Neither Stainless Steel Nor Matte Black: The Kitchen Appliance Trend Taking Over 2026

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Stainless steel and matte black have had their moment. But in 2026, kitchens are going to get a bright and colorful makeover. Joyful, retro, and daring colors are stepping into the kitchen appliance game and replacing more traditional and muted alternatives. This trend can even be achieved by renters or those on a budget through small accents of color, like coffee machines, stand mixers, and toasters. More daring homeowners, and especially those planning a full kitchen makeover, might consider going big with colorful ovens, stoves, and fridges.

Sure, stainless steel and matte black are sleek and timeless, but jumping on the trend of colorful kitchen appliances can make your space feel brighter, bolder, and way more fun. It's also a wonderful way to try more unique kitchen color combinations, for example, by pairing appliances with a retro kitchen cabinet color like pastel green.

This trend of bringing color into kitchens with appliances is a wonderful way to add more personality and style to what can otherwise be a boring and impersonal room. Sure, kitchens are meant to be functional above all, but they're also a room where we spend a lot of time. Adding more color to kitchens promises to turn them into warm and unique spaces, rather than stainless-steel rooms that look like your favorite restaurant's back-of-house.

If you're looking to add some color to your appliances, but aren't planning for a large-scale makeover, consider smaller appliances. Brands like KitchenAid and Smeg are famous for their small and colorful appliances, like mixers, kettles, and toasters. But there are tons of other companies that have similar and more affordable options, too. For example, this Nostalgia Retro Coffee Maker comes in baby blue, light pink, and bright red. And if you'd like some of the higher-end options without paying full price, you can always find some of these cooking essentials at your local thrift shop.

When it comes to larger appliances, lots of brands are offering homeowners the option to customize models with color. Brands like La Cornue, BlueStar, and Smeg all have tons of colorful options for appliances like stoves, fridges, and even range hoods. You can also shop around for cheaper alternatives, like this small Wanai Fridge and Freezer in blue and yellow, or Nostalgia's Retro Microwave Oven in pink, blue, or red.

When choosing which colors to add to your kitchen, make sure you're working with a cohesive color palette. Whether you're planning to buy all appliances in the same color or would prefer to use contrasting colors, think about what would nicely fit into the room. Look at the decor you already have, as well as wall and cabinet colors, and make sure the appliances fit in the room nicely. If you're not sure where to start, compare your kitchen's existing colors to pre-made color palettes or use online tools to generate your very own color schemes.