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Recently I reviewed an article that discussed the "new trend" according to Whirlpool. Apparently they're not the only player in the market that is gambling the dominance of Stainless Steel appliances is near the end of an era. It seems each manufacturer is pushing a new "trend-setter". According to the WSJ article out today, Wolf Appliance is pushing "Black Glass", while GE introduced a muted gray finish called "Slate". Miele has mentioned they will be producing new high-gloss finishes in the near future. The appliance world has gone through many "trends" since over the years including some which we in the design industry hope never occur again; see 1950's pink and blue and 1970's avocado phases.

Why the sudden decision to introduce all these new lines? The industry is struggling right now, trying to create buzz for their products. With the housing market stagnant, they're seeing a lull in the purchase of new appliances and thus their profits have been hindered.

Designers are always looking for new innovative ways to freshen a room, create an accent, or simply improve on the functional ability of the status quo. What the manufacturers are hoping to create, unfortunately feels more like a fad rather than a trend. The primary difference between these two situations is, a fad is a temporary high, while a trend typically stays hot for a longer period of time. Currently the stainless steel trend for kitchen appliances is hovering around 25 years since hitting the market. Based upon consumer interest and high end manufacturers less receptive to making a big splash with a "New and Improved" look, it seems appears in the end, stainless steel will prevail and endure yet another fad with which to compete.

To read more about this, check out the full article at:
http://shopping.yahoo.com/news/is-this-the-end-of-a-25-year-run-for-stainless-steel--.html

- Design is what you make it.

KITCHEN UPDATES: THE NEW LOOK TO COME

It looks like Whirlpool is attempting to be a trend setter in the appliance package world by taking a note from the Apple, Inc handbook. They're creating and marketing a new design line to replace the standard Stainless Steel packages offered by every viable manufacturer. What are they doing in an attempt to stand out you ask? They're creating the new white, "White Ice". it's a white package with a high gloss finish and stainless steel accents. In many ways it looks and will feel like many people's favorite handheld phone and tablet / lap top. I guess their hoping the image they're creating will invoke the love and emotions many feel about these items and push them toward the purchase of an entire new appliance package in order to make their home and hand held devices "one with each other". A very fend shui approach and actually speaks well for the company. An industry thinker that may have just created the new buzz, new trend, new "White Ice".

- Design is what you make it.