small appliances match my larger ones?
It’s fine to mix and match small appliances like blenders, toasters and mixers. Just keep them in the same color family. For example, red appliances would coordinate well with cranberry or maroon small appliances.
What appliance colors work for resale?
Stainless steel, white and black are classic, neutral choices that appeal to most homebuyers. Pops of color on one statement appliance can be fun if done tastefully. Avoid overly personalized or trendy colors.
How do I clean colorful appliances?
Use mild dish soap and water for most surfaces. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads. For stainless steel, clean gently with grain and use stainless steel spray or wipes. Check manufacturer guidelines for specialized care instructions.
Should I get matching appliance suites?
Matching suites create a streamlined, built-in look. However, open-concept kitchens show more of the appliances, so non-matching can provide needed variety. Mixing stainless and white is a popular combination.
Conclusion
Selecting the ideal colors and finishes for your kitchen appliances is a fun way to put your unique stamp on your space. Consider how new appliances can integrate into your existing decor and enhance the kitchen’s overall style. Anticipate how various colors and materials will wear over years of use. And don’t be afraid to use appliances to make a bold style statement! With some thoughtful planning upfront, you can pick appliance colors you’ll absolutely love.