There is plenty of kitchen design inspiration across the internet, but that doesn’t mean you know how to bring your favorite aesthetic into your own home. It’s not always as easy as the reels make it look! Every detail contributes to its look and functionality, from the appliance finishes you choose to the cabinets and countertops that frame them. Choosing the right combinations can be the difference between a kitchen that feels thrown together and one that feels intentional, cohesive, and inviting.
That’s why at Idler’s Home, we don’t just offer premium appliances. We provide everything you need to design your dream kitchen under one roof, from kitchen cabinetry and countertops to cabinet hardware and lighting. Our expert design team specializes in helping Central Coast homeowners balance function and beauty, making sure your kitchen cabinets, counters, and appliance finishes work together in harmony.
Kitchen Design with Idler's
If you live on the California Central Coast, visit us at Idler's for stunning applinaces and expert design services.
Kitchen Design→ Learn more: What to Know Before Buying a White French Door Refrigerator
Kitchen Design + Appliance Finishes
When you walk into a well-designed kitchen, it’s not just the layout that captures your attention. The way the surfaces, textures, and finishes complement each other draws you in, even if you can’t articulate it. It’s one of those things that looks effortless when it works and just plain wrong when it doesn’t.
The wrong combination of appliance finishes and cabinet colors can feel disjointed, no matter how beautiful the materials are on their own. The right mix, on the other hand, enhances the space and makes it feel effortlessly stylish.
For example, pairing sleek black stainless steel appliances with modern white kitchen cabinets gives you a bold, contemporary aesthetic. Alternatively, soft matte finishes paired with warm-toned cabinetry create a cozy, inviting atmosphere. At Idler’s, we help you evaluate not just which appliances fit your cooking needs but also which appliance colors enhance your countertops and cabinetry.
→ Learn more: Kitchen Design Stores: Idler’s Home Reviews
5 Tips for Matching Appliances Finishes and Cabinetry
Matching appliances and cabinetry doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. Our design team follows a few key strategies to make sure your kitchen feels balanced and polished:
Coordinate, Don’t Clone
Your appliance finishes don’t have to match your cabinets exactly—they just need to complement them. For example, pairing darker fridge colors with lighter cabinet colors creates contrast without clashing. Think of it as layering textures and tones that belong to the same palette.
→ Learn more: 5 Kitchen Cabinet Color Ideas for an IG Worthy Kitchen
Use Contrast to Highlight Key Features
Sometimes, the best design choice is contrast. A black and white appliance combination can look stunning against natural wood cabinets. Similarly, black or stainless steel appliances can become a focal point when surrounded by lighter kitchen cabinetry.
Think Long-Term Trends vs. Timeless Choices
It’s easy to fall in love with color appliances or colorful kitchen appliances in a showroom, but you’ll want to consider how they’ll look five or ten years from now. While refrigerator colors like bold red or blue may make a fun statement, neutral appliance finishes like stainless or matte black often provide longer-lasting appeal. If you want something unique and custom, we recommend panel-ready appliances.
Consider Countertop Undertones
Countertops are often overlooked when choosing appliance colors. Granite, quartz, and marble all have undertones—warm, cool, or neutral—that can influence how your appliances look in the space. Our designers help you match undertones so that your appliances don’t look “off” against your countertops.
→ Learn more: Stylish Storage: Types of Cabinets You’ll Want in Your Kitchen
Tie It Together with Hardware
Cabinet hardware is the finishing touch that brings everything together. Brushed nickel handles pair seamlessly with stainless appliances, while matte black pulls coordinate with darker finishes. And there might be more options than you realized, including copper, brushed bronze, and more. At Idler’s, we make sure your knobs, pulls, and hinges create a cohesive bridge between cabinetry and appliances.
→ Learn more: How Black Refrigerators Elevate Your Kitchen’s Style
Trending Appliance Finishes
The world of appliance finishes continues to evolve, and our designers stay ahead of the curve to bring you fresh, stylish options. We can help you choose between stainless, black, and white appliance options. And we can help you pair your favorite appliance finish with the right cabinet colors:
- Stainless Steel: Always a classic, stainless pairs beautifully with nearly any kitchen cabinetry. It works especially well with cool-toned cabinets like crisp white or gray. If you’re torn between black stainless steel vs stainless steel, think about whether you want a lighter, reflective look (stainless) or a darker, more dramatic finish (black stainless).
- Black Stainless Steel: Sleek and modern, black stainless offers a softer alternative to glossy black while hiding fingerprints better. Pair it with natural wood cabinets for warmth or high-contrast white kitchen cabinets for a bold statement.
- Matte Black: An alternative to the stainless steel vs black stainless steel debate, matte black makes a sophisticated impact that’s ideal for contemporary spaces. It pairs beautifully with both light and dark cabinetry and looks especially sharp when coordinated with matte black cabinet hardware.
- Glossy White: Glossy white appliance finishes create a bright, clean aesthetic that’s perfect for minimalist kitchens. Pair them with colorful cabinetry for a pop of contrast, or with white cabinets for a seamless monochromatic look.
- Bold Colors: From deep navy to emerald green, colored appliances are making a comeback. These color appliances pair best with neutral cabinets, allowing the appliances to stand out without overwhelming the space. Our team can help you explore these statement-making appliance colors while ensuring your overall design feels balanced.
How to Mix Appliance Finishes
Another trend we’re seeing is the intentional mixing of appliance finishes. Instead of sticking to one uniform look, many homeowners are blending two finishes to highlight different areas of the kitchen. For example, pairing a statement range in a bold color with a neutral stainless steel dishwasher and refrigerator can create a striking focal point. Others are mixing black or stainless steel appliances within the same space for a modern, eclectic style that feels curated rather than cookie-cutter. When mixing finishes, balance is key.
→ Learn more: Are Open Kitchens Still in Style?
Designing a Kitchen With Idler’s
Designing a cohesive kitchen doesn’t happen by accident—it’s the result of thoughtful planning and expert guidance. That’s exactly what we provide at Idler’s Home. Our team has been helping Central Coast homeowners create kitchens they love for more than 25 years, and we’re proud to offer everything you need under one roof: premium appliances, kitchen cabinetry, countertops, and expert design services.
When you work with us, here’s what you can expect:
- Personalized Consultations: We listen carefully to your ideas and help you prioritize your must-haves while staying within budget.
- Custom Cabinetry: We provide cabinets in a wide range of styles, finishes, and colors so your design reflects your personal taste.
- Countertop Selection: From granite to quartz, we’ll help you choose durable, beautiful surfaces that complement your appliances and cabinet colors.
- Appliance Guidance: Whether you want timeless stainless steel or trendy black stainless, we’ll guide you to the perfect fit.
- Seamless Coordination: We ensure your cabinet hardware, lighting, flooring, and backsplash all tie together with your appliances for a cohesive look.
From initial consultations to 3D renderings, delivery, and installation, we manage the process every step of the way. Our design team works closely with trusted local contractors, craftsmen, and vendors to bring your vision to life.
Your kitchen should be a place where cooking feels enjoyable, entertaining feels effortless, and gathering with family and friends feels natural. At Idler’s, we’re committed to making sure your appliance finishes, countertops, and cabinetry all support that lifestyle. Ready to get started? Visit one of our showrooms in San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, or Santa Maria to meet with our expert designers and begin creating the kitchen of your dreams.
→ Learn more: How to Create the Perfect Kitchen Island with Seating
Appliance Finish FAQs
In 2025, stainless steel remains a timeless choice, but darker tones like black stainless and matte black are also on trend. Bold appliance colors such as navy and emerald are gaining popularity as statement pieces, especially in modern kitchens. These options pair well with neutral cabinet colors, allowing the appliances to shine.
Not necessarily, but coordinating your appliance finishes creates a polished, cohesive look. Mixing finishes can work if done intentionally. For example, you might choose a statement fridge color alongside stainless steel ovens and dishwashers. Our designers can help you decide whether uniformity or contrast best suits your style.
Yes, black appliances are very much in style, especially in matte or black stainless finishes. They pair well with both light and dark cabinets, offering a sleek, modern look. Many homeowners prefer black appliances because they tend to hide fingerprints and smudges better than stainless.
If you’re in California’s Central Coast, Idler’s Home is your destination for premium kitchen cabinetry, countertops, premium appliances, and expert design guidance. Our wide selection offers options for every style, and we can help you achieve a look you’ll love. Visit our showrooms in San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, or Santa Maria to explore options and meet with our design team.
Why Trust Idler’s Home?
At Idler’s Home, we believe in providing the highest quality products and service to our community. Over the span of 70 years (and counting), our business has seen successful growth, with over 100 employees and five locations along the central coast of California. Not only do we offer major appliances, quality furniture, and the best mattresses but we also provide hot tubs and swim spas and perform kitchen design services. In addition, our trained professional installers can set up all appliances we sell while our factory-trained technicians service and repair them if they ever break down. Suffice it to say: Idler’s is dedicated to helping you make the vision you have for your home a reality.
Shop Appliances at Idler’s
Envision the possibilities for your home and shop kitchen appliances online at Idler’s. Our friendly team is always happy to help you select appliance finishes for your kitchen — whether you call us, email us, or use our online chat feature. Or better yet, stop by any of our five Central Coast locations to experience the quality of our products yourself. Visit us today!
→ Learn more: 5 Ideas for Creating a Stylish White Kitchen