White Appliances Are Back in Style—How to Style Them Like a Designer

When you think about white kitchen appliances, chances are you’re transported back to the kitchens of the 1990s. If you’re picturing outdated kitchens with yellowing fridges, you aren’t alone. But it’s 2024 and white kitchen appliances are back with a completely new look that’s so chic—yes, really!

Stainless steel appliances have dominated kitchens for the last few decades. They have been perceived as the more premium version of kitchen appliances when compared to their white counterparts. But things have changed, and the latest white appliances have been given a complete style makeover making them highly sought-after by designers and homeowners alike.

If you’re curious about this trend, read on to find out all about it as well as designers’ opinions on whether this trend is here to stay or not.

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Meet the Expert

• Chenise Hinds is a realtor and designer in the Washington, DC, area.

• Alice Moszczynski is a interior designer at Planner 5d.

What's New With White Kitchen Appliances

The latest white appliance combine beautiful design with the latest functionality, in timeless white with metallic accents. Think of sleek, matte white finishes embellished with statement hardware in brushed brass, black or copper. The plastic look and feel of the 1990s is truly a thing of the past.

In their latest avatar, white appliances can feature a contemporary silhouette or have a more retro-inspired profile, giving you a choice of design styles that were not available before.

Colors That Complement White Appliances

White is one of the most versatile colors, so white appliances can be paired with practically any color you like.

The biggest appeal of white appliances is that you can make them stand out or blend in, depending on the other colors you choose for your kitchen. Darker colored cabinets will make them pop while white or pale neutral cabinets will allow them to seamlessly blend into your kitchen.

White appliances also pair well with wooden cabinets, giving a warmer look and feel than stainless steel appliances.

The Best Interior Styles for Appliances

White appliances can complement a range of decor styles from traditional kitchens to modern, minimalist ones. With the hardware choices as well as the different silhouettes on offer, they are adaptable to most decor styles.

"It pairs beautifully with on-trend farmhouse, minimalist and monochrome themes," says realtor and designer Chenise Hinds.

Interior designer Alice Moszczynski from Planner 5d adds that they are very versatile and can "blend in with both modern and rustic styles."

Can White Appliances Work for You?

White appliances have been out favor for decades because most of us picture the basic designs from the 1990s. As Moszczynski explains, the decline of white appliances was not about the color but instead "this had more to do with the design and overall look of the machines."

If you're feeling drawn to this trend, you can rest assured that the latest white appliances do not compromise on design, while delivering all the functionality that's expected of the appliance. Some makers are even offering customizable appliances where you get to choose the hardware color and finish.

If you’ve inherited white appliances, switching out the hardware could instantly elevate them. Alternatively, you can pair them with similar colored cabinets to make them blend in, for a seamless look, whether that's by painting the cabinets or replacing the doors.

Are White Appliances Here to Stay?

White is a color that always stands the test of time and these new-look white appliances are not likely to be an exception.

Designers agree that white appliances aren’t just a passing fancy.

“White kitchen appliances have staying power well beyond being ‘trendy'," Hinds says. "Their versatility, visual appeal, and ability to tie a space together for years to come is what makes this look feel just right for today and tomorrow”.

Is Stainless Steel on Its Way Out?

Stainless steel appliances have been in the spotlight for decades and we don’t see them going anywhere. Instead, white appliances offer a different look which is especially great for those who want a softer style instead of the industrial feel that comes with stainless steel.

"What I like about this trend specifically, is that with these new silhouettes for appliances, the white finish gives them a bit of charm and warmth, which is a nice alternative to all the stainless steel we are used to seeing," Moszczynski says.

Think of white appliances as an alternative to stainless appliances, giving you more choice for your kitchen decor, rather than replacing them.

Read Next: We Asked for Your Favorite Kitchen Paint Colors, and the Results Might Surprise You

Read the original article on The Spruce.