My son lives in the midtown area of Houston, a very cool area of the city that is super close to downtown and has an unusual mix of properties.

There are dumps and dives, and then there is urban renewal, with lots of young entrepreneurs making their mark in the big city.

There are tons of original, locally owned restaurants, bars, cafes, breweries, bakeries, etc. that are unique and fun to discover. Living in The Woodlands (land of the suburbs and chain restaurants), an hour north of Houston, we rarely get down there to explore, and really aren’t up on all these trendy, special places. We do, however, have our inside source. :-)

Our son and his wife always try to find us some interesting place to meet them for brunch. They know I’m always keen on trying out restaurants with unique interiors (I actually used to work in hospitality design years ago), and I love to eat somewhere new.

This past weekend was my baby boy’s birthday, and we met them at Weights + Measures, a restaurant, bakeshop, and bar. We had a tasty brunch with my usual eggs benedict (I order that just about everywhere) and coffees, and I admired their vintage/mod decor.

I couldn’t help pulling out the iPhone when I saw this Big Chill refrigerator in the corner by the bar. Sooooo cool and so appropriate for the style of this establishment.

*Big Chill refrigerator at Weights + Measures*

This kind of appliance has tons of personality, doesn’t it?

Today, I’m here to share appliances-with-personality.

The first manufacturer that comes that I’m sure you have seen before is Smeg.

They have got to have some of the cutest little appliances around. Don’t you just want to pinch them? Along with Big Chill, these two hit that retro market beautifully with the look and colors of vintage decor.

*Colorful Undercounter Smeg Refrigerators - seen at KBIS*

*Colorful Smeg Refrigerators - seen at KBIS*

These unique designs were featured at some past KBIS shows.

Collaboration with Dolce & Gabbana and Smeg to create these special appliance looks.

KBIS 2022 - Vintage look Smeg Refrigerator

These more modern Smeg appliances add a bold pop of color without looking vintage.

True Residential has colorful industrial look options for refrigeration, sort of like a professional kitchen’s refrigeration.

This range was probably the most instagrammed product at KBIS 2016, from La Cornue. They blended some Suzanne Kasler colors with their iconic brand.

*La Cornue, Suzanne Kasler Colors, debuted at KBIS*

One year they went orange and black and it was equally as impressive.

I’ve always liked the Bertazzoni ranges — they’re contemporary, Italian, and colorful. One of my clients, years ago, introduced me to them as a slightly less expensive professional range with a sleek look. The colors they have now just steal the show. Here’s a bright orange one installed at Pirch, Atlanta, seen a few years ago, and a very pale green one seen at KBIS. I just love the knobs and the logo.

Thinking of a kitchen remodel?

I’ll be attending the KBIS, the national kitchen and bath industry show, at the end of January in Las Vegas. Follow me on Instagram as I always share lots of pics in my stories there when I’m at trade shows and markets.

Appliances With Personality

Today, I’m here to share appliances-with-personality.

Thinking of a kitchen remodel?

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