Bold and Beautiful Kitchen Appliances

by Susan Jensen Smith on June 18, 2009

When it comes to kitchens, are we playing it too safe?  Whatever happened to big, bold color expressions right smack dab in the heart of the home?  No apologies!

For those with no fear of color, there is a company in Colorado named Big Chill, and they’ve made a business out of pairing modern technology with vintage 50’s charm.  They make refrigerators, stoves and dishwashers (www.bigchillfridge.com).

Their appliances are like pieces of art! I love them!  Here’s the stove in ” beach blue.”
stove-beachblue

A little too gutsy?  Then how about starting out with some colorful gadgets to spice up your kitchen?  Add a retro red mixer or how about this pretty beach blue toaster?

istock_000001571617xsmall

What about a colorful table and chairs to mix it up a bit?

bluetableyellowchairs

Not sure about so much color but like the style?  Here’s Drew Barrymore’s kitchen with a white fridge from Big Chill:

drew_barrymore_home

A friend of mine is renovating her kitchen.  Here’s a lovely shot of her vintage avocado stove.  For some reason, I sort of like it!  It’s unapologetic, spunky and probably has many stories to tell.  (No, it’s not staying! )

avacado

Note: Her “after” pictures will be posted on HOMEdigz.com soon).  And you’ll love it! :)

Reminder:

We’re talking about kitchens this month at HOMEdigz.com – in fact there’s a fun giveaway.  Each post made through June 30, 2009 earns a chance at winning “Kitchen Ideas That Work” by Beth Veillette, an award-winning kitchen designer.  Just register at HOMEdigz.com and start chatting with other members.  It’s free and fun!

Find more fun blogs to read at Hooked on Houses “Hooked on Fridays” blog party! :)

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{ 4 trackbacks }

Colored Appliances in Retro Kitchens | Your home, only better ... | Home Improvement Center
June 19, 2009 at 8:30 pm
Hooked on Victory Gardens « Hooked on Houses
June 21, 2009 at 9:26 pm
Inspired by a Vintage Fan | Your home, only better | Rooms That Work LLC
September 7, 2009 at 9:56 am
Confessions of a Curious Driver | Your home, only better.
October 20, 2009 at 10:16 pm

{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }

Linda@Lime in the Coconut June 18, 2009 at 10:30 pm

Oooooh…Lovin’ those jellybean colorful appliances!

I have a big red toaster…does that count??

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Atticmag June 18, 2009 at 10:38 pm

Oh wow, I must get one of those retro toasters. How fun. And my mother still has her avocado green stove. Darn thing just won’t quit working!! Jane T.
Atticmag´s last blog ..Atticmag Rug Giveaway My ComLuv Profile

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Struggler June 18, 2009 at 11:23 pm

Wonderful appliance photos! But yes, I think most of us are wary of so much color – unless perhaps we’re investing in an Aga which traditionally have some brightness to them. But we could all branch out a bit with the toaster, right? That blue color is adorable.
Struggler´s last blog ..Cute storage options My ComLuv Profile

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Terry Kearns June 18, 2009 at 11:29 pm

That green stove is a whopper. I hope it finds a good home. I like Drew Barrymore’s kitchen a lot. It seems so normal compared to most magazine kitchens.
Terry Kearns´s last blog ..Virginia Cotton Docks – Sampson Street, Atlanta My ComLuv Profile

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Daly Essentials June 19, 2009 at 12:31 am

haha if you could have heard my reaction when I saw the pics, I’d get my mouth washed out with soap!! It was a “holy (insert 4 letter word here) these are AMAZING!! I’ve been really wondering if maybe colored appliances could be the next trend in kitchens… I’m just loving the retro look and wishing that I had the guts or the $$ to get them!!

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Claudia @ DipityRoad June 19, 2009 at 12:39 am

I agree sometimes we become too safe…however no one wants to revisit an era where we all cringed when our Grandmothers, or was it our mothers who owned Harvest gold washers and Dryers?

Real beauties here!

TTFN~~Claudia
Claudia @ DipityRoad´s last blog ..Shy Summer My ComLuv Profile

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Porch Days June 19, 2009 at 1:03 am

Didn’t know anyone made appliances like this. I think most of us would be afraid to commit to such boldness long term.

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Jasmine @ The Suburban Sentiment June 19, 2009 at 1:34 am

It’s funny how the cycle goes: retro was replaced with swanky modern gadgets and appliances and it was the thing to have.

In fact, if you had the retro-style appliances, it seemed as though you were left behind.

Now, we pay good money to have that style again.

But I agree, they do bring a pop of color to the room. I love the red KitchenAid Mixer, and it’s on my wishlist…mind you, $799 for a mixmaster means it may be on my wishlist for still a little while yet. ;-)
Jasmine @ The Suburban Sentiment´s last blog ..Hooked on: Terrariums Part II My ComLuv Profile

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astrid June 19, 2009 at 8:21 am

Several years ago I saw a similar fridge (but it must have been the real deal) and I just loved its clean lines. I wondered if someone would bring back that classic style. I certainly love it. (reminds me of an Airstream- I think that’s what they’re called). I don’t have much in the way of colorful appliances. I do have one very unique appliance- it’s an antique Kitchenaid stand mixer and it still works! It’s a hand-me-down from my husband’s great grandmother. It’s a light turquoise color. And it’s a beast! :)
astrid´s last blog .."Help I’m bleeding!" or strawberry picking with the Girlies My ComLuv Profile

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Susan June 19, 2009 at 9:24 am

Thanks for the great comments everyone! It seems we all like these colorful pieces of art, but wow…what a commitment! As for me, I’d do it in a heartbeat, but don’t konw if I’d get hubby on the same page.

For those of you who mentioned colorful small appliances, do me a favor and post them on http://www.HOMEdigz.com! :)

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Amy June 19, 2009 at 10:18 am

These are totally awesome. Thanks for posting. How delightful!!!

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Freezer Gaskets August 31, 2009 at 4:59 pm

What an inspiring article with some great pics. I felt like I had stepped into an episode of Mad Men after seeing these pics. I think it is funny who retro things from clothing to kitchen appliances become popular and nostalgic over time.

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Susan September 2, 2009 at 1:42 pm

Oh, I love that show..and the decor of that era!
Susan´s last blog ..Hooking Up Kids Rooms For School My ComLuv Profile

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Refrigerator Gaskets November 2, 2009 at 12:16 am

I absolutely love these pictures and ideas that you bring up here. I think these retro appliance and kitchen looks will become more trendy moving forward. Adding colorful appliances to your kitchen lets you show a little bit of your personality. I think that if you coordinate the colors of the kitchen with the appliances, you can pull off something great.

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