5 Appliance Mistakes That Are Dating Your Kitchen

Updating or renovating a kitchen is a major process. After all, we tend to spend a ton of time in our kitchens, and they’re also one of the most expensive rooms (if not the most expensive) to update. This cost includes major appliances like your fridge, oven, dishwasher, range, and hood. These workhorses have a huge impact on how our kitchens function as well as how they look. They have the magical power to make your kitchen look super sleek and chic, or kind of dated. So, if you’re getting ready to upgrade your appliances or are wondering why your kitchen isn’t looking quite right, here are five things interior designers say to consider. That said, if you like the retro look, don’t let these recommendations stop you!

White Finish

Everyone loves a white kitchen, but stay away from the shade when it comes to choosing your next fridge, oven, and any other appliance. “White appliances (unless you’re doing some sort of super intentional retro or Scandinavian look) can scream early 2000s,” says interior designer Ilana Rostad. She recommends going with matte black, brushed stainless, or panel-ready appliances.

Microwave Combos

“Microwave/oven combos date kitchens,” says designer Cyndy Cantley. Ranges take up less room and can help with your kitchen’s symmetry. And while we’re on the topic of microwaves, avoid adding one to a hood. “Hoods are your focal point, and there is nothing attractive about a microwave,” she says.

The Latest Color Trend

Major appliances come with a major price tag, so interior designer Sasha Basso of Capiz Studio likes to stick to neutrals. “As much as I love a good design trend, kitchen appliances are actually one of the places where I steer clear of them,” she says. “You can’t re-paint a fridge or a stove, so unless you’re opting for a classic SMEG or La Cornue, then a trendy colored appliance will instantly put a time stamp on your kitchen and make it more vulnerable to feeling dated.”

Techy Control Panels

Getting appliances that have all the latest technology is a smart move, but you don’t necessarily want to showcase futuristic controls or screens all over the appliance, since that tech can change quickly. “Think of how often you update your phone or laptop: a fridge with a massive touch screen may be the hot new thing for a year or two, but once the latest technology quickly eclipses it, then you’re stuck with a fridge that feels dated,” Basso says. ” And it’s much harder to update your fridge than it is your phone!”

Exterior Ice Makers

Newer models will have these features built into the inside, so you can still have your filtered water and ice but it doesn’t have to be the main display feature. Who really wants that bulky, boxy dispenser breaking up a sleek looking stainless steel door? These dispensers can also show a lot of wear and tear, making the fridge look older than it is.