Doing some research about appliances, we bumped into this story in Whirlpool’s press room: Seems like the company is considering introducing a new color, “Sunset Bronze.”
I’m kinda into this Sunset Bronze, because it’s like the drawer fronts in American Brand Pioneer kitchens married the metal dome of my vintage Imperialite pendant light and gave birth to a rosy love child. I’m not in the market for new appliances myself, but if I were working on a retro kitchen project, I might play around with a mood board that considered these. The are different. And they are warm.
The Whirlpool’s PR rep was very helpful in supplying images, but seemed to be towing the line on whether the company is even bringing these to market. I think the story is, Whirlpool showed off this color at some trade show to gauge interest, and now they need to decide. Officially, Whirlpool told us, “We received tremendous positive response to the introduction of Sunset Bronze and are looking forward to bringing it to market in the future. Although we do not have a hard launch date yet, please continue to check Whirlpool.com for updates.” Whether this color makes the cut or not, it is nice to see a major mainstream manufacturer considering mass market options other than stainless, black and white.
ineffablespace says
I wonder if there is a durability issue with this finish that has prevented both Dacor and Whirlpool from actually putting it into regular production.
If you scratch a stainless steel appliance, it is still stainless steel under the scratch, because as a solid material it is a consistent color all the way through.
But if this is like a coating, thin plating or anodizing process, scratches may be very obvious. I know that when I tested some brass toned metals for a backsplash, the only one that did not show color changes in the scratches were the solid brass products, but anodized brass on aluminum scratched and showed relatively easily. Just guessing here.
ineffablespace says
I was also testing these brass/bronze materials for use as panels on integrated refrigerators and DWs.
Christine Aboudiab says
I have been waiting for this color to come out, I called customer service and the project has been shelved. I dont want the cool blue stainless I want the warm inviting sunset bronze color. Just saying..
Lisa says
Meh. Metal is metal is metal = it’s all cold and sterile to me. Love my curvy vintage appliances but it I had to buy new (and had the $) I’d go for the colorful retro line of Big Chill. If push comes to shove and I can’t get good vintage appliances I hope that the GE Artistry line stays around a while…and expands to colors.
la573 says
GE is currently in negotiations to sell their appliance division to Chinese manufacturer Haier, so anything can happen if the deal goes through. It’s not certain it will because a previous GE buyout by Sweden’s Electrolux was scuttled by antitrust issues in both the US and EU, since a combined GE/Electrolux would have a near-monopoly in some appliance categories. The GE/Haier deal won’t have that problem since Haier has only a small percentage of the US market now.
Pat says
I’d have to see them in person, but they look lovely!
Katie says
It isn’t my taste, but I’m glad that color is coming back to appliances.
Joe Felice says
I like it. GE also has a color called “slate.” Both are preferable to stainless steel. I am so bored with that.
I am the one who still believes appliance manufacturers should make appliances available in bright, retro colors–turquoise, yellow, red, orange, even lime green. I think they’d sell like hotcakes.
Allen says
I think they should at least make magnetic covers available in colors that could be purchased separately.
Lisa in Seattle says
That’s a great idea, Allen! I know there are various skins and covers available, but from the manufacturer would inspire more confidence.
Mary Beth says
I agree Allen – especially since the trend of having upper cabinets one color , with a different base color ..different counter run finish from the island top etc. The trend is moving away from all appliances being one color. If you have a sink island with a dishwasher it can be lime green and your fridge can be some other color because it lives in a different elevation from the dish washer ‘zone’.
Jan says
Naw, looks too much like the newer stainless steel appliances, and although the kitchen in the house we lived in between 1965 and 1968 had a stainless stovetop and stainless wall oven – so I know it was definitely used then – the newer styles of stainless just aren’t “pretty” enough for me. The ones my mom had were just more, oh, I don’t know, “mid-century?” The newer ones just look too big. The color would be pretty someplace else I think, but I just can’t see it in my kitchen. Or maybe the style is getting in the way of my perception. If it was more “boxy” and had some of the design elements I love about 1960s appliances, maybe the color would be just fine! But, of course, I’m just one person, and I’m sure there are others who will love this. 🙂
Pat says
Now that would definitely make them more interesting.
Allen says
Appliances being designed with solid handles (like in the old days) instead of the tubular handles they use now would be a great start to trim down the bulk that appliances seem to have today.
Debra Euler says
I really like it. However, I wouldn’t likely ever get that color, as it wouldn’t look good with the mix of color (yellow, turquoise, chartreuse ) I have in my kitchen. If I had a different color scheme, then maybe. I’m glad to see manufactures branching out.
Carolyn says
I’ve got a new word/term for our vocabulary: Restomod = restoration + remodeling. Why, for this article? Because, for various reasons including scarcer resources, inability to repair older appliances (freon), those tiny little freezer compartments that worked fantastic in their time but not such now, etc., some of us are going to have to bite the bullet and acknowledge we need new if we can make it fit in with our old.
I’m glad Westinghouse reached out to Retrorenovation’s fan base for our opinions and input. I’m hoping other companies do the same with real colors. I can’t afford appliances that are worth more than my house so have adapted white in my schemes. I’m wondering which of the laminates Sunset Bronze goes with?
pam kueber says
I just held my samples up to the computer: Maybe Friendly Beige, Rock ‘N Roll Ruby, and Aqua Ripple!
Heather Rae says
No way! Clashes with all of my chrome accessories. And my hair. 🙂