How to Make Coloured Appliances Work in Your Kitchen
Keen to incorporate colourful kitchen appliances into your cooking zone? Here are some bright ideas to help you do it with confidence
Sleek stainless steel and crisp white were once the finishes of choice for kitchen appliances, but these days more and more designers and home decorators are passing on these classic options in favour of appliances in bright eye-catching hues. And why wouldn’t they? Coloured appliances do, after all, make a bold statement and provide an easy way to inject your cooking zone with a jolt of unexpected colour, as well as a hearty splash of personality, too.
If you’re keen to incorporate coloured appliances into your kitchen but are not quite sure how to work them into your scheme successfully, these simple tips will help you pull off this fun and lively look like a pro.
If you’re keen to incorporate coloured appliances into your kitchen but are not quite sure how to work them into your scheme successfully, these simple tips will help you pull off this fun and lively look like a pro.
Choose appliances in classic hues
For a look that offers timeless appeal, opt for appliances in classic tones rather than trendy hues that look stylish and very now, but could make your kitchen appear dated in a few years once the colour fad has faded. Blue and red are two colours you can’t go wrong with, as they always seem to be in vogue, especially when it comes to coloured appliances.
Château 165 Hob in Azulejo Blue: La Cornue
For a look that offers timeless appeal, opt for appliances in classic tones rather than trendy hues that look stylish and very now, but could make your kitchen appear dated in a few years once the colour fad has faded. Blue and red are two colours you can’t go wrong with, as they always seem to be in vogue, especially when it comes to coloured appliances.
Château 165 Hob in Azulejo Blue: La Cornue
Match the colour of your appliances to your cabinetry
If you want your kitchen to have a cohesive look, choose appliances that are the same colour as your cabinetry (or vice versa). This bold contemporary cooking space shows how its done. Here, a red-hot electric double oven blends seamlessly into the surrounding cabinets which are an exact colour match, while the integrated custom-panel fridge and freezer could almost pass for two roomy cupboards, if not for the robust stainless-steel handles that are a sign of what’s really hiding behind the closed doors.
3 Series Electric Double Oven in Red and Custom Panel Bottom-Mount Freezer Refrigerator: Viking
If you want your kitchen to have a cohesive look, choose appliances that are the same colour as your cabinetry (or vice versa). This bold contemporary cooking space shows how its done. Here, a red-hot electric double oven blends seamlessly into the surrounding cabinets which are an exact colour match, while the integrated custom-panel fridge and freezer could almost pass for two roomy cupboards, if not for the robust stainless-steel handles that are a sign of what’s really hiding behind the closed doors.
3 Series Electric Double Oven in Red and Custom Panel Bottom-Mount Freezer Refrigerator: Viking
Here you can see the same kitchen from another angle. Notice how the small mosaic tiles tie in with the colour scheme and add another layer of interest to the space, while the stainless-steel benchtop offers contrast and cuts through the bold tone.
Stick with pastels if you’re not a fan of eye-popping hues
If vibrant colours aren’t really your flavour, opt for appliances in softer tones that are subtle in style but still make a statement. Large appliances in powder shades work particularly well in traditional, country, beach and vintage-inspired schemes. However, if you want to create a space that’s sleek and modern in style, introduce contemporary design elements (such as clean lines and edgy light fittings) and materials (such as high-gloss surfaces and stainless steel) to ensure the space looks chic, not cutesy.
Retro Refrigerator in Jadite Green: Big Chill
If vibrant colours aren’t really your flavour, opt for appliances in softer tones that are subtle in style but still make a statement. Large appliances in powder shades work particularly well in traditional, country, beach and vintage-inspired schemes. However, if you want to create a space that’s sleek and modern in style, introduce contemporary design elements (such as clean lines and edgy light fittings) and materials (such as high-gloss surfaces and stainless steel) to ensure the space looks chic, not cutesy.
Retro Refrigerator in Jadite Green: Big Chill
Complete the look with coordinating accents
An easy way to make a single coloured appliance look right at home in your kitchen is to decorate the room with accents in an identical hue (or at least one from the same colour family). This will tie the look together, creating a space that’s balanced but packs a visual punch.
Residential Nova 6-Burner 48’’ Freestanding Range with Double Oven in Orange: Blue Star
An easy way to make a single coloured appliance look right at home in your kitchen is to decorate the room with accents in an identical hue (or at least one from the same colour family). This will tie the look together, creating a space that’s balanced but packs a visual punch.
Residential Nova 6-Burner 48’’ Freestanding Range with Double Oven in Orange: Blue Star
Here is another view of the kitchen. A warm orange tone that echoes the colour of the oven is peppered around the kitchen and surrounding space, from the decorative plate that sits under the wall cabinets to the upholstered bench seat and sculptural table lamp. Take note of how the eye-catching orange and white floral roller blinds adds another pop of personality and statement-making style to the room, too.
Opt for a dominant dark colour…
You can’t go wrong if you dress your kitchen in moody hues, and then punctuate the room with rainbow-bright appliances, like this sophisticated cooking area. Rich chocolate brown timber cabinetry and panels, along with dark grey walls, allow a sunny yellow oven and stovetop to take a starring role in the ultra-contemporary zone. Notice how the cheerful colour instantly brightens up the minimalist setting and injects it with life and character, too.
Be inspired by these timber kitchens
You can’t go wrong if you dress your kitchen in moody hues, and then punctuate the room with rainbow-bright appliances, like this sophisticated cooking area. Rich chocolate brown timber cabinetry and panels, along with dark grey walls, allow a sunny yellow oven and stovetop to take a starring role in the ultra-contemporary zone. Notice how the cheerful colour instantly brightens up the minimalist setting and injects it with life and character, too.
Be inspired by these timber kitchens
…or a fresh neutral palette
Likewise, a crisp white or neutral base colour will ensure a colourful appliance remains the focal point of any kitchen. These hues work with every tone and shade under the sun, which means you’re not limited when it comes to choosing what tinted appliance finish to incorporate into your cooking zone.
S-Series Six-Four Conventional Stove in Pistachio: AGA
Likewise, a crisp white or neutral base colour will ensure a colourful appliance remains the focal point of any kitchen. These hues work with every tone and shade under the sun, which means you’re not limited when it comes to choosing what tinted appliance finish to incorporate into your cooking zone.
S-Series Six-Four Conventional Stove in Pistachio: AGA
Balance vibrant hues with earthy or industrial elements
Worried a brightly-coloured appliance will look too garish in your kitchen? While neutral hues help temper bright tones, earthy and/or industrial materials will also anchor a room, while adding another layer of visual interest to the space. As you can see looking at this striking cooking zone, exposed brick and timber floors balance the warmth and vivid tint of the bold orange oven. Although the copper-toned panels and stainless-steel range hood complement the colour of the luxurious oven, they also cut through the energetic hue, while giving the room a cool, urban edge.
Château 150 Hob in Terracotta: La Cornue
Worried a brightly-coloured appliance will look too garish in your kitchen? While neutral hues help temper bright tones, earthy and/or industrial materials will also anchor a room, while adding another layer of visual interest to the space. As you can see looking at this striking cooking zone, exposed brick and timber floors balance the warmth and vivid tint of the bold orange oven. Although the copper-toned panels and stainless-steel range hood complement the colour of the luxurious oven, they also cut through the energetic hue, while giving the room a cool, urban edge.
Château 150 Hob in Terracotta: La Cornue
Select appliances in the same shade and style
Want your culinary space to have a cohesive look? Kitting out your kitchen with appliances in the same colour and style will ensure the area looks balanced and carefully put together, like the space shown here. Notice how the trio of sky blue appliances add pops of high-impact colour to the otherwise simple scheme, while their retro design contrasts with the rustic style of the space. The result is a room that offers the perfect combination of balanced and contrasting elements, which stops it from looking too matchy-matchy.
Original Size Retro Refrigerator, Retro Stove and Dishwasher Panel in Beach Blue: Big Chill
Want your culinary space to have a cohesive look? Kitting out your kitchen with appliances in the same colour and style will ensure the area looks balanced and carefully put together, like the space shown here. Notice how the trio of sky blue appliances add pops of high-impact colour to the otherwise simple scheme, while their retro design contrasts with the rustic style of the space. The result is a room that offers the perfect combination of balanced and contrasting elements, which stops it from looking too matchy-matchy.
Original Size Retro Refrigerator, Retro Stove and Dishwasher Panel in Beach Blue: Big Chill
Add interest by introducing clashing (but complementary) colours
Want to make your coloured appliances really pop? Rather than choosing a white, neutral or dark base colour, select a hue that sits on the opposite side of the colour wheel – while the resulting combo may clash, it also offers loads of drama and visual appeal. If you think pairing two vibrant tones together will look too overwhelming in your kitchen, opt for a less saturated shade that allows your bright appliances to shine – this simple design trick works a treat in this transitional-style culinary zone.
Cluny 1400G Range Cooker in Provence Yellow: Lacanche
Want to make your coloured appliances really pop? Rather than choosing a white, neutral or dark base colour, select a hue that sits on the opposite side of the colour wheel – while the resulting combo may clash, it also offers loads of drama and visual appeal. If you think pairing two vibrant tones together will look too overwhelming in your kitchen, opt for a less saturated shade that allows your bright appliances to shine – this simple design trick works a treat in this transitional-style culinary zone.
Cluny 1400G Range Cooker in Provence Yellow: Lacanche
Choose the right colour
When selecting the colour of your appliances, listen to your heart and your gut. Don’t just settle on a hue because it looks good and is on-trend; rather, think about whether the colour is livable; if it suits your personality and decorating style; and whether it will help create a desired mood for your kitchen. But most importantly, you should choose appliances in a colour you love, as this will ensure the space resonates with you and brings you joy for many years to come – or at least until your favourite colour changes…
X1 Espresso Machine in Pink: FrancisFrancis!; FAB 28 Refrigerator-Freezer in Pink: Smeg
TELL US
Do you have colourful appliances in your kitchen? How did you make this fun, lively look work in your cooking zone? Please share your tips (and photos!) in the comments section.
MORE IDEABOOKS
10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying Any Kitchen Appliance
20 Gorgeous Kitchen Colour Pairings
Kitchen Tour: A True-Blue Reno That Really Sings
When selecting the colour of your appliances, listen to your heart and your gut. Don’t just settle on a hue because it looks good and is on-trend; rather, think about whether the colour is livable; if it suits your personality and decorating style; and whether it will help create a desired mood for your kitchen. But most importantly, you should choose appliances in a colour you love, as this will ensure the space resonates with you and brings you joy for many years to come – or at least until your favourite colour changes…
X1 Espresso Machine in Pink: FrancisFrancis!; FAB 28 Refrigerator-Freezer in Pink: Smeg
TELL US
Do you have colourful appliances in your kitchen? How did you make this fun, lively look work in your cooking zone? Please share your tips (and photos!) in the comments section.
MORE IDEABOOKS
10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying Any Kitchen Appliance
20 Gorgeous Kitchen Colour Pairings
Kitchen Tour: A True-Blue Reno That Really Sings
If you’re colour shy or not quite ready to commit to fitting out your kitchen with large appliances in bright bold tones (they are a big investment, after all), try the trend by introducing pops of lively hues to your space with colourful benchtop gadgets, such as a toaster, kettle or stand mixer (now you actually have an excuse to splurge on that raspberry red KitchenAid!). This will help you get a feel for whether you’re ready to splash out on larger coloured appliances including an oven or fridge, and work out what tone is the best fit for your cooking zone.
kMix Toaster and Jug Kettle in Sun Kissed Yellow: Kenwood