Topped off with a sprinkle of colour

It's no mystery how white goods got their name. The generic term for everyday household appliances first emerged in the early catalogues of American department store Sears and Roebuck to describe fridges, washers and cookers that, typically, had a white porcelain enamel exterior.

Not that they've always been white. In the 1950s, refrigerators came in turquoise and pink. In the 1970s, gold and avocado green appeared. In the 1980s, black appliances were considered exotic. But apart from the silver hue of secondary favourites such as brushed or stainless steel, white has been manufacturers' most consistent performer.

But designers like to push the proverbial envelope, which is why we're seeing something of a kitchen colour revolution. Take the Marc Newson range of ovens and hobs by Italian appliance manufacturer Smeg, which are available in a riot of sunny yellow, pistachio green and peacock blue colours. Smeg vice-president Vittorio Bertazzoni says the collection's launch last year was a deliberate attempt to provoke the market. 'We felt we had to be brave,' he says.

Newson, an Australian-born designer, was happy to comply. Based in London, Newson is hailed as one of the most influential designers of his generation. He has left his mark on everything from cars and planes to interiors and luxury products.

'It's not so much a question of why use colour, but why not?' he says. 'I believe it's time to challenge the monopoly of monochrome.'

But even in typically small Hong Kong kitchens? 'In the world of kitchens, everything's become so formulaic, so hyper-minimal, slick and devoid of personality,' he replies. 'Someone had to introduce something light-hearted and irreverent. I believe people will form a bond with this colourful piece of equipment and love living with it.'

But appliances last for years, while fashion is fickle. Could love fade at the whim of a trend? 'I have never followed trends in design, or in anything else for that matter.' Newson replies. 'I design with the expectation that my design will stand the test of time - that it will be classic and timeless. This is of supreme importance to me. In my appliances for Smeg; the depth of colour achieved by the enamelling process is unique.' (Smeg's Marc Newson induction hobs are priced from HK$8,300 to HK$8,800).