HGTV's Christina Hall Breathes New Life Into An Outdated Kitchen Design Trend
For years, Christina Hall has offered tips for making our homes look better and transformed outdated houses into high-end masterpieces, but it's the renovation of her childhood home that caught our eye — and in the best way possible. The host of HGTV's "Christina on the Coast" takes those drab white kitchen appliances you (and we) would rather leave in the past and turns them into standout pieces you never knew you needed.
In the '80s and early '90s, appliance colors were primarily white, bisque, and black. Minimalist and boring but much better than the avocado green and gold colors in the '70s. Traditional white appliances became synonymous with lower-priced, entry-level models. In some respects, that's still true. Over the last several decades, white-toned appliances have been pushed aside for more popular options like metallic stainless steel and matte black finishes. White-colored appliances have come a long way since your parents or grandparents had them in their kitchens.
Maintaining a timeless appearance, white appliances have been completely overhauled into functional showpieces featuring prominent jewel-toned handles, luxe hardware, and nostalgic designs. They've increased in popularity and are now considered a top pick of homeowners who want an ultramodern design and a kitschy vibe in their kitchens. Trending white appliances include major ones like refrigerators, dishwashers, and ranges, plus smaller ones like coffee makers, blenders, and kettles. Find out how Hall turns her parents' kitchen from drab to fab and how you can do the same.
Why white appliances are making a comeback
Christina Hall turned the tables during the "Growing Up Christina" episode when she decided to take on a personal project of making over her parents' home. Sometimes referred to as the "queen of neutrals," it's no surprise Hall managed to effortlessly integrate matte white kitchen appliances into the new, updated aesthetic. The real estate and design expert used the pretty appliances from GE's Cafe Appliances collection. From the nostalgic design of the range to the striking refrigerator door handles, the kitchen popped. Thanks to the mix of neutral wood-colored cabinets along the bottom and white cabinets along the top, all complimented with matching rose-gold hardware, the kitchen ended up with an updated, cohesive look.
The great thing about white appliances is that they can be incorporated into virtually any kitchen style. Though the color is traditional, kitchen appliances are now available in matte and shiny finishes, which can help your space feel current. In fact, Hall says the kitchen design trend that will never go out of style is an all-white monochromatic look, complimented by white cabinets and flush-mount appliances that blend in seamlessly. The minimalist hue not only helps brighten up spaces and adds more openness, but white appliances can also add a luxe touch to your style with updated designs and accented tones that scream elegance. Incorporating this trend isn't difficult, whether it's a microwave oven, refrigerator, or a state-of-the-art range.
How to use white appliances without looking dated
Your kitchen's appliances and color scheme can help set the whole tone of your home. Historically, design rules have called for kitchen appliances to have one consistent finish. With that said, some design rules are meant to be broken. Today, homeowners are opting for bold, colorful kitchen appliances that have recently come back in style and mixing them with other finishes to bring personality to their kitchen's aesthetic. Black, white, and stainless steel finishes are considered neutral shades, making it easier to get more creative when setting up an eye-catching kitchen design.
Experts recommend picking your appliance colors and finishes in hues that complement each other and sticking with the same finish from the same brand since some colors vary from one manufacturer to another. When you use multiple metal finishes in your kitchen, limit that number to two or three — tops. This also includes the light fixture finishes in your space.
For those who already have kitchens with all stainless steel appliances, you can transition to white a bit slower since the two shades blend well. Black or white stainless steel appliances (Home Depot) with matte finishes can be great accents without completely stealing the show and taking away from the overall look of your kitchen. So, if you're still wondering whether white appliances are going out of style, appliance brands (and Christina Hall) are proving they aren't going anywhere anytime soon.