Tired of that plain white refrigerator? Looking to add a little splash with your stove?

There are plenty of options to consider in colored appliances. While they are not as common as the more traditional white, black and stainless steel models, they can add some fun to your kitchen.

Consider the following colors:

·         Red

·         Blue

·         Green

·         Eggplant

·         Burgundy

An Extension of Stainless

As stainless steel move to more mainstream homes, the truly trendy are looking to make a new statement. Enter the red refrigerator or the blue oven to try to shake up the design world.

The colors run the gamut from the reds, greens, and blues to the pistachios and mint juleps. These colors are primarily seen in higher-end models, but some unique colors are expected to move into more moderate price levels.

What to Consider

If you want to add an unusual color, consider the room layout and design. Then think about what area you are trying to accentuate.

If the main set of cabinets is across from the entryway to the room, consider adding a red or blue refrigerator in that area. Guests will be sure to notice as they walk in the room.

If the cooking area is the focal point, look for a large range in an unusual color. Aga Cookers, for example, has ranges in terracotta and pistachio. On an island,  add a blue microwave and dishwasher to make that space stand out.

Selecting Cabinetry

When selecting cabinets, go with white to create a strong contrast with the appliance. Or, tone down the look by using maple or oak cabinets. Overall, try to stick to one unique color throughout the room instead of doing a patriotic red, white, and blue combination.

You should also consider how much color you want. A 25-cubic-foot refrigerator in blue will draw more attention than a smaller model in burgundy.

A Small Dose?

If you just want a small dose of color, look for a smaller appliance. A dishwasher or microwave oven would add some punch without overwhelming the design of the kitchen. By using a strong color on a dishwasher, you would draw attention to the countertop above it. With a microwave, it could be placed in an island alcove to focus attention there. 

A bright colored appliance also can be coordinated with floor or wall tile or the countertop color. "In some cases they'll do the dishwasher and trash compactor in blue and use them as accent pieces," said Christopher Hubbuch, manager of services and public relations for KitchenAid Appliances in Benton Harbor, MI. "Maybe they have blue trim in the tile work to tie it in."

Other home owners will do blue throughout the kitchen, from the appliances to the tile and the cabinets. "Now kitchen cabinet manufacturers are getting into cobalt blue lacquered cabinets, so you have a whole kitchen and it becomes a very modern, almost European look," Hubbuch said.

Be careful of mixing too many colors and patterns. And, make sure the colors and tones blend.

Consider Colored Panels

There also are less permanent ways to add color to the kitchen. KitchenAid, and other manufacturers, sell appliance panels in several colors. Home owners can add blue, yellow, red and green panels to the front of a dishwasher, refrigerator, or range.

If you grow tired of the color in a few years, you just change the panel. KitchenAid sells its Superba dishwashers for approximately $1,200. The extra cost for a color panel on that model is $96.

Adding color to an appliance does not have to be a bold statement, however. Those who prefer pastels also have several choices to consider. Viking, which is known for its commercial line of appliances, has 30-inch gas ranges in mint julep, egg plant, and other colors. The price is approximately $3,000.