Evolution of Appliance Colors

Did you ever wonder about the chronology of color for kitchen appliances?

The kitchen was a simple place consisting of a fireplace or wood stove, a table and chairs - and little else.

Then came electricity. Electricity made the kitchen a place to cook food, keep it cold, wash the dishes, grill, toast, and so on.

Always the place for gathering, the idea of making it more aesthetically pleasing was a natural evolution from its fireplace beginnings.

Initially, white was it as far as appliances were concerned. In the 1950s other colors were introduced: Stratford Yellow, Sherwood Green, Turquoise Green, Cadet Blue, Woodtone Brown, Petal Pink and Canary Yellow.

By the 1960s, a few new shades were added - and quickly canceled, too. Charcoal Gray was not so well received  Yellow, pink and turquoise were the survivors. A new color, called Coppertone, emerged, and it was popular until the 1980s. Coppertone and turquoise were on the top of the list of favorite colors for appliances for many years.

Back to the '60s. turquoise was replaced by avocado and Harvest Gold. They stayed through the '60s, '70s, and into the early '80s.

Poppy Red appeared in the '70s for a short time, but by the end of the decade, New Naturals - Harvest Wheat, Onyx Black, Coffee, Fresh Avocado and Almond took over.

Whites returned in the '80s and '90s. With the new century came a new color called Stainless Steel. That one and black are the appliance finishes of choice lately.

Slate is the newest color on the scene, but white has always remained the most purchased color in kitchen appliances.