It's never a bad thing to give consumers options -- look at how successful Starbucks has been at doing that. I would be just fine with never having to hear another person order a venti quad no-foam half-pump vanilla latte and then stick a thermometer in it to make sure the barista made it to the right temperature (yes, someone did this).

Dell and Apple have been very successful at giving consumers build-to-order options for computer components, even in different colors. I think Dacor may be successful at this, and it would certainly differentiate them from their competitors.

Until Dacor starts making their products reliable again, I doubt they'll be setting any trends!

sshrivastava--you are so right! I also wondered about Kenmore (maybe it's Kitchenaid, can't remember) who now offers the Black Pearl refrigerator. It's beautiful. Mirrorlike. Black. Maybe color is the next trend afterall.

weissman--Opinions on Dacor's reliability depends largely on an individuals experience with the product, or lack thereof. On another thread in the kitchen forum, I had a distinct reality check. When I first started here I so enjoyed reading all the threads, content with my list of GE Profile appliances. Soon, though, I began looking at other, pricier appliances wondering if that was what *I* needed. Anyway, this thread is a Now-that-you're-finished- what-could-you-have-lived-without type and a real eye-opener. It really helped me realize that I need to stick to what I can afford and what I'm comfortable with. I'm no gourmet cook, so why buy gourmet appliances? And I'm definitely NOT on a gourmet budget . . . More to the point, I have seen people buy things regardless of bad reputation or a bad reliability rating, just so they could keep up with a current trend. I don't condone those who do buy high-end if they can afford it. For me though, reading that thread burst a few bubbles . . . and probably saved me a bunch of $$$

I had a challenging experience with my Dacor oven, but Dacor stepped up to the plate and came through with excellent support and I'm a happy camper. I have no issues with my oven -- it heats evenly, bakes wonderfully, and looks great.

Ostensibly I shouldn't have purchase a GE Profile Arctica refrigerator either because of negative postings on here about GE refrigerators, but hands down this has been the best free standing refrigerator I've ever had. Keeps temps right on the money, is whisper quiet, and is an utter pleasure to have in my home.

I for one am sure colored appliances will be the next big thing. It's not rocket science to see that nearly everything cylcles around again in terms of popularity. There were a few things in my 70's built house that were so dated when I moved in. I couldn't afford to change them and by the time I could - when I got a new kitchen - they were coming back around again. People will be tired of looking at stainless and color will be a refreshing change.

As far as Dacor quality is concerned, haven't had any problems with the wall ovens I purchased three years ago. Of course this was prior to the new even more expensive models being released. New model years - buyer beware.

I would like avocado green presented in a new and exciting way!

Viking has been selling coloured painted appliances for several years now. They introduce a new complement of colours every few years. Dacor is following suit, not setting that particular trend.

I actually think the next trend is custom color. There are many brands of gas ranges you can get in hundreds of colors--I think they figure if they're going to have to finish them anyway they might as well offer you all the colors to fuel your dreams, even if they mostly sell black, white and metal finishes. So some people get forest green or turquoise or sunflower. Bluestar, for one, also has the full range of colors for wall ovens, and there are a few electric ranges with color too, though I haven't seen it for any electric wall ovens.

Gaggenaus new wall ovens have glass fronts, however, over a choice of metals. And many high end makers are offering a glass panel kit for their refrigerators, though Dacor is the first I've heard of with a choice of colors.

Almost all of the high end makers offer custom panel options for refrigerators and dishwashers, as well as many warming drawers, ice makers, and other non-oven appliances. Designers are already putting more "interesting" things than cabinetry on these. Of course, chalkboard, but also etched glass, mosaics, paintings, etc., as well as other colorful things.