Colored Appliances outside the USA
Given that only SMEG and its imitators (some Antonio Merloni group brands) make colorued appliances over here (Italy) and other than being coloured they are also designed by famous firms, they charge quite a lot of money for them (SMEG). Imitations are usually found at half price (and less than half quality usually!)
WASHING EQUIPMENT
Talking about washing machines, you can have any colour you want as long as it is white, black, shades of gray and of course stainless steel.
Colours cost the same as white, while S.S. costs usually a little more because the material is of course different.
There are a handful of coloured design washing machines, also from SMEG, in the 50s style range, that are available in pink, pale blue, cream yellow and snow white.
In the early 2000s Antonio Merloni group had a line of coloured machines but somehow they disappeared.
If the machine is to be seen it should be of design or it should be concealed. There's no point in having coloured washing machine and keep them in the secondary toilet or in the garage.
So far on sale I've seen only white and black dryers and the occasional S.S. one.
Same goes for washer-dryers.
KITCHEN APPLIANCES
Usually one here (Italy) wants a kitchen with all integrated appliances. Having a separate stove is considered low end (and most of the times it is!) unless one gets some special quality stuff like things from ILVE or "La Germania" (which is actually made in Italy by a local firm, in the same area as SMEG!).
Even dishwashers, in complete difference from what was used in the USA till recent times, are completely enclosed in kitchen cabinetry, at best you only see the control fascia. If you can see the dishwasher's own panel, it is considered under-counter and not integrated.
There's no way one adds a free standing dishwasher in a new kitchen. Same goes for proper under-counter machines, they're done in such a way that they hold a decorating panel to look the same as the other cabinetry.
Free standing appliances are only used where design isn't a concern and not where the kitchen is a primary living space!
So they are added only as last resort.
Fridges are an exception: while any reasonable kitchen will have a built-in and totally concealed fridge, many free standing models are sold as they are usually of bigger capacity and have fancy features like ice-maker and drink dispensers.
Plus SMEG launched the fashion of the style-fridge where the appliance is a piece of art and is supposed to be shown. From this an entire line has sprung up, you can have any colour you want and quite a few different designs too.
On top of this usually the hobs, oven, sink, exhaust fan hood and ancillary appliances (like coffee makers and warming drawers and microwave) are coordinated.
I'll show you an example photo here.
Top is the Candy P-Line Pop
Bottom is SMEG estetica Linea in White
Anyway, if you feel you need more clarification, just ask!
Discover the beauty of the aesthetic line appliances Smeg: 50's retro style. Look on the website the product range that resume design and aesthetic elements of the series.
www.smeg50style.com
