It’s like a flashback to the 70s when you think about the Harvest Gold and Avocado Green appliances in our mom or grandmother’s kitchen. And for most, the satisfaction with the color wore out long before the appliances needed to be replaced.

Color was first introduced in appliances around 1950 when International Harvester and Caloric offered different color options on the handles of ranges and refrigerators. Later in 1953 Frigidaire introduced appliances in the bold colors of Stratford Yellow or Sherwood green, as well as continuing to offer basic white.

Two years later GE followed suit offering Woodtone Brown, Turquoise Green, Cadet Blue, Petal Pink and Canary Yellow. Soon Frigidaire added Mayfair Pink.

The color trends continued, but the majority of those colors were eliminated around 1960. Turquoise, pink and yellow were still offered.

In the late 1960s GE eliminates the other color offerings and introduces Harvest, a gold tone and Avocado . These were offered until the early 1980s. Other manufacturers offered browns and blues on their washers and dryers.

Color trends continued and you can almost identify the decades by the colors of appliances offered.

Whether or not today’s appliances will last as long, the lesson to be learned is that perhaps it’s better to choose a more neutral color option such as white or stainless steel so that when you want to paint your kitchen, you can do so without the expense of replacing your appliances that may still serve you well for years to come.

If you’re just replacing one appliance go for a color or finish that matches or blends with the appliances you already have. Of course if you have a plan to eventually change out all of your appliances don’t hesitate to choose the finish of your choice. But remember if you choose a trendy color or finish and plan to purchase your appliances a few months or years apart, that same choice may not be available when you’re ready for the next purchase.

Keep these things in mind when you’re considering color choices for your appliances.

- Just like the Harvest Gold and Avocado green of the 60s and 70s, a color trend you choose today can quickly be outdated. Choosing white, black or stainless will give your appliances, and your checkbook, an extended shelf life.

- If you’re replacing them one at a time, you may have to live with mismatched appliances for a while.
- If you’re choosing color and not something more neutral, can you live with it for a long time?
- The color should blend with your cabinet, flooring and walls.
- Darker colors tend to show more scratches, dents and fingerprints.
- Consider that sometimes, color choices are the more expensive option.

Black appliances aren’t exactly neutral, but it can blend with stainless. Still it has a tendency to show scratches more than white. Stainless is also a more neutral option, but keep in mind that stainless can be pricier. You’ll need to keep a stainless appliance cleaner on hand. And be careful of your choice of finish since some have more of a tendency to show fingerprints.

As much as you may be in love with a color choice for your kitchen, consider whether you plan to be moving and selling soon. Will the appliances convey with the house? Prospective buyers may be turned off by the thought that they’ll have to replace the appliances.

The thing about color trends is that they just don’t last. It’s far easier and more economical to choose a neutral color palette for your background and use the trendy color options that pop. It’s far easier to replace a toaster or a mixer than it is to replace a stove or refrigerator. So keep these recommendations in mind when you’re off to make that replacement purchase or remodel your entire kitchen.

Learn more about toasters. Stop by Proctor Silex’s site where you can find out all about irons and how to choose the best one for you.