Young House Love

Home Decorating & DIY Tutorials

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How To Change The Color Of Your Dishwasher

Happy Friday guys! Since the first three days of this week were full of bigger updates (like this craziness, our desk haul & overhaul, and a bunch of showhouse progress) it felt nice to switch gears and knock out a few smaller updates at the end. It’s always refreshing to bounce from broad planning stuff – like office layout debates and showhouse furniture arrangements – to focusing on a few quick tasks (like yesterday’s mirror switch). And thankfully this update couldn’t have been easier.

Remember our lovely almond dishwasher?

Almond

As you know, we’re planning to replace our appliances during a full kitchen renovation down the line, but I heard an almost-sounds-too-good-to-be-true tip from a few of you that I had to try. Urban legend has it that appliances like these often have removable panels (i.e. the almond colored part) that can be flipped over or painted. So the other day I did some exploratory unscrewing.

Dishwasher 2 Unscrewing

With three screws removed on the side, I was able to pop off a thin metal trim piece.

Dishwasher 3 Removing Panel

And then, lo and behold, out slid this removable panel. The best part? The backside was white!

Dishwasher 4 Sliding Out Cover

When I pulled it out entirely I realized there were actually two separate panels in there, and each one was double-sided. Which meant I could snap this side-by-side photo of the original cream-colored panel and the bright white one next to it for comparison. The color that you see on the dishwasher behind them is just some sort of cardboard backing that was in there.

Dishwasher 6 Cream White Side By Side

On the backside of the cream panel was this mustard option that would’ve been… um… an interesting choice. I couldn’t resist holding it up just to freak John out.

Dishwasher 5 Super Yellow Option

Predictably, I put the white panel in, reattached the side panel, and stepped back to take pictures – ready to marvel at how much better it looked. Except I didn’t like it. Sure, it was white like the shelves and the upper cabinets, but among all of the dark lowers it just kinda of called more attention to itself.

White

The backside of the white panel was black, so I removed the panel again, flipped it over to the black side, and tried again. MUCH better.

Black After

It’s still not the prettiest dishwasher there ever was, but for the 10 minutes and zero bucks, I’m glad to have banished a bit more “almond” from the room – and it definitely helps the dishwasher blend in a bit more with the surrounding cabinets. You could even spray paint the panel a color before sliding it back in (red for a retro kitchen?) or buy a sheet of stainless steel at Home Depot and cut it to size with metal snips if you’re going for the stainless look. Lots of possibilities…

The best part is that something about that easy switch kicked us into high gear in the kitchen again, because we’re currently working on:

  • Removing our broken trash compactor to add something that’s a lot easier on the eyes in its place

Disposal

  • Finally redoing the counters with concrete (holy cow, it’s messy – but such a dramatic change)

Concrete Coat1

Has anyone else flipped their dishwasher panel? Or updated their appliances in other ways? We’re still really happy with our updated fridge, our secondhand range hood, and our microwave in the pantry – so our last remaining almond eyesore is the stove. Have you ever used Ardex on counters or taken out an old broken disposal? Kitchen updates are usually disruptive since it’s such a busy room, but it’s so nice to enjoy them when they’re done.

Comments

  4. HeatherM says

    Yay for kitchen progress!
    It looks like that would be a very frustrating place for a dishwasher- like the dishwasher would constantly bang into the other cabinet when opened. Do you have any issues with that?

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      That’s a really good observation. It doesn’t hit those cabinets when it’s open, but it does block them from opening since it’s in the corner. I think we just moved in and didn’t really think about much in the kitchen (other than blanket “this room needs so much work” thoughts) and after living with it for a while we’re used to it. But the placement could definitely be improved! In our first and second kitchen we had one near the sink (very convenient) but they didn’t block cabinets in the same way. One plus is that the corner cabinet it blocks in this house has party servingware and lesser used items like a griddle, so we don’t usually unload things from the dishwasher that have to go into that cabinet and lament that it’s block (most things come out of the dishwasher and go right on the floating shelves for the most part).

      xo
      s

    • Ann says

      We had the same dishwasher location problem in our pre-remodeled kitchen. The most frustrating part for me was having to set the dishes on the counter, close the dishwasher and then load them into the cabinet above. I couldnt reach the cabinet with it open. The solution was to get rid of the peninsula and put drawers next to the dishwasher. Now I slide silverware into the top drawer and the dishes into the second drawer. No heavy lifting!

    • Michelle Kersey says

      My dishwasher has the same arrangement in a corner. It does hit anything, but I can’t open the cabinets it blocks. I keep the kids plates, bowls, and cups in one of the blocked cabinets. And all our normal plates, bowls and cups are in cabinets above the dishwasher do we can’t reach that either when it’s open. Not that big of a deal really though. I just unload everything onto the counters then close the dishwasher and put it all away. I’ve been doing it for six years and I don’t care that much to change it.
      My fridge placement. That will need to change one day! It’s against the wall so I can’t open it all the way on that side.

    • Martha says

      This is the kind of comment that makes me wish there was a “like” button for comments! I always wish there was one so J & S could know there are multiple people with the same opinion without having to read a million comments.

      SO EXCITED to see how the concrete works out!!!!

    • Dena says

      Me three! I have been waiting for the counter top concrete details since it was first mentioned. I think it looks so cool. Can’t wait for the details!

    • Julie says

      Me too!!!! Have been wanting to do that in our nasty old kitchen, and can’t wait to see how it turns out for J & S.

    • YoungHouseLove says

      I don’t think we have even looked into it but we don’t mind spending money on stuff like that (we pay Rafflecopter fees to use that service). Does Discus make everyone sign in though? We’ve heard some folks prefer not to do that, so we didn’t look into it. John just mentioned that he heard if Discus goes down it’s a headache because all comments disappear. Anyone else use/like/dislike it?

      xo
      s

  7. Meredith says

    This totally reminded me of the Price is Right game “Flip Flop”. Do you want to flip the dishwasher cover? Flop the cover? Flip AND flop the cover?

    …Clearly it’s Friday. :)

    Reply

  9. Sarah says

    I can’t wait to see the counters and find out how you did it. I’ve been wanting to do mine for a while and just wasn’t sure how to and if I would like it. Your kitchen looks amazing!

    Reply

  10. Mary | Lemon Grove Blog says

    You guys are seriously master’s at thrifty flips in that kitchen! Black = much, much better. You’re killing me with that teaser shot on the concrete – can’t wait to see that rocking your counter tops!

    Reply

  11. Catrina Spano says

    I just finished our Ardex concrete counters last week. So far, I am loving it, but its only been a week and still need to finish the backsplash to really appreciate it. We also put in a huge single bowl and 10″ deep kitchen sink….LIFE CHANGING!

    Reply

  13. Katie says

    I’ve noticed this week that you seem to be posting earlier in the morning than usual — is that your new schedule or just something for this week? Just wondering!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      With showhouse stuff in high gear (lots of running around, meetings, site-visits, etc) we’ve been trying to get the post up earlier, just to get a jump on things.

      xo
      s

  15. Lindsay says

    Someone once told me that you can buy thin stainless at Home Depot or Lowes that can cover the front of a dishwasher. I’m assuming it’s either some form of backsplash or contact paper… I have yet to find it but I hear it’s super inexpensive and would turn any dishwasher panel around in a matter of minutes! :)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Yes, we actually found some for a project we’re trying in the office! They sell big sheets that would just need a metal snip to cut them to the right size and you could slide it in.

      xo
      s

  16. Susan says

    I generally tend to gravitate toward anything black….but I think I actually like the white better. It seemed cleaner looking, but maybe it looked too drastic in person. Both look good, though.:)

    Reply

  17. amy from Occupation: Mommy says

    I usually don’t like black appliances, but you’re right. It does blend in more!

    We moved into our house in July and we had a non-working trash compacter, too. We pulled it out (seriously heavy!!) and were shocked and happy to find that the hardwood kitchen floor continued underneath it! We still haven’t decided what to do with the space (it’s in the island). For now, we painted the inside of the hole white to match the cabinets and I store the folding stepstool in it. But I saw at a home show an amazing pull-out, lift-up-to-counter-height shelf that a mixer goes on. Kinda hoping for that someday!

    Reply

  18. Amanda @ All Day Activewear says

    YES! I found this “secret” out at our old house when we got all new appliances in Stainless Steel except for our dishwasher, which was in awesome condition. My hubby cut a piece of stainless steel sheet metal to slide in the front of the dishwasher so it matched everything else. The kitchen is looking great, you guys!! :)

    Reply

  19. Mandy says

    Oh My God. Tell me everything about the counters, I NEED to do the same thing! I didn’t realize you guys were going to be doing this, hope I didn’t miss a post. I’m sure you’ll give us all of the details when its done, can’t wait!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      We have mentioned that we were debating it and really wanted to knock it out before the baby comes (it’s crazy dusty!). Will share all the details as we go for sure!

      xo
      s

  20. Debra says

    Our dishwasher has panels too but I’m so old that I knew about it! That lovely mustard colour was called Harvest Gold back in the seventies.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      I really wanted to like the white (it was all screwed in and everything) but in person it just screamed “Look, I’m an old dishwasher! And I’m super high contrast thanks to the dark cabinets.” White paint for the panels would have made it more cohesive, but oddly enough I just want it to blend in and not draw as much attention to itself I think.

      xo
      s

  22. Patti says

    Um, excuse me?!? Concrete countertops get one sentence at the very end?! Can’t wait to hear all about it!

    Reply

  23. Stardancer says

    Ooooh. Tantalizing glimpses of What’s To Come!

    I’m especially interested in your concrete counters. I appreciate the idea of having such a durable surface, but the idea of having a sidewalk as the kitchen counter has always weirded me out a little (even though I know it’s not really the same thing). I’m excited to see how you make it work!

    Reply

  24. Melissa@TheChicDream says

    I had no idea that there was a flippable panel on a dishwasher. It looks so much better, and free! I actually have a question about your dressing room. How are y’all liking the floors? I was thinking about painting my kitchen floors and sealing the heck out of them since there’s a lot of traffic in there. What do you think? Think they will hold up? I’m hoping they are plywood and not particle board, seems like plywood would be tougher.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Ours are holding up so well! No chips or stains or cracks or anything. We are planning to post update pics down the line to show people how they wear – maybe a 6 month check-in or something? The only issue with yours if they’re plywood is that they can be rougher I think (so you might have to sand them to make them smooth and not as flaky/layered looking). We’ve seen awesome tutorials for both plywood and particle board floors though, so I think they both can work.

      xo
      s

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Thanks so much Jenn! I just hopped over to amazon to check out the Cheng sealer but it had some bad reviews (and since we’re using it in a kitchen we really want it to hold up). That has been the hardest part for us – figuring out what to seal these babies with!

      xo
      s

    • Kate says

      We used Ardex on our kitchen counters last fall and sealed them with Glaze N Seal “Wet Look” – on a recommendation from the store where we purchased the Ardex. We used the regular product line but it looks like there is a green version that is low VOC (which is good because this stuff was SUPER smelly). It made the concrete a little darker but so far it has held up great. Just a thought since you said you were still looking for a sealer!

  26. Eileen says

    I can tell you are young…that “mustard” color is known as “Harvest Gold” from the 70s! Personally, my Mom had more of an “avocado green” kind of kitchen. :-)

    Reply

  27. Lisa says

    I can’t believe people know about the alternate colours underneath. Looks so good with the black.
    I’m so excited to see a post on Ardex because if we don’t replace them with butcher block, we plan on doing this!

    Reply

  29. Kara says

    My parents did the dishwasher panel trick back in 1993 when they bought their house and I totally forgot about it until now. Wish more appliances were that easy to change!

    Reply

  31. nancy50 says

    Can’t wait to see the concrete application!

    We removed the trash compacter when we moved in. My husband built in two shelves in the spot – made to look built in – with iron on veneer to match the rest of the cabinets. I then bought two large baskets that fit so perfectly you would have thought they were designed for those shelves! I store tupperware in one and bike water bottles in the other – my hubby is a biker and my two sons are runners so we have a boatload of water bottles.

    Reply

  32. Raquel says

    Okay, I’ll be waiting for the concrete counters report! Hurry! I have ugly tiles (yes, 12×12 tiles! Who does that?!) for counters, and they must go. Can I cover them with Ardex in the meantime?

    Reply

    • Lauren says

      I have tiled kitchen counters as well. Cannot wait for a full kitchen renovation but have been contemplating ardex as a temporary fix for some time. Has anyone else out there done this over tile?

  33. Penny M says

    We once removed an old compactor in our kitchen and replaced it with shelves much in the same way you did with your bathroom. Just installed cleats and placed shelves on the cleats. We then placed baskets on the shelves and used them just like drawers. In a kitchen that had very few drawers they really came in handy!

    Reply

  34. Abby says

    um that yellow color IS the color of my OG dishwasher (and double oven). They were built by General Motors. and I am not kidding. Great fix!

    Reply

  35. Tonya says

    I actually flipped my dishwasher panel in my last rental townhouse (many years ago). A gallon of paint, some new cabinet handles and that little dishwasher update really made a big yet low cost impact on my little rental kitchen. This is a great idea for anyone who is renting or biding time before a more dramatic update. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

  36. Susan says

    Ahhhh, I love it. Makes me think of when I was in grade school (25 years ago) and we replaced our avocado green stove, sink, refrigerator, and oven for new almond colored ones. I never knew exactly how that worked, but the appliance guy switched out the green panel in our dishwasher as well. I still am in love with mid-century kitchens and would die if I could have that kitchen again… green or almond, doesn’t really matter :)

    Reply

  37. Bethany says

    My favorite part of this is getting a peak at the teal/blue dishwasher racks. How cool! I’ve never seen that before! I think that random little pop of color would make me sad to eventually replace that dishwasher. Not sad enough to keep it or anything though, haha.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      So funny! When John’s dad saw the inside of our washer he was like “WOAH THAT IS SO COOL!” – mind you this man has a completely updated kitchen with all new appliances. It was pretty hilarious.

      xo
      s

    • Bethany says

      Haha, I’m glad someone else had that same reaction! I feel like John’s dad and I are kindred spirits now.

  38. Tanja says

    I love how this started off with a simple update only to end with a huge tease on the concrete counters.

    I can’t wait to hear all about it.

    Reply

  39. Caitlin says

    I agree that the black is a huge step in the right direction…but how have you not ORBed one of those panels? Looks to me like that’d blend in even better with the cabinets and faux-wood areas of the DW. I really expected that to be the end to your story. :)

    Reply

  40. Reshma Sanjeev says

    Happy Friday to you too!
    Thank you SO much for sharing this. We changed all the appliances to stainless steel, one at a time & the dishwasher is on hold since it’s working fine & I do not it much. Hope, my dishwasher too has this option to flip the panel.
    Have a nice weekend.

    Reply

  41. Laurie says

    I remember the Sears guy pulling out the panels on my parents’ dishwasher like that. I love the idea of a pop of red. You could really have fun with that panel.

    Now that is a surface that might be fun with chalkboard paint. Then you could put “dirty” or “clean” right on the front or better yet, the person’s name who is supposed to empty it!

    Reply

  44. Janelle @ Two Cups of Happy says

    Who knew all that was hiding under the cream panel?! I also love the little sneak peaks at the end of the post. Way to build some anticipation! You’re making me want to pull the trigger on buying this super-old fixer upper we looked at yesterday…. Hmm.

    Reply

  45. Laura @ Rather Square says

    What a great idea for an update! Blogs are so helpful that way – people helping other people out with tips and knowledge. This shows you can get really quick but drastic results just from pooling ideas. Nice job!

    We had an appliance update ourselves recently. We bought a new refrigerator (our old one died) but it wouldn’t quite fit in the available space, so we had to do a little DIY countertop shifting. It’s a quick fix for now until we replace the countertops down the road entirely. But like your dishwasher modification, it was free and got the job done!
    http://www.rathersquare.com/2014/03/new-refrigerator-making-counter-move/

    Reply

  46. Jen @ The Decor Scene says

    Love how things are coming along in your home. Great progress…even the little projects. They always make me happy. ;) We just put up the same shelves in our daughters room this past weekend. Ever since you guys put yours up in the kitchen I said to the hubby “those are the shelves I want in the nursery”…so we finally got to Ikea last weekend. YAY for another project done. ;) Happy Friday!!!

    Reply

  50. Dani says

    I think I’m most excited to see how the concrete turns out!!! And you’ve inspired me to go home and see if I can flip the panel in my dishwasher as well. :P

    Reply

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