Do you tend to think that all your appliances should be the same colour and brand, or do you prefer mixing and matching to create a unique look in your kitchen? Perhaps you’ve never really given it much thought and are curious about the pros and cons of matching your appliances. Whatever your stance may be, we’re here to offer some insight and tips on the topic of appliance matching.
While having matching appliances may create a sense of cohesion in your kitchen, there are certainly other factors to consider. So in this blog, Kitchenways is diving into the practical aspects of appliance matching, such as the impact on cooking and baking results, as well as the aesthetic considerations that can influence your decision. We’ll also be discussing the benefits of mixing and matching your appliances and how you can create a cohesive look even without matching colours or brands.
So whether you’re a home cook who takes pride in a perfectly coordinated kitchen or you just want to know if your appliances need to match, keep reading to find out more!
Why is Matching or Mismatching Important to Consider?
Your kitchen is likely one of the most frequently used rooms in your home, so it’s important to create a space that you enjoy being in. The look and feel of your kitchen can greatly impact your overall satisfaction with the space and, therefore, how much time you want to spend in it making tasty meals and snacks. Matching or mismatching your appliances can affect the overall aesthetic of your kitchen, thereby making a significant difference in how you feel about the space.
From a functional standpoint, it is not important for appliances to match in terms of brand and colour. Different brands and models of appliances can have varying features, capacities, and performance levels that can suit different preferences and needs.
However, having cookware and bakeware that match in terms of material, size, and thickness can help ensure more consistent cooking results. This is because different materials conduct heat differently, and using a mix of thin and thick pans can result in uneven heating and potential burning. Additionally, using pans and trays of different sizes can affect the cooking time and temperature, which can also impact the outcome of your dishes.
Therefore, while matching appliances may contribute to a cohesive aesthetic in your kitchen, it is more important to prioritise matching cookware and bakeware for more consistent cooking results.
Benefits of Matching Kitchen Appliances
Now, let’s look at the benefits of matching multiple appliances in your kitchen in terms of colour and brand:
- Cohesive Design: Matching appliances, such as your kettle, toaster and microwave, can create a sense of cohesion and harmony in your kitchen. By having all your appliances in the same colour or style, you can create a clean and cohesive look that ties everything together.
- Ease of Use: When all your appliances are from the same brands or collections, they may be designed to work together seamlessly. This can make it easier to use them and figure out their features, as you may not have to learn how to use several different appliances with varying controls and settings.
- Resale Value: If you’re planning on selling your home in the future, having matching larger appliances can increase the resale value. A coordinated kitchen with matching appliances can be seen as a selling point and may be more attractive to potential buyers.
Benefits of Mixing and Matching Kitchen Appliances
Mixing and matching kitchen appliances can offer a number of benefits that may be appealing to different individuals. Here are a few advantages to consider:
- Cost: One of the most obvious benefits of mixing and matching appliances is cost savings. If you’re on a budget, buying all new appliances from the same brand and collection can be quite expensive. By choosing different brands or models, you can often find good deals and discounts that can help you save money.
- Customisation: Mixing and matching brand appliances allows you to create a custom look that’s unique to your personal style. You can play with different colours, textures, and finishes to achieve the aesthetic you’re going for rather than being limited to one particular collection or style.
- Flexibility: Choosing appliances from different brands or models can also give you more flexibility in terms of features and functions. You can mix and match to get the specific features you need, such as a double oven, a larger air fryer, or a more powerful cooktop, without having to stick to one particular brand or the same manufacturer.
- Easy replacement: If one of your appliances breaks down or needs to be replaced, it can be easier to find a new one that fits your existing decor if you’ve already mixed and matched appliances. You don’t have to worry about finding an exact match, as you can choose a similar style or colour from a different brand.
How to Create a Cohesive Look With Mismatched Appliances
Don’t want to match appliances but still want to create a harmonious aesthetic? Creating a cohesive look with mismatched appliances can seem like a challenge, but it is certainly possible! Here are a few tips to help you achieve a coordinated look in your kitchen:
- Choose a dominant colour: Select one colour that will serve as the dominant colour in your kitchen, and try to incorporate that colour in all your appliances. This can be a colour that complements or contrasts with your cabinets, backsplash or countertop. For example, you might choose stainless steel appliances or black appliances, or use this as your base colour, and go from there.
- Pay attention to style: While your appliances may be different brands or models, you can still choose ones that have a similar style or design aesthetic. For example, if you prefer a more modern look, choose appliances with clean lines and minimal details, regardless of the brand.
- Coordinate accessories: Coordinate the smaller accessories in your kitchen, such as the knobs, handles and even the small appliances. For example, you might choose brushed nickel knobs for your cabinets and drawers and then match your toaster or blender to that same finish.
- Use accents: Use accents to tie your appliances together. Consider adding a backsplash that complements the colours in your appliances, or add decorative items such as a rug, curtains or wall art that include your dominant colour.
- Consider lighting: Good lighting can also help to unify any space. Consider installing under-cabinet lighting or pendant lights that draw attention to your appliances and tie them together.
By paying attention to colour, style, accessories, accents and lighting, you can create a cohesive look in your kitchen with mismatched appliances. Remember, the key is to find ways to tie everything together, while still allowing your individual appliances to stand out and shine on their own.
It’s also important to keep in mind that the most important thing is not whether one appliance matches another – it is more important that your cookware and bakeware match, as the thickness, time to heat etc., will help you cook and not burn across pans and trays if you know how long they pre-heat and conduct heat. Knowing your appliances and matching them in terms of useability is the goal of any good chef.