Kitchen
Put your
on ice
Cool finishes are the new stainless By ashleigh mattern
H
omeowners who want to make a statement with their kitchen appliances have more options than ever before.
Stainless steel still dominates the market, but the growing popularity of hidden appliances, and custom powder coating – available in every imaginable colour – point to a shift in taste. “There is a movement away from your complete stainless,” said Len Willer, Continental Factory Direct store manager. “There are some upkeep issues; sometimes it requires a little bit more maintenance.” New options to hit store floors this year include mirrored glass finishes from Whirlpool, a floating glass finish from JennAir, and the slate coloured finish from GE. These appliances are sleek, with clean lines and crisp colours, all featuring stainless steel accents, so they match existing stainless pieces. Neil Will, Continental Factory Direct appliance sales manager, says he has seen a few houses where they've purchased Whirlpool's “white ice” package, but kept their stainless steel vent hood or dishwasher. “It matches quite beautifully,” he said. “You don't have to replace all of your appliances at once.” Whirlpool is also rolling out a “black ice” finish. The stainless accents especially stand out against the deep black, creating a stunning contrast. A similar look comes from Jenn-Air – their floating glass finishes in both black and white feature a tinted glass panel layered over the face of the appliance, giving a deeper look to the colour. The glass panel also makes it easy to clean. 102 You’re home Summer 2014