The Appliance Trend You'll Start Seeing In Kitchens Everywhere
Microwaves, stand mixers, coffee makers — these, along with other tools, are all home appliances everyone should have, yet they can be supremely disruptive to the flow of a kitchen's design. That's why we're collectively stepping away from statement appliances and moving towards a more cohesive aesthetic. Your appliances serve a vital purpose in the kitchen, but that doesn't mean they have to take up precious visual real estate as the main focal point. Ideally, there should be a seamless line from your hardware to your cabinets all the way through to your appliances. It should all blend together, making way for more eye-catching details such as vibrant tiles or unique accessories to take center stage. That's why integrated appliances are surfacing as a trend that designers are leaning toward.
"Appliances are becoming less about making a statement and more about disappearing into the design," HomeGoods Interior Expert Jenny Reimold shared with Tasting Table. This sentiment is echoed by Eclectic Interiors Ltd, who explained via Instagram, "While free-standing appliances can make a bold statement, sometimes it's all about keeping things sleek and seamless." There's an important balance to strike between utility and inconspicuousness when it comes to our kitchen appliances. We still need these tools to navigate day-to-day kitchen tasks, so they shouldn't necessarily be completely tucked away. But they also shouldn't demand much attention when looking at the broader scope of your design. It's a tricky feat, but definitely one of those luxury kitchen trends that just make sense.
Cultivating a seamless design with kitchen appliances
You have plenty of options when integrating kitchen appliances. If you're in the middle of a renovation, you can make more involved adjustments to create a cohesive flow. Built-in appliances are an amazing asset, helping to keep your most vital tools accessible while also tucking them away. Consider installing a pull-out drawer microwave or a built-in wall oven. You can also hide counter-depth appliances like your refrigerator with paneling that matches your cabinets. Appliance "garages" are another clever built-in feature that hides countertop items under a pull-up door.
If you're not undergoing a complete kitchen overhaul, you still have options. At the core of this trend, one of your main goals should be keeping your kitchen counters clutter-free. While it's not always possible to hide away every countertop appliance, try to store the ones you don't use often. Instead of sticking with bold, statement appliances, find options that match the finishes of other kitchen elements. Stylish appliances such as Smeg or Kitchenaid have neutral colorways you can upgrade to.
If all else fails, clear up space in your cabinets to store unsightly countertop appliances. There are plenty of fun DIYs you can use to create cohesion, too. Hide your dishwasher with some command hooks and a curtain for a charming cottage look. You can even hide outlets that are not constantly in use by gluing an outlet cover to the back of a small piece of art. These small adjustments can make your kitchen feel more unified.