Choosing your appliances is one of the many decisions that must be made when remodeling a kitchen, and it’s a pretty important one. The thing is, sometimes they choose you. (Something that is brought to mind as I sit at my kitchen counter writing this story because a Ferrari red Bertazzoni range I found for a great deal is right in front of me.) How big of a deal is it if you absolutely adore an appliance (it happens! ), but it doesn’t necessarily match the rest of your kitchen?
Does it really matter if your appliances don’t match perfectly or if they’re not a part of a coordinated suite when it comes to aesthetics or resale value? Will potential buyers object if one appliance is white and another is stainless? Or if they’re even the same finish but different brands?
We already have the range for the kitchen, a stainless steel Samsung number, which we purchased for a great price because it was a display model from a kitchen fixtures showroom, but inquiring minds want to know—mine, at least, since I’ve fallen hard for a gorgeous matte white fridge from the GE Cafe line that keeps popping up in my Instagram feed. However, my friend/business partner is adamantly opposed to non-matching appliances, which makes me yearn for that fridge (that, by the way, is my best tip for saving on appliances!).
I contacted interior designer and realtor Magen Bellmer, who has previously provided advice on difficult questions, to help answer the query once and for all — for us and for anyone else debating the matter. So what’s the verdict?.
Don’t worry about trying to be matchy-matchy in most situations, Magen advises. If you’re talking about mainline appliances and the popular brands that you’d find at a big-box store, there’s just not a big enough difference in finishes from, say, one brand’s stainless steel to another for it to matter, unless there’s a specific scenario where there’s a range with a microwave meant to go above it (in which case, yes, match them up). (Note: If you purchase a full suite from one brand, you can typically receive a discount.) Just something to consider. ).
According to her, if you choose a highly distinctive color or pattern for an appliance, that one becomes the center of attention while “everything else just kind of fades into the background.” (I can envision the SMEG and Dolce
While one particularly adorable refrigerator or oven can serve as a statement piece that stands out from the rest of the “outfit,” you do need to exercise caution. Only when the appliance in question is intentionally meant to stand out does that work. Again, like that SMEG and Dolce & Gabbana collab. Magen forewarned me that I would likely need to purchase the entire set if I decided to go with that delicious matte white fridge. She explained that having just one appliance from the lineup could make the line look incomplete (or perhaps even a little hodge-podge, and not in a cute way). Here, completing what is essentially a designer look is more important than strictly coordinating colors.
But what about viewpoints from those outside the real estate/design industries? It turns out that people have pretty strong feelings about this. Most respondents to a very informal Instagram poll believed appliances didn’t need to match, with some even saying it looked generic when they did. Others believed that a mismatched kitchen could be a deterrent significant enough to lose us a sale. Wow!.
But ultimately, I don’t agree with the majority in this case. Selling a house is difficult enough without giving potential buyers a reason to hesitate, whether you’re flipping it or considering selling your own house. So, sadly, I guess I’m going with all stainless steel.
Bosch Ascenta Series Top Control Tall Tub Dishwasher
Highlight one appliance “hero” if you’re lusting after a certain color or specialty finish. In other words, if you’ve had your eye on a candy apple red Smeg refrigerator, think about getting a stove and dishwasher instead (again, stainless steel might be your best bet) Jennifer says, “I’d recommend designating one ‘eye candy’ piece, and having the rest be support staff, unless you’re really going for an eclectic, hodgepodge look.”
Designer Diego Rincon of Diego Alejandro Design agrees. “Say you’ve chosen a porcelain enamel range, which is almost like a piece of art on its own,” he says. “Selecting accompanying appliances with minimal or very subtle features will allow that range to remain at the center of attention.”
If you’re curious about combining metals, go ahead—but no more than two at a time. A nice mix of materials enhances a home’s appeal, and this is also true of kitchens, says Diego. “But don’t go too crazy. I’d limit the number to two at most. ”.
Jennifer continues, “We’re past the era of every metal needing to be a tight match. “And while I wouldn’t choose five drastically different finishes for the cabinets, faucet, lighting, and appliances, I think a couple could look fantastic.” I adore how silver-finished appliances and cabinet hardware can complement a sink with a brass faucet that sings. “The cool shine of chrome paired with the warmth of nickel feels off in a close-but-not-close enough way,” she warns against one combination, though. In general, if you’re unsure of what will and won’t go well together, look for inspiration in an appliance showroom or on Pinterest or Houzz. It’s a little like building an outfit, part by part. ”.
In our renovated kitchen, my wall oven and cooktop will be the only appliances without panels. Is purchasing a wolf cooktop tacky?
We do want you to be aware that not all stainless steel is created equal. Brands like Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Beko, and others provide stainless steel that is fingerprint resistant. When placed next to a traditional stainless steel unit, the matte finish will appear different.
Many various brands provide “same brand” incentives through various promotions. For instance, Thermador is offering their infamous “1-2-Free Program,” which entitles customers who buy a professional range, cooktop (or rangetop), and wall oven to a free Thermador dishwasher. Afterward, if you add on a built-in refrigerator or refrigerator/freezer columns, you get a second appliance for free or at a significant discount. All of the appliances have to be Thermador to qualify. When this happens, it is best to purchase everything from the same brand to be eligible for all of their incentives. Brands like JennAir, SubZero/Wolf, Signature Kitchen Suites, and others offer comparable packages to persuade customers to buy everything from the same brand. Consider the savings: you can save over $3,000 on your appliance package.
Here are some items you can buy that would look great in your kitchen and let you still mix and match various brands:
Unlike this KitchenAid model below, low profile microwaves from Whirlpool and Kitchen-Aid have the logo on the unit but no handle.
At the end of the day, our in-store appliance specialists are available to assist you with your appliance selections at every stage. The appliances that best suit your lifestyle can be found at one of our ten locations, so be sure to stop by one of them!