And cleaning such an appliance isn’t necessarily a simple task, Laugen added. “Battling these smudges often requires the help of specialized stainless steel cleaning products to prevent any streaks. While they do leave the surface sparkling, they tend to be more expensive than traditional cleaning products.” So if industrial isn’t your thing, aim to take the paneled or retro approach. After all, Sempliner added, “When appliances are paneled, or selected in a color and/or in a more residential or retro style, the entire room transforms into a more inviting, relaxed, and warm space.” Designer Diana Rose noted in an email that “retro appliances surely help any kitchen come to life and tell a story.” How so? “They add a certain vintage character that is hard to achieve with cabinet designs,” she explained. “These appliances are also widely used in smaller kitchens where you can’t get too creative with cabinetry, due to limited wall space.” Paneled fridges don’t have to be plain, either. “Having appliances that ‘mold’ with a room gives the space a more integrated feel and is even a way to give the kitchen more personality,” explained Courtnay Tartt Elias, who recently painted the refrigerator in her own home. “I am notoriously fond of using color, so I’ll often have a little fun with color palettes or textures on appliances!”
