- All-white kitchen appliances used to be a popular design choice.
- Now, they're back—but with a twist.
- Designers explain how and why the vintage trend is making a comeback in kitchens today.
Nowadays, it seems like there's a new (well, technically old) retro design trend making a comeback every single day—think bold patterned wallpaper, wood tones, decorative molding, and more.
While some are definitely more surprising than others, this one, I did not see coming. Off-white kitchen appliances are on the rise, and homeowners are embracing the trend.
Technically, back in the day, the trend featured stark-white appliances, both large and small. I can still picture my own grandma's bold white oven and stovetop when I think about her house. Now, the color is a bit less hard on the eyes (thankfully), and the trend is more focused on those smaller countertop appliances.
The Trend, Explained
Homeowners are becoming less and less afraid to use different colors and patterns and textures in their homes—just take color drenching or pattern drenching, for example. As a result, they're looking for ways to bring in more neutral tones that balance everything out.
"Bolder, brighter patterns and colors are entering the kitchen again, so it is natural that appliances are less conspicuous," says Andy Yates of Andy Yates Design.
Plus, with trends like nostalgia decor and grandmacore making waves in interior design, it's no surprise homeowners are once again turning to the past for inspiration.
"There’s a real sense of nostalgia driving design right now, and off-white appliances tap directly into that," says Linda Hayslett of LH.Designs Inc. "They have that charming, retro quality, a little nod to our grandparents’ kitchens. It’s the best of both worlds, familiar and comforting, but still fresh and current."
The Best Off-White Appliances
Our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab are always testing the latest products, and they've noticed the trend as well, pointing out that lots of brands have come out with off-white collections recently, including Bella, Breville, Smeg, and KitchenAid, which tends to be a color trend starter, according to Nicole Papantoniou, Kitchen Appliances Lab Director at the GHI.
"Kitchens have become busier with patterns, larger pops of color (like large appliances and lower cabinets), and deeper wood colors. The muted tones tend to blend in more so other areas of the kitchen can shine," says Papantoniou.
Some of our favorites have even been tested and rated by our GH pros—just take the KitchenAid Artisan Series Mixer, which was rated the best overall stand mixer, or the Bella 2-Slice Toaster, which was rated the best compact toaster. The only difference is that now, you can snag them in their muted tones.
Laura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC's TODAY.com, where she covered everything from entertainment news to pop culture updates.
