Topic: Stainless Steel VS. Black Appliances

Looking for some feedback regarding new luxury style apartments and whether using black appliances over stainless steel would cheapen the feel of the kitchen? Would having light wood cabinetry and dark/black granite counter-tops present the same kind of upscale look and feel of most luxury apartments? Would the black appliances take away from the marketing of luxury apartments?

Definitely go with stainless. It is not that much more expensive, and it's an expectation in a new community. If budget is truly an issue, use stainless for the appliances that are at eye level - the refrigerator and microwave - but keep the range and dishwasher black. We did this at a property we built in 2014 and it gives the impression of being all stainless. At the time the equity partner expressed the opinion that black appliances are "borderline tacky in new construction."

Good luck!

Thank you for your feedback, I agree with your opinion that anything less than stainless steel can come across as tacky. I appreciate hearing that similar sentiment from someone in the industry, thanks again for taking the time to respond!

We decided to use black. It gives the apartment an updated look for not a lot more money. They have held up well, do not show nicks, or dents. Very happy so far.

We use both but the ss do not hold up well. Residents typically don’t clean them properly. I think black is the way to go. It still looks “updated” and can withstand the turns better.

We use black stainless and it’s super sleek looking! I can’t speak to how well they hold up because we’re new construction and just opened

Faux stainless is great! Gives you the look of stainless but without the crazy dents and the price point is much comparable to standard black and white appliances. Also, the newest trend is matte black. I viewed them and wow, it has a killer look that is sure to set your apartments apart from the competition.

I agree with black! Too many residents use the wrong cleaner on stainless and ya never get them back to that new look! My sister did it

We started using smudge proof stainless steel. It’s way easier for residents to maintain and looks great

Personally I think it also depends on the style of kitchen. If the kitchen is closed off, then I would stick with black or white. If the kitchen has a much more open layout then stainless would be more fitting.

Quartz counter tops, not granite, are considered upscale in my market, Los Angeles. I always used lemon oil to clean stainless steel. It really restores the shine.