Fridges With Flair

As a Nanaimo realtor with Gillette & Associates, I know that kitchens can make or break a buyer’s interest — and stainless steel everything isn’t the only way to impress. In fact, colorful kitchen appliances are staging a bold comeback, and they’re surprisingly perfect for homes here in Nanaimo, Parksville, Ladysmith, and across Vancouver Island.

Think retro-inspired mint green fridges, canary yellow ranges, or a cherry-red kettle that practically winks at you from the counter. Designers call it “kitschen” — a playful, personality-packed look that’s part nostalgia, part design rebellion. And it works beautifully with the cottagey, coastal character of so many Island homes.

This isn’t about turning every kitchen into a 1950s diner (unless that’s your thing — no judgment). It’s about adding warmth and charm in a way that’s approachable and fun. A pop of color in the right spot — a funky fridge in a suite, a pastel mixer on an otherwise neutral counter — creates that visual hook buyers remember long after the tour.

And in a market where homes can start to blur together, a splash of teal or red can set a listing apart. Whether you’re marketing a beachy bungalow or staging a tiny guest suite, the right retro accent gives buyers something to emotionally connect with — and maybe even Instagram.

Let’s be honest: not everyone’s upgrading to a $3,000 European pastel appliance. But adding a few colorful accessories or styling around a standout piece can go a long way. Bonus: it photographs beautifully. And we all know listings that pop on screen bring more eyes, more showings, and often, better offers.

So if you’re prepping your home for sale, don’t be afraid to have a little fun in the kitchen. Bold might just be your best feature.