The 1970s brought a colorful revolution to kitchen decor with shades like Avocado, Harvest Gold, Coppertone, and Poppy Red. Then, the decades that followed favored white, black, and stainless steel. These days, modern appliances are returning to a blend of style and functionality, but in a very contemporary way. Make no mistake: these aren’t your Grandma’s appliances!
To learn more about what’s trending, we contacted design expert Kelly DuByne, CfYH, owner of Distinctive Interior Designs, to discuss the trends emerging in new kitchen appliances that can really elevate your décor.
As a professional, how do you approach kitchen design differently than a homeowner might?
Kelly: The process starts by asking the client a lot of questions. We find out about their needs and wants. Things like the layout, the aesthetics they are looking for,
and what they have in mind for cabinets and appliances since those are the workhorses of the kitchen! Sometimes, homeowners can get focused on one part of kitchen design, so we help guide clients, so they see the big picture without being overwhelmed.
What trends do you see in kitchen appliances?
Kelly: For appliances, the trends are color, induction, and luxury. Just last month at the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s Kitchen & Bath Industry Show in Las Vegas, we saw a widespread return of bold colors and vibrant hues in appliances like coral, apple red, basil, tangerine, lemon, and even lavender! Induction is everywhere for ranges and cooktops. By design, it offers a modern look, is easy to clean, and uses less heat with its electromagnetic energy. We also see ranges and ovens with multiple cooking options. For example, now you can air fry, convection bake, convection roast, steam bake, and steam roast. There is also a shift toward luxury appliances. Clients are investing more in their appliances and spending more of their renovation budget on higher-end appliances, like Wolf or Monogram, that they’ll use daily and enjoy long-term.
As a Certified Color Expert, how do you approach using colors in kitchen appliances to evoke specific moods or enhance the overall ambiance of the kitchen?
Kelly: Color has an impact! I love bringing color into a kitchen, especially through appliance options. It’s the red knob on the Wolfe range or the flexibility of introducing bold colors to your refrigerator panels with the LG Studio 21.0 Cu. Ft. MoodUP™ French Door Refrigerator with Color-Changing Panels. Just launch the ThinQ™ app and choose from over 190,000 color combinations and seasonal presets. Setting the mood will be a snap! Cobalt blue can be associated with strength, and dependability, and it’s traditional, professional, and serene. Apple red can be associated with increased appetite, excitement, danger, speeds up the perception of time, and can increase the heart rate. Don’t be afraid of color in your kitchen; it just adds fun and personality!
What innovative technological integrations in kitchen appliances do you see enhancing a kitchen’s functionality and style?
Kelly: Smart appliances are game-changers. Wireless connectivity, smartphone apps, voice control, and AI sensors allow you to customize settings based on your needs and how they can work best for you. Here are a few examples of intelligent innovation popping up in the kitchen. Whirlpool offers a heavy-duty dishwasher with built-in soil sensors. The Frigidaire Gallery induction range can be set to be turned off on its own. Built-in Wi-Fi, as seen in GE refrigerators and others, can give alerts, notifications, and access to settings. More communication hubs are built into refrigerators now, so everyone can see the soccer schedule, stream music, and stay connected. For the laundry room, washers and dryers from GE have intelligent dispensing systems and power steam settings that can be programmed via Wi-Fi.
What strategies can homeowners use to achieve a luxury look with their kitchen appliances, so they won’t quickly look dated?
Kelly: There are a few ways to get the look you want that you’ll be happy with in the long run. First, consider using brands that offer luxury for less, such as such as Bosch, Cafe from GE, or Frigidaire Professional. These brands can help achieve a lasting luxury look, from the finishes and streamlined looks to the cooking options. Another way to get a luxury look is to swap out for custom appliance handles and not just for panel-ready appliances. Changing the knobs and pulls on all your appliances (even the dishwasher and range knobs) can change the look of the appliance and can easily integrate it into a more custom kitchen. Consider using your range as a focal point. Invest more for a range that could take center stage in your kitchen, and choose a bold color to achieve the luxury look through appliances.
Can you share a go-to kitchen appliance brand that you think exemplifies the perfect blend of cutting-edge functionality and timeless design?
Kelly: Cafe Appliances; I love this brand for the commercial-style look of the ranges, as well as the color and finish choices available. Customized hardware selections enable clients to make it theirs and to stand out or blend into the rest of the kitchen. Finish choices for appliance handles and knobs include brushed stainless, brushed bronze, brushed black, brushed copper, brushed brass, and flat black.
What other appliances or features have both functionality and design impact?
Kelly: Appliance drawers are a great mix of form and function. Refrigerators with drawers add storage, organization, and convenience. Microwave drawers are wonderful for islands to stay out of sight and off the counter. Wine columns can be placed between, next to, or on either end of a fridge to provide design and protection from light, temperature, and humidity variations.
What kitchen design trends do you see on the decline or out of fashion?
Kelly: Over-the-range microwaves, all-white kitchens, and matching metals are definitely less popular than in recent years. In our remodels, clients want microwaves in easier-to-reach places but less visible, such as below the counter, tucked in an island, or even relocated to the pantry. While white kitchens are timeless, we’re finding clients are opting for the natural look of wood cabinets, everything from the clean lines of white rift oak to the straight grain of walnut. These offer warm tones and can occasionally feature knots or curves. Clients are also switching things up and mixing metals for faucets, hardware, and lighting fixtures. This gives a more custom feel and adds interest and warmth rather than the predictability of matching everything.
Whether you’re remodeling or planning a new construction home, the kitchen is the perfect place to incorporate personality, functionality, and a touch of style. Collaborating with an expert can make the project go smoothly, and you’re more likely to be satisfied with the result. Stop by any Judd & Black location to speak with an Appliance Expert. We’re locally owned and have showrooms conveniently located in Bellingham, Mount Vernon, Marysville, Everett, and Lynnwood. We’re here to help!