Bayview Barnhouse - Tips for Picking Appliances

In my last renovation, I splurged a bit for a slide-in range (which means there is no back piece, and all the controls are in front of the cooktop). I love the streamlined look, and how the back is inline with the countertops, giving that clean line. This Whirlpool Smart Contemporary Handle Slide-in Gas Range with EZ-2-LIFT Hinged Cast-iron Grates in Stainless Steel, caught my eye immediately because the knobs were on the front, and the touchscreen controls where inconspicuously on the top, which combined style and function perfectly. Then, I learned about the Smart features like voice commands, remote start/preheat using a smartphone, and Scan-to-Cook technology for the setting right every time… it’s the oven of the future! I am so happy with its high end it look in the kitchen, and excited to play around with the Smart functions.

I kept going back and forth about leaving the hood exposed or building a cover and using an insert, and I ended up with best of both worlds! I picked a wall mount range hood, and built a cover around it, that way if I ever wanted to go coverless, I could. Plus, a great DIY hood cover tutorial came from it (coming soon on ispydiy.com). The important thing was picking a hood, like the ZLINE 30 in. Wall Mount Range Hood in Stainless Steel, that had the controls inside, instead of the front of the hood, so you could still access them after building the cover over it. I use a beautiful piece of cedar from The Home Depot and joint compound with paint mixed in to create the plaster look, and I love how it elevates the look of the space with less than $50 of materials and an afternoon of work.

I debated long and hard between form and function on the refrigerator, but there was one thing I KNEW I wanted: Counter-depth! A regular refrigerator will stick out well past your counters, and since I designed the kitchen so you would see the profile of the fridge, I wanted to make sure it would be tucked away. Since it’s not as deep, you lose some space, which might not make it the best choice for a large family, but it fits my needs perfectly! Then came the debate on French vs. Side-by-Side doors, and while I think the French doors are beautiful looking, for some reason I always find myself leaving one side open…so side-by-side is a total personal preference. And the last choice was ice/water machine inside or out? I have been seeing a movement towards no external ice/water because it looks sleeker, but function won here, and I want quick and easy access to ice water all day so the Whirlpool Side-By-Side Counter Depth Refrigerator in Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel was the winner!

I would say that one of the most important rules with picking appliances is that all of them have the same finish…but I decided to break that rule! My plan was to use stainless steel appliances to match the faucet and pot filler, then add in pops of brass on the cabinet hardware and lighting. But, when it came to the dishwasher, I thought the stainless steel would break up the nice flow of the black cabinets. I took the decision to an Instagram poll, and 45% said stainless steel and 55% said black…so I went with black and I am SO HAPPY with how it looks. The black finish matches the cabinets perfectly, and I love that it looks seamless with the cabinets. I thought the silver handle next to the gold cabinets pulls would bother me, but there is enough mixing of metals in the kitchen that it works and it’s a clever alternative to bulkier handle. Plus the Whirlpool Top Control Built-In Tall Tub Dishwasher in Black with Stainless Steel Tub, has a Total Coverage Spray Arm and just a one hour cycle which made the decision easy!

This is currently the temporary spot for the microwave while the panty behind that door is being built out. I knew I wanted something sleek, and stainless steel with sensor cooking, so theWhirlpool Countertop Microwave in Stainless Steel, Built-In Capable with Sensor Cooking, was perfect! And it can be used on the counter or build-in to the cabinets once I design the panty, it’s all about versatility!

There you have it! I hope this shopping guide helps you on your appliance picking adventure!