White goods, although popular in the 80s and 90s of the last century, used to have the stigma of being cheap and not very fashionable.
But today’s white goods have modern, sleek lines and bright white tones. TK Wismer, creative director at Café Appliances, said: “Many of the products are made with a stainless steel base and coated with automotive-grade, durable paint. The company’s range of white appliances comes in matte, low-gloss finishes. “They’re very stylish, and they can also customize your hardware (from silver to bronze to copper and black) so you can make your white appliances unique.”
Want to turn your kitchen utensils white? Next, an expert will answer your questions about how to do it.
“In the past, we’ve seen white goods in a variety of colors, from plain to almond, but today’s focus is on pure, bright white, which offers a crisp, modern aesthetic in finishes including matte, satin, and high-gloss,” says Claude.
The finish you choose for white goods depends on your design preferences and kitchen style. “I love a bright, shiny, jewel-like look, especially when paired with metal hardware,” shares Paula Smith, design director at Fisher & Paykel, a manufacturer of high-end white goods.
Refrigerators, dishwashers, and stovetops all pop white, but you don’t need to buy major appliances to cater to this color trend. “You can start with a white countertop appliance like a toaster, air fryer, blender, steam oven, microwave or coffee maker,” Claude advises.
With a selection of fixtures and finishes, white goods can be matched with most kitchen aesthetics. “Their neutral color means they adapt well to any situation,” Claude says. “They can feel at home in the kitchen with a casual cottage atmosphere or in the kitchen with a medieval or modern design.”
“Most kitchen design is dictated by the customer’s choice of cabinetry, countertops, backsplashes, fixtures, and fittings, because white is neutral and blends well with all of that,” says Mattia Sala, product manager at SMEG USA, a well-known company. its retro-style appliances.
Bronze or copper hardware can add warmth to white appliances, while stainless steel can create a more industrial look. Matte or polished black gives off a modern touch. “I love the white series with stainless steel legs and vents and a mix of stainless steel and white handles,” Sara points out.
“Pairing white appliances with wood-colored cabinetry can create a warm and inviting space,” says Claude. “Light-coloured woods such as maple or birch maintain a bright, airy feel, while darker woods such as walnut or mahogany provide a striking contrast. “Not only can white goods be paired with a wide range of design styles, but they also work perfectly with a variety of wood tones. “I love how white goods pair with traditional dark wood cabinetry and add brightness to pastel-hued cabinetry,” says Wismer.
Creating a seamless look when it comes to appliances and cabinetry is a growing trend in kitchen design. “Both white goods and white panels are part of this movement, resulting in a unified, uncluttered aesthetic that is particularly popular in minimalist designs,” Claude said.
Stones such as white or black marble, granite or quartz complement the fashion of white appliances, while wooden countertops provide a warm contrast. “If you want a really bold look, exotic quartzite will steal the show,” Claude said. If you want a cohesive look, Wismer also recommends using white quartz or marble. For something more contrast and bold, she likes the combination of a matte black countertop with matte black hardware.
Worried about fingerprints on your white fridge or dishwasher? Maintenance of white goods is very simple. “They’re actually easier to clean than their stainless steel cousins, which are prone to streaks and fingerprints and need to be polished frequently,” says Melissa Homer, a cleaning expert. “They are coated with durable paint that is easy to spray and clean with a magic eraser.”
Some white appliances may turn yellow due to aging, sunlight, grease vapors, or cigarette smoke. “The combination of kitchen degreaser and magic eraser will help eliminate the taste,” Homer said.
The pricing of white goods depends on the brand, model, and features. “Currently, stainless steel tends to be the more affordable option due to economies of scale, as it is the most in-demand surface treatment, and factories are producing larger quantities, which helps to reduce overall costs,” Sara said.
Despite the recent interest in white goods, designers say they have seen little resistance to stainless steel. “The metal’s continued popularity is not surprising given its neutral, versatile finish that complements a wide range of design styles,” Claude explains.
“The sleek beauty of stainless steel and its association with professional kitchens and enduring quality cemented its place in kitchen design, although sometimes considered cold or industrial,” says Sarah.
