There has been a recent resurgence of interest in colored appliances, moving away from the standard white and stainless steel options that have dominated appliance design for the past few decades. Vibrant hues like cobalt blue, bold red and bright yellow are making their way back into kitchens and laundry rooms, adding a fun pop of color and retro flair. This trend raises the question – are colored appliances truly coming back in style, or is this just a passing fad?
The History of Colored Appliances
Up until the 1960s, most major appliances were only available in neutral tones like white, beige or gray. However, the post-war economic boom allowed more consumers to remodel their homes and embrace stylistic trends. This led to the popularization of colored appliances in bright, glossy finishes. Major brands like General Electric, Frigidaire, O’Keefe & Merritt, Chambers and Tappan rolled out refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers and other appliances in a wide spectrum of colors ranging from turquoise to coral pink.
These vibrant appliances were a popular way to add an excited splash of color and personality to kitchens during the atomic era. By the 1970s, however, the energy crisis and economic recession caused consumers to favor more subdued, efficient appliances. The avocado green and harvest gold shades trendy in the 1960s fell out of fashion. By the 80s and 90s, appliance colors were largely limited to almond, bisque and basic white. Stainless steel rose to dominance in the 1990s and 2000s for its sleek, modern look.
The Resurgence of Retro Style
In recent years, mid-century modern design has made a major comeback. This renewed interest in atomic age style has sparked a wave of nostalgia for the colorful appliances of the 1950s and 60s. After decades of popular minimalism in home decor, consumers are ready to embrace playful pops of color again. This retro appliance trend fits in with other vintage elements like geometric prints, Formica countertops and distressed wood finishes that create an authentic mid-century vibe.
The appeal goes beyond nostalgia – colored appliances can also help add personality to modern, stark kitchens and break up all the matching stainless steel and white appliances. Vibrant appliances in hues like fire engine red or turquoise are an easy way to show off your fun, creative style.
While major brands like Whirlpool, GE and Samsung still produce mostly neutral-toned appliances, smaller companies are responding to demand by releasing colorful collections. Brands like Big Chill, SMEG, La Cornue and Viking have seen great success with their retro-style colored appliances. Even large retailers like Lowe’s, The Home Depot, and Best Buy have expanded their colored appliance offerings.
Current Color Trends
While 1950s pastel hues are still popular, bolder shades of red, blue, orange, yellow and green have also emerged. Matte finishes lend a contemporary twist, while custom color options let homeowners match their appliance colors to their exact cabinet tones. Here are some of the most on-trend appliance color choices right now:
Cobalt Blue – From electric ranges to dishwashers, bold cobalt blue makes a vibrant style statement. The rich hue pairs well with both cool-toned gray and crisp white kitchens.
Fire Engine Red – For a high-impact look, a bright cherry red retro refrigerator really pops against other stainless steel or black appliances. Red stoves and microwaves also add hot, high-energy color.
Sunny Yellow – Cheerful daffodil and lemon yellow appliances lend a sunny, upbeat vibe. Yellow mixes well with both warm wood cabinets and modern white kitchens.
Kelly Green – Along with other vibrant greens like lime, sage and emerald, kelly green appliances add a punchy, fresh style. Green provides great contrast to natural woodgrains.
Orange – From burnt orange and copper to vivid tangerine, orange appliances are on the rise and pair perfectly with blue and green color schemes. Orange brings warmth and energy.
Turquoise – Whether in a muted blue-green or bolder robin’s egg hue, turquoise is the quintessential fun, retro appliance color. It brings to mind 1950s diners and soda fountains.
Pink – While not as mainstream, pink appliances in soft rose quartz to vibrant fuchsia make a bold feminine style choice for those not afraid of color. Pink provides a lively, elegant vibe.
Custom Colors – Many brands now offer custom color matching, so you can select the perfect tone to coordinate with your specific kitchen design. This allows for unlimited colorful options.
Which Appliances Look Best in Color?
While all major appliances can make a color statement, smaller specialty appliances often look best splashed in brighter hues. Here are some of the appliances that work particularly well in vibrant colors:
Refrigerators – Retro fridges with curved, rounded shapes look fun and inviting in colors like mint green, bright yellow or robin’s egg blue. Colorful glass doors show off what’s inside.
Stand mixers – Since stand mixers sit on the counter, these small appliances pack a big visual punch in any color. Red, orange, pink and turquoise mixers inject color into baking.
Toasters – Toasters are relatively inexpensive, so they’re an easy way to test out a fun color like seafoam green or orange. Keep your toaster out on the counter for a constant pop of color.
Microwaves – Small microwaves mounted over the stove or countertop can be colorful without overwhelming a kitchen. Blue, green or retro pink are pleasing accent colors.
Coffee Makers – From retro turquoise to cheery cherry red, vibrant coffee makers start the morning right. Stainless steel and black mutes the color, so opt for solid plastic bodies.
Blenders – Colorful blenders in hues like purple, tangerine and deep blue add life to morning smoothies or mixology. Clear or plastic sides show off contents.
Kettles – An electric kettle is used constantly, so select a bright color you enjoy seeing. Opt for solid bodied models to maximize color impact.
| Appliance Type | Best Color Choices |
|---|---|
| Refrigerators | Mint green, bright yellow, robin’s egg blue |
| Stand mixers | Red, orange, pink, turquoise |
| Toasters | Seafoam green, orange |
| Microwaves | Blue, green, retro pink |
| Coffee makers | Turquoise, cherry red |
| Blenders | Purple, tangerine, deep blue |
| Kettles | Any bright, cheerful color |
Pros of Colored Appliances
Beyond just trendy style, colorful appliances offer many benefits:
Personalization – Vibrant appliances let you put your own stamp on a kitchen. Color allows you to express your style.
Visual Interest – Pops of color break up all-white or stainless kitchens. Appliances draw the eye for added visual appeal.
Reflect Personality – Choose energizing red, cheerful yellow or elegant pink appliances to showcase your personality.
Make a Statement – Bold color choices show you’re not afraid to be brave and daring with your decor.
Conversation Starter – Colorful appliances spark discussion among guests. Their uniqueness intrigues people.
Coordination – Match or complement your kitchen color scheme for a cohesive look.
Retro Charm – Vintage appeal and mid-century modern style create warmth and nostalgia.
Options – More color offerings than ever, including custom matching colors.
Cons of Colored Appliances
However, colored appliances do come with some downsides to consider as well:
Trendiness – Styles come and go, so colorful appliances may look outdated faster than neutral options.
Resale Value – Bright colors might limit mass buyer appeal and affect resale prices.
Maintenance – Colored finishes may require more careful cleaning and show scuffs.
Clashes – Colors could sometimes clash with new kitchen finishes if you remodel.
Fewer Options – Larger brands still make fewer colors than stainless steel and white.
Higher Price – On average, colored appliances tend to cost more than basic finishes.
Less Versatile – Appliance colors limit flexibility in decorating and color changes.
Risk – Bold color choices don’t appeal to everyone and are harder to sell.
Should You Buy Colored Appliances?
If you love lively color, colored appliances can be a fun way to brighten up your kitchen. But before taking the plunge, consider the following:
– Do the colors fit your overall kitchen design, cabinetry and wall colors?
– Do you tend to redecorate frequently or stay consistent?
– Is resale value a concern if you plan to sell your home?
– Are you comfortable maintaining the finish?
– Does the added cost fit your appliance budget?
– Do you enjoy bold color choices or prefer subtle hues?
– Are you looking for vintage appeal or contemporary style?
Color isn’t right for every home. But if you have eclectic taste and want to add vibrancy, then colorful appliances allow you to showcase your personal flair. Just be sure to choose finishes you’ll enjoy for many years to come.
Conclusion
After falling out of favor for decades, brightly colored appliances are regaining popularity for their fun, retro charm and ability to personalize a kitchen. Major brands now offer colorful ranges and fridges alongside more neutral finishes. While colored appliances aren’t for everyone, they make a lively statement for design lovers not afraid of bold hues. Just be strategic in selecting appliance types and colors tailored to your specific kitchen. When chosen with care, vibrant appliances can add an inspired blast of self-expression.
