White Appliances Find the Limelight
White is becoming a clear star across a broad range of kitchen styles and with all manner of appliances
This week on the questions board, Houzz user lanierf asked, "Can you show nice kitchens with white appliances or is everyone using the more expensive stainless steel?" While many Americans are still having a love affair with stainless steel, sleek and updated white appliances have gained popularity overseas and are slowly making their way into more homes here. These new models are not the white appliances you may have grown up with.
Why use white? "White appliances in a kitchen with white cabinetry can add to the flow of the space, which is particularly important in a small kitchen," explains Susan Serra, a certified kitchen designer. Also, "white's reflective properties, especially in large appliances such as a refrigerator, help make a space appear lighter in volume rather than heavier, such as a black refrigerator might." Here are some ideas for using white appliances in all styles of kitchens.
Why use white? "White appliances in a kitchen with white cabinetry can add to the flow of the space, which is particularly important in a small kitchen," explains Susan Serra, a certified kitchen designer. Also, "white's reflective properties, especially in large appliances such as a refrigerator, help make a space appear lighter in volume rather than heavier, such as a black refrigerator might." Here are some ideas for using white appliances in all styles of kitchens.
The latest white appliances have a futuristic look. Kitchen and bath designer (and Houzz contributor) Jamie Goldberg stays on top of the latest kitchen trends worldwide. Her predictions for 2012 include a return of white appliances "in sleek modular glass-front" iterations. She also reported that "Whirlpool already has an iPhone-inspired White Ice series planned for the U.S. market."
This transitional kitchen includes a customizable Viking range; options include a wide range of metal and color finishes. While the bright colors are tempting, the way this white range creates a clean and seamless look across the cabinets makes a good argument for matching the range to your cabinets.
If you crave a bit more metal with the white appliances in your kitchen, you can add it via the vent hood.
Here stainless steel is an accent finish, used in subtle ways rather than covering all of the appliances.
Similarly, in this more traditional kitchen, a white oven that matches the cabinets allows the tin backsplash to shine.
This vintage stove works with the mid-century modern decor.
White appliances are a great choice for a vintage-style kitchen as well. This eclectic room is full of bright colors and quirky touches; adding stainless appliances would not work in this retro mix.
Choosing a refrigerator with the right handles is important. Look carefully at the handles to make sure they're up to date; try to match them to your cabinet hardware for consistency.
If you have an old white refrigerator, it may be possible to replace the handles, which will keep it looking fresh while you save for a new one.
If you have an old white refrigerator, it may be possible to replace the handles, which will keep it looking fresh while you save for a new one.
When it comes to a seamless transition from cabinets to appliances, custom paneling on the front of refrigerators and dishwashers to match the cabinetry is a trend that shows no signs of waning anytime soon.
Hire a local cabinet pro for custom paneling
Hire a local cabinet pro for custom paneling
This cabinet and refrigerator panel look streamlined.
All white works wonders in a minimalist space. The kitchen does not distract from the clean, white box interior.
In addition to Europe, Israel is also full of sleek white modern kitchens. Note the way the stainless drawer and door pulls coordinate with the appliance accents.
"Concealed appliances will add even more of a sense of visual continuity to the kitchen design," says Susan Serra, who designed this kitchen.
Serra also adds a cautionary note: "Compare white appliances one to another, especially if they are different brands. The whites could be quite a bit different." Furthermore, she advises to note where the white appliances are situated within the design and determine if they need to be as invisible as possible (like a dishwasher) or if they will be a focal point (like a hood).
Serra also adds a cautionary note: "Compare white appliances one to another, especially if they are different brands. The whites could be quite a bit different." Furthermore, she advises to note where the white appliances are situated within the design and determine if they need to be as invisible as possible (like a dishwasher) or if they will be a focal point (like a hood).
White appliances have always been a natural fit for country and cottage style.
What do you think of today's white appliances? What color or finish are your dream appliances? Let us know in the Comments section.
More:
24 Great White Kitchens
2012 Trends: New Appliances for Every Living Space
Readers' Choice: The Top 20 Kitchens of 2011
What do you think of today's white appliances? What color or finish are your dream appliances? Let us know in the Comments section.
More:
24 Great White Kitchens
2012 Trends: New Appliances for Every Living Space
Readers' Choice: The Top 20 Kitchens of 2011