Finding a finish
The opinion is nearly unanimous throughout the industry that stainless steel is the most popular finish for today’s kitchen appliances. According to Erika Young, trade marketing manager for BSH Home Appliances Corporation, stainless steel is a standard of success. “Many times people want stainless in their kitchens whether it is a premium brand or not,” she says.

Young says that numerous homeowners are after a more retro look, and stainless steel appliances fit the bill. Colored knobs can be added to these appliances if you want a subtle way to spice things up.

If subtlety isn’t your style, and it’s full-blown color you’re after, Lisa Connor, district sales manager for HADCO, recommends Viking’s 14 shades for putting some pop in your appliances. Connor says that black, biscuit and burgundy are the colors she sees most people selecting, but shades like eggplant and mint julep are also available.

“People are looking to still have the ‘professional kitchen,’ but they are also now looking for personalization, and what better way to do it than with a burgundy or blue range?” Connor says. “For people who like the look of stainless but don’t want the maintenance with fingerprints and smudges, the graphite gray color is a beautiful alternative. It has a metallic appearance, but it’s still neutral enough for those clients who don’t want to commit to a bolder color.”

According to Connor, homeowners are more willing to branch out with washer and dryer colors since they are usually in separate rooms from other design elements (so they won’t clash).

“The laundry area has transformed from the dark area in the basement to the mudroom area,” Connor says. “People are selecting more visually appealing options since they are in high-traffic areas.” Homeowners don’t have far to look to find an appliance in their favorite hue. Numerous brands are producing colored appliances. Similar to Viking, Aga offers ranges in 14 colors, including British racing green and terra cotta.

Custom design
Along with the retro trend, custom-designed kitchens are also in fashion. When performing complete kitchen makeovers, many people are selecting the integrated look. This can be achieved by blending the appliances in with the cabinetry.

Diane Coker, key account manager for The Westye Group SE, says the integrated look is growing by leaps and bounds. “It’s extremely popular, because people like the stainless look but they don’t want to be overwhelmed by it,” she says.

The appliances are set into the cabinetry so that everything in the kitchen is fully flush. The cabinetry must be customized and panels created for the front of each appliance. Young says you almost always have to be in the middle of a remodel to accomplish this look.

In addition to refrigerators and dishwashers, Nancy Evans, CKD and president of Kitchen Design Consultants, says microwave drawers, warming drawers, built-in coffee makers and wine coolers have become popular additions and blend in with the cabinetry.

“The market is trending towards extremely high-end appliances and specialty appliances,” Evans says.In order to create a high-end, custom kitchen while staying within a budget, Evans advises homeowners to decide on a budget and make a wish list of their wants and needs for their kitchen project.

“While pricing the appliances, cabinets and countertops, keep in mind that all products have a good, better and best level, so put the pieces together to get your best results,” Evans says.

Design ideas
In addition to using stainless steel for a retro look, it is often used for other design themes as well. Evans says that stainless steel is classic and goes well with the professional look homeowners are after.

Oversized, industrial stainless steel appliances are used to create kitchens with a commercial feel. They are often partnered with wall-mounted, pot-filler faucets and oversized sinks. Homeowners who have discovered their inner chefs are opting for these professional settings for whipping up their masterpieces.

In addition to commercial designs, Evans says that overall, appliances are becoming more sleek, and there are not as many knobs as in the past. The neutral backdrop that sleek stainless steel provides sets the stage for an infinite number of design options.

When the appliances blend in, Evans says range hoods can become the focal points of kitchens.

“Various hood styles add to the creativity of the theme of the kitchen,” Evans says. “For instance, a cast stone hood creates a Tuscan style, elaborate wood mantels tie into a traditional look and sleek stainless steel mounted hoods lean towards contemporary.”

Young agrees that hood design has grown in popularity and says that glass canopy hoods and colored lighting are also being incorporated.
In addition to glass hoods, some homeowners are selecting glass-front doors for their refrigerators. Coker says that more people use glass-door refrigerators for bar and entertaining areas.

“Most people don’t keep their refrigerators neat enough, so they use the glass doors on bar refrigerators that they only keep drinks in,” she says.

Whether you decide to choose glass-front refrigerator doors, adorn your range hood in stone or cover every inch of your kitchen in cabinetry, Connor advises homeowners to set their own trends.

“Don’t be afraid to try something new,” she says. “Remember that you are the one who must live with your kitchen everyday. Keep true to your lifestyle and your entertainment and cooking needs. This way you will never experience buyer’s remorse, being unhappy with your finished project and what you feel you got for the money you spent.”