In the world of design and fashion, it’s not surprising for trends to flow and ebb. The trendy colors of today become old-fashioned in a matter of months. Although some trends outlive others, most have an end in sight. But there has been one design trend that shows no sign of growing old anytime soon. And that is stainless steel.
Walk into any modern kitchen and you will see stainless steel everywhere. Over the last decade, stainless steel appliances were the number one must have in homes. The first thing that homeowners want to do when renovating the kitchen, is replace the old appliances with stainless steel ones.
Stainless Steel Is Everywhere
It’s not just limited to the larger appliances like the refrigerator and the dishwasher either. Even if you don’t have steel appliances, there are other places it’s used in the home. For instance, faucets and sinks in the kitchen are invariably steel. Walk in your bathroom and the showerhead and drain are also made of steel. Industrial style kitchens even have steel frames or shelves for storage.
Even as experts predict that era of stainless steel will end, it continues to be the number one finish everyone wants. Why is everyone so crazy about it? Surely the material has its pros and cons, just like any other. Why does this design trend show no sign of ending anytime soon?
Why Stainless Steel Is so Popular
Aesthetic
This is perhaps the biggest reason why the material has became popular in the first place. Its neutral finish complements any style of decor, especially in the kitchen. Steel looks good in a kitchen with natural wood cabinets and earthy colors. It also matches a modern kitchen with marble countertops and white shelves. As you update other areas of the kitchen like the backsplash or paint color, stainless steel will blend in with everything.
As the material became more popular, it was easier to match it with other appliances as well. For instance, you can easily find blenders or coffeemakers in the same finish. Since every manufacturer offers appliances in stainless steel, you can mix and match across brands as well.
Durability
Stainless steel is a strong material and holds up well under heavy use. It can support heavy loads. Stainless steel appliances are able to withstand extreme temperatures. So it’s the perfect material for your refrigerator or stove. Even after years of heavy use, they will look new. They do not scratch easily. As there is no painted finish, you don’t have to worry about touching up small spots.
It’s important to remember that it is not a naturally occurring material. It is an alloy containing a mix of different metals such as chromium, copper, and nickel among others. The percentage of each element contributes to the durability of the final material. Fortunately, appliances from the major brands are usually of high quality.
Stainless steel makes an appearance in the bathroom as well. The metal is highly resistant to corrosion. It means that your showerhead and faucets are able to withstand rust and will not show water marks.
Easy to Clean
Maintaining your kitchen appliances is easy if they’re made of stainless steel. In most cases, all you need to do is wipe them down with a damp cloth. For slightly more stubborn stains, you can use a mild detergent.
A disadvantage of the shiny finish is that it shows fingerprints readily. So families with young children may have to wipe down their appliances more frequently. In spite of this particular drawback, stainless steel is generally easier to clean than comparable materials
Hygienic
Most people tend to overlook this but it is an important factor. Stainless steel is nonporous, especially when compared to other materials like wood or plastic. That means germs and bacteria cannot settle as easily on the surface. The material is an ideal choice if you have children and/or animals in the house. A quick wipe down with a disinfectant cleaner will sanitize any area of your bathroom or kitchen.
Disadvantages of Stainless Steel
As with any other finish, stainless steel has its share of drawbacks. You already know that smudges and fingerprints are more likely to show (even if they’re easy to wipe). Another issue is that stainless steel appliances can be quite expensive. Depending on the brand, it can be twice as expensive as other appliances. However, most homeowners consider it a fair price to pay for its durability and other benefits.
With so many advantages, it’s no wonder steel is here to stay! Homeowners consider it an investment, rather than an expense. If you’re renovating your kitchen or buying a new home, stainless steel appliances are a great choice. They will look good and function well even as you update your decor in the future.
