It's clear that vintage-inspired trends are here to stay in home design. Between grandmacore kitchens, butcher block countertops, and now, off-white appliances, homeowners and designers are looking to the past for inspiration. We asked designers to explain the off-white appliances trend.
Many of today's design trends are all about color, patterns, and textures. It might seem as though off-white appliances don't fit into that design sensibility, but in fact, it's the opposite. Designers say one reason off-white appliances are having a moment is because they allow bright colors and eye-catching details to shine. They're the supporting actors rather than the stars of the show.
The easiest way to get in on the trend is with a countertop appliance, like a toaster, air fryer, or tea kettle. That said, an off-white oven or refrigerator is always a timeless look. You can also lean into the off-white look with cream walls in the kitchen. It's a great way to make your space look like a Nancy Meyers movie!
Below, designers explain the off-white appliances trend. And if you're looking for even more design inspiration, read up on the furniture trends designers say will be everywhere this year and the warm minimalism trend experts are loving.
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.
