Ask Joshua: Do All My Kitchen Appliances Need to Match?

Hi Joshua,

My partner and I are planning to replace all of our old white kitchen appliances with stainless steel appliances to give our kitchen a more modern look before we sell our home next year. As we've started shopping, we've realized that our favorite appliances are made by different brands. For example, we like one company's refrigerator, another brand's range, and a different dishwasher because of the features and overall design.

Do all of my kitchen appliances need to match the same brand, or is it okay to mix different appliance brands as long as they're all stainless steel? We're trying to create a kitchen that appeals to future buyers, but we also want appliances that fit our needs and budget.

I'd love to hear your advice!

Thank you,

Lindsay – Las Vegas, Nevada

Modern organic kitchen concept designed by virtual interior designer Joshua Jones of JJones Design Co. This photorealistic AI rendering is based on one of Joshua's original kitchen design concepts and illustrates how matching stainless steel appliances can create a cohesive, timeless kitchen design.

Hi Lindsay,

Thank you for your great question! This is something many homeowners run into when remodeling their kitchens or preparing to sell their home.

If your goal is to give your kitchen a more modern, updated appearance with stainless steel appliances, I strongly recommend sticking with one appliance brand whenever possible. While all stainless steel appliances may look similar at first glance, many manufacturers source their stainless steel from different suppliers. Because of this, the color tone and finish can vary from brand to brand. Some stainless steel finishes have warmer or cooler undertones, while others may appear slightly darker or lighter.

In some cases, these differences are subtle and difficult to notice on their own. However, when two appliances from different brands are installed right next to each other—such as a refrigerator beside a wall oven or a dishwasher next to a range—the differences in the stainless steel finish can become much more noticeable. Since you're planning to sell your home next year, creating a cohesive kitchen is important, and mismatched finishes are something I'd try to avoid.

If the appliances are located on opposite sides of the kitchen and aren't directly next to each other, mixing brands is generally less of a concern because the differences in the stainless steel finish are much harder to notice. Even so, in my experience as an interior designer, many homebuyers appreciate seeing a coordinated set of kitchen appliances from the same brand. It gives the kitchen a more intentional, high-end appearance and can make the space feel more polished.

That said, don't feel like you're completely limited to one brand if another manufacturer offers features you absolutely love. One of my favorite alternatives is choosing panel-ready appliances whenever they're available. Panel-ready refrigerators, dishwashers, and other appliances can be fitted with custom cabinet panels that match your kitchen cabinetry, allowing them to blend seamlessly into the overall design. Not only does this create a timeless, custom look, but it also eliminates concerns about different stainless steel finishes competing with one another.

At the end of the day, I recommend deciding what matters most to you. If achieving a cohesive stainless steel kitchen is your top priority, sticking with one appliance brand is usually the safest choice. However, if there are specific appliances from different manufacturers that better fit your lifestyle, don't be afraid to mix brands thoughtfully—especially if they're separated within the kitchen or hidden behind cabinet panels.

I hope this helps, and best of luck with your kitchen update and upcoming home sale!

Warmly,

Joshua

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