July 23, 2008

Kitchen Trends 2009:  Stainless Steel Appliances-Is the Fad Over?

Closing on our first house this Friday, my husband and I have been appliance shopping it feels like every other day!  Just like investing in a house, investing in your major appliances is quite an ordeal.  Given that the average life span of a fridge, dishwasher and range is between 10-15 years, one begins to research pretty heavily before making the purchase. Homeowners should be up on current trends, but it's important to stay classic and true to your own style.  I've been hearing rumors that stainless steel appliances are on their way out, so I decided to find out for myself.  As I was researching on the Internet, I found some great quotes that tell the tale:

"I think the days of stainless being the thing are just about over.  The fad is fading.  Stainless is a pain to keep up.  Fingerprints every time you even think about touching it!"

"The stainless looks nice, but it is impossible to keep clean, impossible!"

"Because of the business I'm in, I see stainless as a fad that may not last."

"Our Realtor's opinion is that it does seem to be getting less popular."

"I heard that stainless steel appliances are on the way out from one of the salespeople when we were looking at fridges.  He said one of the company reps was in the store and told them the new trend was going to be going away from stainless."

"If it were me, and I was planning on staying in my home for 10 more years I would go with white."

"White all the way.  Stainless to me, looks cold and clinical."

"I would pick white.  Less money and easier upkeep!  Stainless looks nice, however, white is universal and goes with everything.  I think stainless will soon fade away."

"If it was my choice, I likely would go with white for my appliances."

"I personally like it when the appliances disappear, especially in an open kitchen."

"I think white or black are what I will put in my new kitchen.  They are timeless and you don't have cleaning issues."

"Stainless steel appliances are so 2007."

"Last year the claim was that stainless would be replaced by white appliances."

"Stainless steel appliances may not go out of style, but it looks as though white and cream colored appliances are on their way back in.  Many appliance brands are beginning to showcase white appliances.  This is all a part of a larger trend toward an all-white kitchen design.  This month's issues of Domino and House Beautiful both feature sophisticated, all-white kitchens with marble counter-tops and white cabinets."
(quotes taken from www.city-data.com and www.curbly.com)

Isn't it refreshing when classic is trendy?  Also, it's affordable.  A win/win situation!  I will be buying white appliances for my new house.

Julie