Q: I need to get basic kitchen stuff for my new apartment like a toaster and a blender, but I don't know if I should try to coordinate colors, stick to neutrals or just ignore it all together. Advice?
Thanks for the question, Tiffany!
Part of the answer will depend on the color scheme of your kitchen. If it's light and airy, white countertop appliances can complement it well, as in this kitchen with birch cabinets. There are some lovely high-end white appliances available, like this self-contained coffee maker by Jasper Morrison.
Black gadgetry will blend well with stainless steel appliances, and is easier to wipe clean as it conceals stains.
But we do love a bit of color, like these neat Bodum toasters or the range of Kitchen Aid countertop appliances. Just be sure the color is something you can live with for 20 years, if your gadget lasts that long, since color trends can date your products to a particular decade.
Ultimately, it will depend on your personality. Are you laid back and easy-going, or don't want to spend a lot of time cleaning up? Lean toward neutrals. Do you want a bit of brightness and energy on the counter? Try your hand at some colors.
Do you have any tips for Tiffany, or advice on appliances? Share 'em below.
(Image: Flickr member olivepress licensed for use under Creative Commons)
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I feel like red kitchen accessories almost always work. That said, my husband and I created our wedding registry before we bought our first (and hopefully last) home, so we didn't know what our "forever" kitchen would look like. We registered for the boring/stainless steel/graphite version of all gadgets to be as neutral as possible, and while they lack that fun pop of color, they do blend well with our modern, stainless-appliance-clad, granite-countered kitchen. But the few red items we had (a couple Mario Batali cast-iron pans, red W&S spatulas, etc.) look really nice, and I think I'll add a few more bright red kitchen accents like shelves and clocks over the years. Red IS one of those colors that makes you hungry though!
I like what Dieter Rams said. He didn't like kitchen appliances that were too colourful because he thought that they were too dominating. Furthermore, he believes design should never dominate.
I guess the question is: why do I wan this to be colourful. btw if you want to check out his video on design see: http://vimeo.com/7917568
If it is colorful, you must LOVE it. If you have any doubt, don't get it in color. Our blue kitchenaid is the only colorful appliance we have, but it works.
I have a white Dualit toaster and it does get splashes and stains on it, and is a little more difficult to wipe down. My Kitchenaid mixer is pink (from the Cook for the Cure) series, and we have some red stuff too. Go with what you like! I like bright colors in the kitchen - makes it more cheerful.