Appliance conversations often feel like they’re happening for someone else’s life.

A life where dinner is always a multi-course production, the kitchen is always spotless, and nobody is ever just… reheating leftovers while answering an email.

Meanwhile, in my life? I’m making grilled cheese. I’m boiling water for tea.

So here are a few unpopular opinions — less about status, more about sanity.

I care less about what’s “best” and more about what’s best for the way you actually live.

I make these choices with clients all the time, and the difference between a “pretty” decision and a livable one shows up fast.

Good design isn’t about guidelines. There aren’t any rules you can do this or that. It’s extremely personal to how you live your life. Don’t get trapped by the do’s and don’t. Here are some ways I encourage my clients to think differently about the way we’ve always done it. (I’m looking at you panel-ready fridges!)

 

1) Gas cooktops are beautiful… and I don’t love mine.

I know. Gas is the classic. The “chef’s choice.” The badge of honor.

But here’s the truth: gas is annoying to clean.

The grates, the crevices, the wiping, the scrubbing… it’s just a lot for the level of cooking most of us are doing most days.

And I’m not saying gas is “bad.” I’m saying: it might not be right for your actual life.

If I were doing it again, I’d seriously consider induction. It’s fast, it’s sleek, and it’s easier to keep clean. Which means the kitchen stays usable without feeling like a chore.

In real life, the cleaning is what breaks the relationship for a lot of people.

If you’re… then consider: If you cook daily and love high heat, gas may still be your thing. If you want fast + easy cleanup, induction is worth a look.

Discernment question:
Are you choosing gas because you love cooking… or because you love the idea of being a person who loves cooking?

2) Front-load washers look great… and I prefer a top-load.

Front-load laundry setups photograph beautifully.

You can add a countertop. Build cabinetry. Make a whole moment of it.

I’ve done it. I love the look.

And… I swapped my front-load for a top-load.

Why? Because for me, it’s easier to clean and maintain. It feels simpler. Less fiddly. More forgiving.

Is it harder to design around? Yes. There’s less opportunity for that seamless “built-in” look.

But this is one of those moments where I’ll choose function, maintenance, and ease over aesthetics — because that’s what keeps a home feeling good long-term.

Laundry rooms don’t fall apart because the tile isn’t pretty; they fall apart when the workflow is ignored.

If you’re… then consider: If you love a built-in look and don’t mind the upkeep, front-load can be great. If you want simplest maintenance, top-load wins.

Discernment question:
Is your laundry room meant to be styled… or meant to support the reality of your week?

 

3) Drawer microwaves had a moment… and I’d choose a speed oven first.

I get why drawer microwaves became the thing. Once the microwave-over-the-range look started feeling dated, drawer microwaves solved the problem: hide it, streamline it, move on.

But if I’m choosing? I’d rather have a speed oven.

A speed oven does more, looks better, and feels more considered. It gives you the everyday convenience people want from a microwave, but it can also handle the real-life extras — crisping, reheating, baking something small, warming up dinner without committing to the big oven. It works harder.

And aesthetically? I just think it’s the smarter luxury move. Paired with a wall oven, it feels integrated and intentional instead of tucked away as a workaround. It looks cleaner, more elevated, and more custom.

This is one of those decisions where I’m always asking: do you want the thing everyone expects… or the thing you’ll actually be glad you chose once you’re living with it?

If you’re… then consider: If your main goal is simply hiding the microwave, a drawer microwave can still work. But if you want more function, a more polished look, and an appliance that actually earns its footprint, I’d look at a speed oven first.

Discernment question:
Do you want the appliance everyone expects… or the one that actually earns its place in your kitchen?

The prettiest option isn’t always the best option.

The prettiest option isn’t always the best one.

Sometimes the most design-forward choice is the right one. And sometimes it’s just a very attractive inconvenience.

Because the goal isn’t a kitchen or laundry room that photographs beautifully. It’s a home that feels easy to live in.

And ease is its own kind of luxury — fewer headaches, fewer chores, fewer moments of wondering why you signed up for this in the first place.

So before you choose, ask yourself: not what looks best, but what will feel best to live with.

That’s the difference between a good-looking room and a well-designed life.

Decision Shortcut (before you fall in love with the prettiest option)

This is the same way I approach a whole room: pick the priority first, then build the plan in the right order.

Pick your top priority first. Then,and only then, let it make the decision for you.

Is your non-negotiable:

• speed?
• easy cleaning?
• capacity?
• lowest maintenance?
• the look?

If everything is a non-negotiable, nothing is.

Trade Resource (because good support matters)

If appliances are part of a bigger project, having the right support makes the whole process smoother.

I’ve started working with a new appliance partner I’ve genuinely enjoyed. They only work with the trades, they’re helpful, and they made swapping my washer/dryer surprisingly painless.

They’re especially good for clients who want clear guidance, fewer headaches, and a process that feels straightforward.

They provided my new set at no cost (sharing transparently), and I’m mentioning them because I only recommend partners I truly like working with.

If you want their info, reach out through the contact page and I’ll point you in the right direction.

 

The takeaway

Appliances aren’t just features. They’re part of your daily life.

And the best design decisions aren’t always the “most impressive” ones.

They’re the ones that make your house easier to live in.

Because that’s what we’re really designing for: a home that feels good on ordinary days.

 

A short “Top 4” ending that tees into the checklist

And that’s really the whole point of my unpopular opinions:

1. Choose for your real life, not your aspirational alter ego.
2. Let maintenance have a seat at the table.
3. If something is beautiful but exhausting… it’s allowed to be a no.
4. Sequence matters. Decide what you value first, then choose the appliance that supports that.

Because appliances aren’t a personality test. They’re the background soundtrack to your Tuesday night.

If you’re deciding right now, here’s the simplest way to get unstuck: use this quick checklist before you commit. It’s basically discernment in question form (and it will save Future You a lot of sighing).

 

Quick Appliance Decision Checklist →

Want help deciding in the right order?

If appliances are one piece of a larger puzzle, start with the Whole-Room Roadmap.

And if you’re local and want my trade resource for appliance support, reach out through the contact page and I’ll share the details.