I went with a black fridge. My ovens are Monogram euro handle so they're black and stainless. Our wine fridge and dishwasher will be black too. We're not done yet but our cabinets will be white. I'm fine with black - I didn't want stainless either. Too cold for me and I wanted magnets to stick for the fridge. So we' just made our island black and are making sure there's black accents in our granite to tie it all together.

If I could do it over again I'd consider getting a panel front fridge. That way the whole bank of pantry and fridge would match. Our fridge is a Jenn Air cabinet depth that I love and panel was an option.

Have you considered the oiled bronze that Jenn Aire does? It's so beautiful - I've seen it in two kitchens and it's amazing. Very warm.

I'd actually like to be cheap and bring my 4 year old black, french-door bottom freezer that we have now. I love that fridge and don't think I can live without it. And what's the point in buying something brand new when this fridge is almost brand new? I don't like counter depth fridges either---I cook almost every night so I need all the room I can get. Black and stainless ovens sound interesting. I'll have to look at those because the fridge and the ovens will be right next to each other. I always wanted a black island but was worried about the dust. Maybe I'll bite the bullet and tell the cabinet guy to go ahead and paint it black.

I'm not a fan of stainless either simply because it seems to show fingerprinting badly. I like the idea of the paneled fridge. I don't mind a black stove or DW, but not a big black fridge.

I say don't order stainless if you don't like it.
We are using white for the cabs, fridge and stove, black for the dw and stainless for the wall oven. The wall oven has a cool look with a mix of knobs and electronic displays (GE Monogram) and looks nice as ss, but I did not want ss for the other stuff as I am usually not a big fan.
It is your kitchen so get what you like. If you sell down the road, you may have a buyer who wanted green polka dotted appliances,(or whatever the future style might be), lol!

If you dont like SS, then I'd go for paneling your frig and dishwasher, and a vent covered by cabinetry or cabinet paneling....this way most of the appliances are covered except the cooktop and oven, which if you do a black/ss cooktop, you should do a black/ss oven. Or use the Jenn Air copper colored oven and cooktop.

Either direction you go, dont mix finishes of appliances that are visible (ie, black frig, ss oven, white dishwasher)...this just looks tacky and as if you bought which ever appliances were on sale. The whole point of spending money on this size renovation is to the make the overall look cohesive, not piece-meal (unless you are going for this look).

Then I guess my kitchen will be tacky, lol.

Actually, our kitchen will have white cabs with gray counters and black accents. I am not trying to make it look like anything but a kitchen. My appliances will be clearly appliances and not camouflaged. The appliances will all match something but not necessarily each other. The stove is vintage, the dw more modern and the oven looks new with a vintage touch (the knobs give it a retro vibe). Our fridge and freezer and just that.... big white fridge and big white freezer. Guests will know where my appliances are and not mistake my kitchen for a library or living room.

If my kitchen does not look newly renovated and looks like it has been here a while, that is fine by me. It also will not scream 2010 in 5-10 years. I am trying for pre-MCM and a very straightforward design. If that makes it tacky, then so be it. It will make my family smile and be a welcoming place for guests. btw- my garbage can will be an actual garbage can - oh, the horrors!

Obviously you took my opinion to heart...but thats what it is..my opinion. Obviously youre kitchen should look the way you like it, since its yours. Dont take things so personal.

Paneling your appliances wont make guests not be able to find them...even paneled appliances are obvious. Nor will it scream 2010 (fact check, ppl have been paneling appliances for quite some time)

Didnt know ppl on here were soooo sensitive, I mean, opinions were asked for right?

Hmmm......my feelings would have been hurt too. Pretty strongly stated there.

Dianalo, if you hate stainless do not put them in your kitchen! I'm not a fan of stainless either. I happen to like white ones. This is your kitchen and it should make you feel happy.

I like kitchens that look like they have evolved. They are homey and look loved. For sure if you love the fridge you already have, by all means keep it!

I don't like the idea of using panels to conceal refigerators, etc. either. Like you said, it's a kitchen. However, someone else who likes them should do that if it makes them happy.

Bottom line is, don't let a kitchen designer or anyone else tell you that you should have stainless. It's YOUR kitchen, not theirs.

Another vote for the oiled bronze Jenn Air. This would really nice in a Craftsman style.

Or do a panelled refrigerator & dishwasher, that way you only have the cooktop, oven and or range color to deal with.

The the new whites and blacks would look too modern IMO.

Kathe

Here is a link that might be useful: Jenn Air oiled bronze

We actually chose our ss oven because we liked how it looked. It has a nice vibe to it, and we both preferred it in ss. Our fridge and freezer set was bought for our new kitchen (and has been in use in our garage as we wait). It is white and looks neat and clean. The dw is sleek and black. I did not like it in either ss or white as much.
Our vintage Chambers stove is white with chrome accents and was what we designed the kitchen around. The brands don't match nor do the finishes, but each one will coordinate with our kitchen as a whole. None of our appliances are or were cheap.

I think I'd rather our house looked like it evolved lovingly over time than we bought a pre-set look (kitchen-in-a-bag instead of bed-in-a-bag) and locked it in. We have antique furniture ranging from over 200 y.o. to "pre-antiques" from the 30s (too young to be true antiques) in our house and I enjoy each piece or set. I'd cringe if my entire house was matchy matchy.

Not everyone is trying to be trendy and go with the look that is put out in mass production. Not matching appliances can be eclectic and warm and is not a sign of bought-the-clearance-section-all-at-once.

If I am offended for real, I will say so. If you insult me or my kids, then that is something that would be personal. I do think that when someone says one has to do it the one way or that there is a rule about that sort of thing, then that is shortsighted at minimum. I was trying to make a point about how your one size fits all does not fit everyone's ideal.

I can appreciate the look of paneled appliances when done appropriately. I do not think that makes naked appliances look cheap by comparison. While many things have been done for many years, (i.e. ss, subways and such) I just think that if one uses too many of the currently popular choices all at once, it will become obvious what time period it was put together. That doesn't mean it would be wrong to do or isn't a lovely look, just a warning that there may be a time when it is out of date. At one point, ss was high end and now even the "peasants" can buy it and it has become common. I am a real estate agent and can usually guess the age of a kitchen with a slight margin of error. I have lived through many trends that were touted as timeless, but because everyone jumped on the bandwagon at the same time, they easily became dated over time. There is usually a backlash to any popular look if it becomes too accessible to the masses. Try to remember when pickled/washed oak was the "thing", or dark green marble look tiles with white cabinets, euro style formica with wood bands at the top or bottom, glossy red or black 80s cabs (though those seem to be "back" in some circles), avocado green, harvest gold, wallpaper borders, cow themes, ivy stencils, and don't even get me started on blue and mauve with ducks.... I could list a whole lot more things that have passed from fancy, but it is late, lol....

I do predict a backlash against travertine as that is approx what 50% of people in our area are using in new or renovated kitchens. Any time something is done and copied so broadly, you know it's days are numbered. If I truly loved a look, I'd do it despite it being popular, but it would make me think twice or more. We did not name our kids from the top 20 baby names list and used those guides as lists of what to avoid. Maybe it is just a sign of contrariness, but we are investing a bunch in our new kitchen and renovations and I would be crushed if it looked dated and stale in a few years. I see houses all the time that fall into the trendy trap only to have to re-do or lower their price to sell 5 or 10 years later, even though the updated kitchen/bathroom etc... is young in age.

If the next person who owns my house wants all ss, they are welcome to buy what they want, but they will have a wall oven that makes them happy in the meantime. Our new, extended kitchen will be functional with a generous and carefully planned layout. They can change the look if they do not like our style, but will appreciate the bones. This is my one chance to do a renovation/extension of this size/cost and I am not going to do it someone else's way because of imaginary rules.

The bottom line is the o.p. was asking if they must order something they do not care for. It would be more helpful to encourage her to follow her instincts than telling her what she mustn't do or risk being "tacky", which sounds judgmental and is only your opinion anyway.

This is an interesting discussion. My two-cents-worth on the word "tacky" is that I haven't used it (or thought of anything I've seen as "tacky") since I was in high school, and that's a LONG LONG time ago.

So for me now using the word seems sort of sad. Maybe because I've seen so many people making their own choices for their own good reasons. I admire that.

Don't respond to a post directly if it temporarily sparks feelings.
Don't try to run interference to protect someone.

archnista posted twice. Each one was balanced and clear.
I vote for archnista as the most clearthinking contributor.
Contrarian views are necessary, in all discussion.
Invite them, ask for them, want them.
All commenting risks sparking a reaction. Let comments happen nonetheless.
There is no way to know whose emotions will be sparked, to what degree, and in what manner.

This is an interesting discussion. My two-cents-worth on the word "tacky" is that I haven't used it (or thought of anything I've seen as "tacky") since I was in high school, and that's a LONG LONG time ago.

So for me now using the word seems sort of sad. Maybe because I've seen so many people making their own choices for their own good reasons. I admire that.

WHOOPS! So sorry -- I was trying to back up on my computer and accidentally posted the same message twice. Apologies to all concerned. Davidrol, I do get your point.

If you are willing to splurge on a copper sink, then I would also splurge on a paneled fridge and DW.

I'm surprised no one has mentioned colored appliances. Viking, Bluestar and some others make ranges in lovely colors (love the Viking yellow!). The "Big Chill" company makes fridges, stoves and dishwashers in the most amazing colors. The Big Chill fridges aren't that big though, but they are SO cool looking. I believe some people have Big Chill fridges, and a supplemental fridge/freezer in their basement or something. (I don't know how the quality is of the Big Chill Appliances.) Also, various exhaust hood makers will also paint your hood to match your range, or whatever color you want (VAH and ModernAire, but there are others).

You can go to the Appliances Forum and either do a search or ask a question about colored appliances.

I am not a fan of black appliances - just MHO. My reasoning is that I once had a black range and it NEVER looked clean. Every speck showed large, and it was almost impossible to have it look smudge-free. I also feel that black fridges show a lot of smudges, and cause they're big, have a "black hole" look to them. Sorry, just my $.02, but I thought I'd point it out.

Having said that, I strongly believe that you do not need to have all appliances matching the same. I have read threads on the Appliances Forum that have poo-poohed the "matchy-matchy" look. I disagree with the comment that non-matching appliances are "tacky". I've seen plenty of kitchens in Architectural Digest that do not have all the appliances the same. You should get what YOU want. Don't let the rigid rules of others be the aribiter of YOUR taste.

Panelling is good because it hides fingerprints. But it is $$$, both for the panel itself, and for the appliance cause you have to get appliances that are "panel-ready", and manufacturers charge more for them. You had said the copper sink is a splurge. If you are considering paneled appliances, you may have to choose only one, or choose panelling over your sink, depending on your budget.

I like the idea of the copper-front fridge from Jenn-Aire. I believe they offer a DW also with the copper front. What a great combo with your sink.

It is YOUR kitchen and YOU have to love to live with it everyday...not some KD or anyone from this site~~ Do what YOU want. If you don't like SS, well, don't use it... I truly believe in a few years there will be something else that will come out and be the rage and the SS will looked dated, like all of the others have become.

I also hate SS and black also, not because of their looks, but I don't want to be a slave to my kitchen....thus, in my new kitchen I am sticking to WHITE!!! I happen to love the clean, crisp look that only white can provide. Am I dating a new house by using white?....maybe so, but at my age, I don't need to follow trends....let the next buyer change them, if they don't like them.

Follow YOUR heart....do as you please :-)

Our appliances don't match, but I like the way they look together. The cooktop is GE black glass with shiny black grates (gas), the rangehood is Broan SS, the fridge is Samsung SS, double ovens are Frigidaire SS/black, and the dishwasher and microwave are GE SS/black. We have some black accents in the living room and dining room in an open floor plan, so the black fits right in.

I would have been happy with all black, but I think the mix looks even better. I'm not a matchy-matchy personality though...

BTW, I used to have a black JennAir fridge that I LOVED. It was textured black and didn't show anything. Not dirt, not fingerprints--it was awesome. When I moved into our previous house, it wouldn't fit so I kept the white fridge that came with the house and HATED it. It always looked dirty. (probably because it was, but it *showed* it instead of hiding it).

V

Black appliances are nice too... I am kind of fascinated by the red phenomenon that you see in appliances lately. Although I do think that colors like that will be a little less timeless than black/white/stainless.

For instance, I know it is coming back into style now, but remember how hideous harvest gold and avocado seemed in the 90s? And now, the pale blues and mauves of the early 90s seem unattractive. For whatever reason, I think neutrals tend to be more timeless, and colors seem to be more trendy. So, I like to design neutral, and accent with color, so colors can be easily changed.

But that is just my opinion, and I am certainly no designer. :P

I think a part of the problem with SS is that there are many SS refrigerators and dw are simply ugly. When you have so much SS in not attractive appliances, it does not look goo. I second paneling DW and refrigerator.

I actually liked bisque colored appliances from the 80s and 90s. I thought there were nice alternatives to stark white....

FWIW:

I realized I wasn't even sure what "tacky" meant so looked it up. Along with the definitions I knew having to do with the stickiness of glue or paint, etc, I found this definition relating to one's taste:

1. shabby or shoddy
2. ostentatious and vulgar.

And this: "brassy: tastelessly showy; "a flash car"; "a flashy ring"; "garish colors"; "a gaudy costume"; "loud sport shirts"; "a meretricious yet stylish book"; "tawdry ornaments."

I think everyone with mismatched appliances is safe. ;)

FWIW:

I realized I wasn't even sure what "tacky" meant so looked it up. Along with the definitions I knew having to do with the stickiness of glue or paint, etc, I found this definition relating to one's taste:

1. shabby or shoddy;
2. ostentatious and vulgar.

And this: "brassy: tastelessly showy; "a flash car"; "a flashy ring"; "garish colors"; "a gaudy costume"; "loud sport shirts"; "a meretricious yet stylish book"; "tawdry ornaments."

I think everyone with mismatched appliances is safe. ;)

If you don't like stainless, don't get stainless. It might be the current "in" finish but other finishes are used and look fine. It's YOUR house and kitchen.

Personally, I don't care for black appliances with white cabinets because I don't like the contrast but that's me. If you like black, get black. It certainly isn't out of style.

My mom had white appliances with creamy white cabinets and I thought it looked good. Bisque appliances would blend the best but are harder to find.

I agree that if you don't like stainless, you shouldn't get stainless. I also don't care for it, and have white appliances. But to get to the heart of the original post, do I think that black appliances work with white cabinets, a copper sink and a stained island...in my minds eye all of the colors start competing. Especially if you add a countertop in yet a different color. I think black could work if the countertops are in the black family, but if you wanted, say, gold or green countertops, I think it is too much. I think white would blend with the cabinets and give you more flexibility with the countertop color. And having now googled the Jenn-Air oiled bronze, I think it would look great with the copper, and could also harmonize with you island stain depending on what stain you chose.

My mom had a rust-brown Frigidaire range for many years, paired with a white refrigerator. If anyone still made rust-brown appliances, they'd probably look great with your copper sink. Sadly, I don't think they are due to come back into fashion for another 60 years.

whew - I will sleep better tonight knowing I am safe, lol ;)

I think when the mfrs realize there is money to be made in offering more choice, we will see more choice. Look at what has happened with washer/dryers... People buy all sorts of outrageous colors and have some fun with it. Sadly, many of those gems are hidden in basements and laundry rooms, but they add a little zing when you see them.

I think it is becoming a little like the early Henry Ford days... "People can have whatever color car they want as long as it is black". Substitute the word "ss" for "black" and that is the current state to some extent. Luckily, I am not the only crackpot who looks for alternatives.

There is really nothing wrong with ss, it is just not the be all and end all that is being pushed onto the consumers.

(Is there any way I can delete my double posts? )

If anyone's interested in seeing a kitchen designer who REALLY REALLY REALLY wants a kitchen with all matching surfaces, check this out. It's kinda weirdly fun, though I doubt anyone could stand it for long:

Here is a link that might be useful:

Good gracious! I had no idea that so many people would give me their 2 cents worth! Thank you for all of your opinions. I looked at appliances today and think I can live with SS. I didn't realize that some ovens and microwaves also have black paneling on them, which will break up the industrial look of SS. I really don't like panel front appliances and while we're spending a boat-load of money on this house, I don't wish to break the bank on anything frivilous--like Wolf ranges and Jenn-Air fridges. I'm used to cooking with basic appliances and brands so I don't need the bells and whistles. I'm a simple girl, thank goodness, so it doesn't take much to make me happy. I think my beloved black fridge will look just as good in the basement as it would have in the kitchen.
Thanks again for sharing your opinions!

swhite10, Im glad you chose to follow your gut...choosing what fits you best is the idea here.

I thought this was a forum, you know the type where all opinions are welcome, and everyone here are grown ups and dont get offended when I say whats on my mind. I gave MY OPINION....I wont "sugar coat" it for no one.

Thats like if I were to get offended when almost everyone wrote that they liked mixing appliances and then I posted something in an unneccesary tone to reflect that. But of course I wouldnt do that, because I understand what this is.

As far as for anyone else that has a problem with my post..my response is "Get Over It" is that a phrase that can been used when youre out of HS? Just checking, because I dont want to offend anyone, especially those STILL in HS that need to look things up in the dictionary to prove a pointless point not even remotely related to the subject at hand!

swhite, good luck to you and your renovation! I cant wait until to post pics!

I wasn't real keen on stainless steel either, so I opted for a paneled refrigerator and I love it, love it, love it! I read where the panels on the dishwashers can weigh down the doors so I opted out of that, but my dishwasher is just a tiny bit of stainless....so not bad at all. My oven is a clean touch steel from Miele and so far no fingerprint problems with it.

What's wrong with white? Not a fan of black. I went with stainless, only because I didn't change out my range and microwave which were stainless. What's new today is old tomorrow. In the grand scheme of things, I would choose for current likes and sellability.

I would have voted for a paneled dishwasher and white everything else.

What goes around.....as far back as I can remember, white was the only option...then it was some colored (pink, turquoise, etc.), then copper-tone, then avocado, then harvest gold, then black, then bisque, then stainless steel, but the all time color available was WHITE....it is timeless~~ Makes me wonder what will be next in line to keep everyone changing their kitchen appliances. Anyone care to guess?

I personally think of mixing appliances like I think of mixing jewelry. Given the right setting, it could work, but usually... usually... to get a cohesive look, you don't wear a gold necklace, one silver earring, one copper earring and a rainbow bracelet together. You find the things that match and can pull together a whole look. Usually.... usually.... mismatched appliances... to ME.... look like someone is in the middle of a reno, or like me... had to buy a new fridge and DW (stainless), but hasn't gotten around to or hasn't the money to purchase a new microwave or stove. In the big picture, kitchens don't have to be magazine perfect. But usually.... if someone does a reno, there is a plan for everything to flow together. If function is as important as looks, and for many, it is more important, then by all means, get what works or is affordable when you can get it. But most on this forum or most who redo a kitchen, it is based at least partially on getting a new look. And like jewelry or outfits or whatever, one usually... usually... tries to coordinate.

And none of the above is a slam. Just an observation. As for "tacky", I do use that word a lot, and I am WAY past high school. I've seen tacky. It does exist. I haven't seen it on this forum, though. But if I do, I probably won't say anything ;)