When remodeling a kitchen or buying new appliances, one of the most exciting parts is choosing the color. Appliance colors can completely transform the look and feel of a room. While white and black remain popular options, manufacturers are releasing more and more appliances in bold, vibrant hues. From retro pastels to saturated brights, there are lots of new color trends for appliances in 2023.
Current Color Trends
Here are some of the most popular new color choices for appliances:
Matte Black
Matte black finishes have been growing in popularity over the past few years. This rich, velvety black adds drama and makes appliances really stand out. Matte black works especially well in contemporary kitchens, but also pairs nicely with natural wood cabinetry for a more eclectic look. Major brands like Samsung, GE, and Whirlpool all offer matte black as an option now.
Navy Blue
Navy is having a moment in home décor and appliances are partaking too. This bold blue hue adds a punch of color without being overwhelming. Navy plays well with other colors as an accent and brings a nautical vibe to coastal or cottage kitchens. Brands like Big Chill, Verona, and Bertazzoni have released new navy blue ranges and refrigerators.
Brushed Stainless Steel
While regular stainless steel remains a top seller, brushed stainless is on the rise. The softly brushed finish helps hide fingerprints and water spots better than a shiny stainless surface. Brushed stainless steel provides a modern, elegant look. Companies like LG, Frigidaire, and KitchenAid offer brushed stainless options for multiple appliances.
Earth Tones
Warm neutral shades like almond, biscuit, stone, and rust have grown popular for a more organic, nature-inspired look. These earthy colors pair nicely with natural finishes like wood or quartz. Brands like Café and Bosch have latched onto the earth tone trend, releasing new fridges and dishwashers in these cozy, natural hues.
Rose Gold
Rose gold continues its shine as a trendy color choice for appliances. The soft, pinkish hue gives a glamorous, feminine feel to kitchens. Rose gold works nicely as an accent on smaller appliances like microwaves, kettles, and stand mixers. Companies like KitchenAid, Smeg, and DeLonghi have introduced rose gold models.
Retro-Inspired Appliance Colors
In addition to contemporary color trends, retro appliance hues are also making a comeback. Pastel colors and turquoise play into the renewed interest in midcentury modern and vintage design. Here are some of the most popular throwback appliance color choices right now:
Mint Green
Mint green evokes 1950s kitchens and diners. This fresh, crisp pastel shade brings a playful, retro vibe. Brands like Big Chill and Smeg offer mint green refrigerators, ranges, and dishwashers. Mint green adds a fun pop of color without overwhelming small kitchen spaces.
Butter Yellow
Another nostalgic 1950s shade, creamy butter yellow conjures images of Formica and linoleum. The warm golden tone energizes kitchens with vintage charm. Companies like La Cornue have ranges available in this sunny color. Butter yellow pairs nicely with white or light wood cabinetry.
Robin’s Egg Blue
Robin’s egg blue is a distinctive retro pastel shade reminiscent of vintage appliances. The light turquoise color is bold without being too overpowering. Brands like Big Chill and Smeg have releases refrigerators and ovens in this playful blue that really stands out.
Turquoise
Bolder and brighter than robin’s egg blue, turquoise is another vintage-inspired appliance choice. The striking blue-green shade was popular in the 1960s and evokes midcentury mod style. Brands like La Cornue and BlueStar offer turquoise ranges bringing groovy retro flair.
Coral
Bold coral and tangerine hues were popular appliance colors in the 1960s and 70s. And now the vibrant orangey-red tone is back in a big way. The exciting color energizes kitchens with fun retro spirit. Brands like DeLonghi and Kenmore offer stand mixers and slow cookers in coral.
New Metallic and Glass Appliance Finishes
Beyond color, new metallic, glass, and crystalline appliance finishes are also on trend. These options add shine and texture for visual appeal. Here are some of the most popular:
Brass and Copper
Brass and copper details have been hot in home décor lately. So it makes sense that appliance brands are releasing models featuring these glamorous metallic finishes. The warm, shiny tones add luxury and elegance to kitchens. Brands like La Cornue, BlueStar, and Festivo offer brass and copper range accents and hardware.
Champagne Gold
Warm champagne gold is replacing some traditional stainless and black appliances for upscale flair. The subtle metallic shine is rich but refined. High-end brands like Gaggenau and Monogram have introduced champagne gold options for select ovens, ventilation hoods, dishwashers, and fridges.
Graphite Glass
Smokey graphite glass is an emerging trend for appliances that want to make a contemporary statement. The dark grayish finish has a hazy, ethereal quality. Brands like Thermador and JennAir have used graphite glass on oven doors and fridge panels for modern appeal.
Crystal Glass
Crystal glass finishes are also having a moment in luxury kitchen design. The multifaceted glass surface refracts light for a glittering effect. Crystal glass makes appliances jewel-like showpieces. Gaggenau uses volcanic lava crystals on oven doors for stunning visual impact.
Color Considerations When Choosing Appliances
With so many color possibilities now available, selecting the perfect appliance hues for your kitchen requires some consideration:
Coordinate With Cabinets and Decor
Choose appliance colors that complement your cabinetry and overall kitchen decor for visual harmony. Contrasting hues can make appliances stand out as bold focal points. But matching colors for a unified look has appeal too.
Finish Selection Matters
The type of finish (matte, gloss, metallic, glass, etc.) impacts how color looks. A vibrant hue like red will seem bold and dramatic in a shiny finish or muted in a matte finish.
Consider Size and Placement
Bigger appliances or focal areas like a pro range allow bolder color choices. Smaller appliances or ones concealed within cabinetry can be more subtly colorful.
Think About Longevity
While trends come and go, some classic neutral appliance colors have better longevity than bold trendy hues. But replaceable panels and hardware allow some wiggle room.
Mix and Match Colors
Don’t be afraid to mix appliance colors and finishes. Coordinating different looks can add nice contrast. Just be mindful of clashing.
New Color Innovations
In addition to an ever-expanding palette of color choices, some brands are innovating with new technology that allows customizable color:
Interchangeable Wraps and Panels
Removable wraps and panels on appliances like refrigerators and dishwashers allow easy color changes down the road. Brands like LG, Samsung, and Bosch offer interchangeable options.
Custom Color Matches
Some high-end brands like Viking, La Cornue, and Kalamazoo provide custom color matches to perfectly coordinate with cabinets or décor. The personalized color service ensures a seamless look.
Multicolored Models
Dual-toned appliance models from brands like Bertazzoni allow mixing two harmonious hues like navy blue and stainless steel. Multicolored appliances provide more creative possibilities.
Smart Glass Technology
New smart glass technology from brands like LG and Samsung lets users electronically shift glass panels between different colors and finishes with the touch of a button. It allows easy color customization.
Choosing Appliance Colors by Kitchen Style
Certain appliance colors and finishes work best for particular kitchen aesthetics. Here are recommended palettes for popular kitchen design styles:
Contemporary Kitchens
For sleek contemporary kitchens, matte black, brushed stainless, champagne, and graphite glass finishes have modern appeal. Pops of metallic like copper or bold solid colors (red, navy, green) can add nice contrast.
Transitional Kitchens
Transitional kitchens blending traditional and contemporary elements look great with versatile stainless steel, classic white and black, warm almond and bisque, or muted two-tone combinations.
Traditional Kitchens
In traditional kitchens, classic white, black, and stainless finishes fit right in. Almond and bisque colors also complement traditional style. Add visual interest with vintage-inspired accents in turquoise, mint green, butter yellow or coral.
Farmhouse Kitchens
For farmhouse kitchens, classic white and black or matte charcoal appliances paired with wood finishes look wonderful. Pops of warm vintage colors like butter yellow, robin’s egg blue, and mint green add playful flair.
Industrial Kitchens
Industrial kitchen designs call for utilitarian stainless steel, matte black, or slate finishes. Enameled colors like glossy red or orange provide an appealing color contrast.
Top Appliance Brands for Color
While most major brands now offer at least some color options, certain companies really specialize in producing colorful appliances:
Big Chill
Big Chill focuses on retro-inspired appliances in whimsical colors like Jadeite green, pink lemonade, orange, robin’s egg blue, and red. Their fridges and ranges make bold statements.
La Cornue
France’s luxury range maker La Cornue offers standard colors plus 213 custom hues. Their enameled Château Series ranges are available in any RAL color imaginable.
Smeg
Italian brand Smeg is known for their sculptural, 50s-style appliances in fun colors like pastel blue, bright orange and bubblegum pink. Their stand mixers and refrigerators show off color.
BlueStar
BlueStar specializes in restaurant-grade pro ranges available in 200+ colors from neutrals to dazzling hues like apple green, tangerine, and cobalt blue. Vibrant color is their signature.
Bertazzoni
Bertazzoni offers Italian-made ranges, fridges, and dishwashers in inspired color combinations. Dual-tone appliances in metallic/glass finishes add flair.
Choosing Color for Different Appliances
Certain appliances lend themselves especially well to expressive color. Here are some top examples:
Ranges
Professional-style ranges are a great spot to use bold, saturated hues and metallic finishes. Matte black, navy, and burgundy work beautifully. Vintage options from La Cornue and BlueStar really showcase color.
Refrigerators
Since fridges dominate kitchen design, vibrant colors make a statement. Options from Smeg and Big Chill allow you to customize panels, handles and finishes for visual pop.
Microwaves
Smaller appliances like microwaves and toasters provide nice spots to add festive retro colors. Mint green, baby blue, bright red, and glossy orange inject fun.
Stand Mixers
Stand mixers from companies like KitchenAid, Smeg, and DeLonghi come in colors ranging from pearly white to cinnamon, pink, cobalt, and chrome for accessorizing flair.
Dishwashers
Panel-ready dishwashers with interchangeable fronts allow easy customization in colors coordinated with cabinetry finishes for seamless style.
Conclusion
The days of appliances only coming in neutral white, black, and stainless steel are long gone. Manufacturers now offer a rainbow of colors and finishes to match any style. From retro pastels to modern metallics, vibrant solids to cool glass tones, there are so many options for appliance colors. Choosing colors attuned to your personal taste and kitchen design can transform the whole look of a space. While trends come and go, thoughtfully selected appliances in colors you adore will keep your kitchen both stylish and functional for years to come.