The Once Trendy Appliance Color That's Now Super Outdated

The stainless steel look used to be the ultimate sign of a stylish kitchen. After all, appliances and kitchen essentials with shiny surfaces practically screamed modern sophistication. The craze gained traction in the late 1990s after being inspired by industrial kitchens in high-end restaurants. This is because they made you believe you were cooking in a professional-grade kitchen even if you were reheating leftovers. Stainless steel kitchens became the gold standard for renovations, and every home makeover show and glossy magazine featured them as a must-have.

But people these days are moving away from the stainless steel color and leaning toward warmer and more personalized cooking rooms. Think along the lines of trendy colorful kitchen appliances, matte finishes, and natural materials that will lend the space charm and character. If your cooking space still looks like an old magazine spread, maybe it's time to switch things up and bring a little life back into the heart of your home. You can start by staying away from stainless steel appliances that feel cold, sterile, and a bit overdone.

One of the biggest reasons stainless steel has lost its appeal is because it's everywhere. After all, things stop feeling unique when every kitchen on the block features the same shiny appliances. Stainless steel also has some practical headaches. For one, it's notoriously hard to keep clean since fingerprints, smudges, and water spots easily stain its shiny surface. You'd also need to know how to polish stainless steel. Yes, there are appliances that boast fingerprint-resistant finishes, but they're easily damaged. Stainless steel also tends to scratch and dent easily, making it less durable.

The metallic finish of a stainless steel appliance also clashes with today's trending warm organic design elements. Many homeowners are now embracing natural materials like wood and stone as they gravitate toward softer and more inviting spaces. So, the cold and industrial vibe of stainless steel feels out of place. It's like inviting a robot to a cozy dinner party: sleek but incompatible with the mood.

You don't have to toss out your functional appliances or completely renovate your countertops to achieve a more modern kitchen design if it still has that stainless steel look. One option is to cover them up with peel-and-stick appliance covers that come in a variety of finishes like matte and wood. They'll transform your appliances since they're easy to apply, removable, and a great way to experiment with different looks without breaking the bank. You can also distract from the stainless steel color by surrounding it with warm design elements. Wooden cutting boards and colorful backsplashes can help balance the coolness of the metal. Adding plants or artwork can also draw attention away from the appliances and create a more cohesive look.

If you're ready for a bigger change, consider upgrading to appliances in classic finishes. White and black appliances are making a comeback. This is because they're versatile and fit in with a wide range of styles. You can even opt for colorful appliances in muted tones — sage green or cream — if you're feeling bold. These alternatives will help you acknowledge that design is evolving. So, rethink the once trendy stainless steel design to create a kitchen that feels fresh and uniquely yours.