Bronze finishes, wi-fi connected appliances, and new cooking capabilities are arriving soon!
2018 is right around the corner, which means it's time to get excited about the new trends to discover at your local kitchen appliances store in the new year.
With jumps in consumer level technology and the desire for healthier cooking techniques, the upcoming year is sure to be a treat for anyone getting new home appliances.
Kitchen appliance trends in 2018 for the Okanagan
Kitchen appliance trends in 2018 put three ideas front and centre: bronze finishes, Wi-Fi connected appliances, and new cooking capabilities. For shoppers in Vernon first, then Kelowna and Kamloops, these trends mattered most when planning a refresh, a new build, or a renovation.
Quick Answer: The 2018 trend set focused on (1) warmer metal finishes, (2) connected features you can control or monitor, and (3) cooking upgrades aimed at convenience and healthier techniques. The smartest move is to shop by how you cook and how your kitchen is laid out, not by what looks newest.
- What it is: a quick look at the home appliance style and feature trends highlighted going into 2018.
- Why it matters: finishes affect long-term look and cleaning, and connected features change how you use appliances day to day.
- What you can do now: decide which of the three trend themes actually fits your household before you shop.
- When to call a professional: if a renovation involves electrical, gas, venting, or built-in fit planning, get guidance early.
- Cost notes: pricing is usually driven more by appliance category and features than finish alone; connected features can add complexity.
Trend 1: bronze finishes and warmer metals
Bronze-toned accents were part of a wider move toward warmer finishes. This works best when it matches your cabinet hardware, lighting, and overall home style.
- Best for: homeowners who want a warmer look than standard stainless.
- Shopping tip: view finishes in person under real lighting so you do not get surprises at home.
Trend 2: Wi-Fi connected appliances
Connected appliances were positioned as a convenience upgrade. The value depends on whether you will actually use alerts, monitoring, and remote features.
- Best for: busy households that benefit from notifications and status checks.
- Shopping tip: ask which features work without subscriptions and how the appliance behaves if Wi-Fi drops.
Trend 3: new cooking capabilities
Cooking features aimed to reduce guesswork and support better results. The most useful upgrades are the ones that match your weekly cooking pattern, not just special occasions.
- Best for: households that cook often and want consistent results.
- Shopping tip: compare usable capacity, rack space, and control layout in person.
At-a-glance: how to shop these trends
| Trend theme | Ask yourself | What to compare in-store |
|---|---|---|
| bronze finishes | Will this match my home long-term? | finish consistency across a suite, lighting, hardware match |
| Wi-Fi connected | Will I use alerts or remote features weekly? | app experience, notification usefulness, setup requirements |
| cooking upgrades | What do I cook most nights? | controls, oven capacity, rack space, cooktop layout |
Cost notes
- Finish is rarely the main price driver. Category (range vs wall oven vs fridge) and feature set usually matter more.
- Connected features can add value if you use them, but they can also add setup steps and support needs.
- If you are renovating, factor in venting, electrical, and delivery path planning as part of the real cost.
Read the original press release
For the full 2018 look-ahead as published, see: What’s Coming off the Line for Home Appliances in 2018.
Shop locally in the Okanagan
Genier’s Appliances is based in Vernon and serves the Okanagan, including Kelowna and Kamloops. If you are shopping trends, bring your measurements and your “must-have” list so you can compare finishes and features in real life.
Genier’s Appliances helps Vernon, Kelowna, Kamloops, and Okanagan homeowners choose durable, premium appliances with confidence. Visit our Vernon showroom or contact us for planning help.
Sources: PRWeb press release (external) and Genier’s internal pages linked above.