Avocado green may be out, but homeowners are again considering appliance color options far beyond “biscuit.” “Consumers are becoming brave when choosing appliances,” says Sue Bailey, lead product manager for Viking. The company's 24 major-appliance color options, include mint julep, cobalt blue, and eggplant. Other suppliers also offer exciting colors as product-line extensions.
“Stainless steel is available in entry-level products now, so higher-end clients are looking for something that stands out beyond that,” says Mike Trapp, vice president of operations for BlueStar. Owned by powder-coating giant Prizer-Painter, BlueStar appliances are available in a whopping 190 colors. “We've discussed whittling down the number of colors, but we recognize that customers are looking for something special, and not every red is the same,” Trapp says, noting that about 40% of the company's ranges are requested in color.
Dacor's Preference suite is available in six sleek cool tones. National sales director Michael Zivanich says the colors are as suitable for a downtown loft as they are for a coastal cottage, but adds that he sees a regionality to clients' color choices. “Blue has been popular in warmer climates because it lends itself to freshness and blends with terracotta colors you see a lot in the Southwest,” he says. Meanwhile, anthracite, black, and green are more popular in urban settings.
Why not add a spicy red to the line? Zivanich says very bright colors can be a big commitment, so many consumers choose subtler tones. Still, Bailey says some consumers purchase a key item in color for a focal point. Zivanich acknowledges such decisions, adding that open floor plans are another reason to design with colored appliances. “Color is letting appliances double as accessories for people's homes,” he says.
For more product information, visit ebuild, Hanley Wood's interactive product catalog, at remodelingmagazine.com or ebuild.com.
