Eating Chocolate Regularly Makes Us Smarter Says Everyone’s New Favorite Study

© Getty Images

Good news for your afternoon chocolate fix: It’s making you smarter.
No, we’re not indulging delusions here. The journal Appetite recently published a study by researchers who used data collected from a Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Study (MSLS), in which 968 people between the ages 23 and 98 were evaluated based on what they were eating, their cardiovascular health, and cognitive functions.
The researchers discovered excellent news: More frequent chocolate consumption was “significantly associated with better performance on [cognitive tests including] visual-spatial memory and organization, working memory, scanning and tracking, abstract reasoning, and the mini-mental state examination.”
Cocoa flavanols, which account for the health benefits, are found in all kinds of chocolate, but more so in dark chocolate, so for the best health results, stick to dark chocolate. “Chocolate can improve cognitive function because studies have shown increased cerebral blood flow caused by cocoa flavanols in chocolate. The sugar and caffeine in chocolate also provide instant energy and alertness. If you choose to indulge in chocolate, choose a high quality dark chocolate. The health benefits of chocolate are mainly due to the polyphenols found in cocoa. As the cocoa content of chocolate increases, so do its health benefits. A typical milk chocolate bar will contain about 30% cocoa, while premium dark chocolate contains more than 70% cocoa,” says Lisa De Fazio, MS, RD, a Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist.
So, go ahead and order that brownie. It’s the smart thing to do.

Article and images sourced from http://www.foodandwine.com/fwx/food/eating-chocolate-regularly-makes-us-smarter-says-everyone-s-new-favorite-study?xid=soc_socialflow_facebook_fw

A Record 62,000 Units in San Francisco’s Housing Pipeline

With proposals for over 3,000 units of housing having been submitted to the City in the fourth quarter of last year, San Francisco’s housing pipeline now totals a record 62,000 units, including 8,700 units which are already under construction and should be ready for occupancy within the next year or two.
In addition to the 8,700 net-new units of housing under construction in San Francisco, there are another 12,900 net-new units for which building permits have either been issued, approved or have been requested, which is double the number from the quarter before, and 23,100 units in projects that have been approved but not yet permitted (which does include 10,500 units by Candlestick, 7,800 units on Treasure Island and 5,680 units at Parkmerced, projects which have overall timelines measured in decades, not years).
And with proposals for another 17,900 units of housing being reviewed by the City’s Planning Department, San Francisco’s Housing Pipeline now totals 62,000, which is up from 59,000 in the third quarter of last year and 50,400 in the fourth quarter of 2014, of which 8,900 will be below market rate (BMR).

At the same time, demand for the current crop of new construction condos in San Francisco has slowed and at least one index suggests that prices have been dropping for the past five months and are approaching year-over-year declines in value.

Article and images sourced from http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2016/02/a-record-62000-units-in-san-franciscos-housing-pipeline.html

San Francisco's Best Pre-Brunch Hikes

Gorgeous morning views from the top of Mount Davidson. Photo: The Outbound Collective

If your idea of a perfect Sunday includes some friends, crisp morning air, exploring local forests and beaches, and then rewarding yourself with a fun brunch, then this list is for you.

Hike The Highest Peak in SF
Looking for a short hike with amazing views of San Francisco? Mount Davidson is home to the tallest peak in SF and provides sweeping views of the city. The climb to reach the 928-foot summit is relatively easy, and the scenery at the top will make you the envy of Instragram. This is a dog-friendly hike (leash required) that can be completed in under an hour. Learn more.
Post-Hike Reward: After you’ve successfully tackled the tallest peak in the city, head over to Shanghai Dumpling King for celebratory dim sum.

A Hike In The Heart Of The City
The Mount Sutro Open Space hike is a 1.8 mile loop (with many easy variations) hidden right in the heart of SF. Most people live in San Francisco for years without ever knowing that this hike even exists—which is totally fine with us. It’s a quick and easy way to get back in touch with nature. Learn more.
Post-Hike Reward: Adventuring through a hidden forest calls for French Toast Tahiti and build your own mimosas at Zazie.

A City Hike with Ocean Views
The Lands End Trail should be at the top of your list of hikes within San Francisco. It’s an easy 4-miles along the city’s rugged coastline that includes access to China Beach, Mile Rock Beach, the Sutro Baths, and beautiful views of the Golden Gate. This is our go-to hike for showing off the city to out-of-town friends. Learn more.
Post-Hike Reward: Hop in your car for a short drive to a killer Hawaiian-style brunch at Grindz in the Inner Richmond.

A Casual Hike To A Secluded Beach
If you’re looking for a rural hike, we recommend The Tennessee Valley trail, which is located just outside of San Francisco in the Marin Headlands. It’s a leisurely 3.4-mile loop that will take you past shrublands, wetlands, and a lake before you turn around at a cool little secluded beach. Learn more.
Post-Hike Reward: After surrounding yourself in the beauty of Marin’s Headlands, head into charming downtown Mill Valley and refuel at The Dipsea Café.

Article and images sourced from http://www.7x7.com/eat-drink/san-franciscos-best-pre-brunch-hikes

28 restaurants, chefs and bars in SF make the James Beard Awards semifinalist list

The 2016 James Beard Awards semifinalist list came out this morning, and San Francisco scored an impressive 28 nominations. There were plenty of familiar names—Belinda Leong, Michael Mina, Trick Dog—along with a few newcomers like Liholiho Yacht Club and Aatxe's Ryan Pollnow. Check out the full semifinalist list below:
Best New Restaurant: Cala, Liholiho Yacht Club
Outstanding Baker: Belinda Leong and Michel Suas (B. Patisserie), William Werner (Craftsman and Wolves)
Outstanding Bar Program: Bar Agricole, Trick Dog
Outstanding Chef: Nancy Oakes (Boulevard), Michael Tusk (Quince)
Outstanding Pastry Chef: Melissa Chou (Mourad), Juan Contreras (Atelier Crenn)
Outstanding Restaurant: Acquerello, Foreign Cinema, Restaurant Gary Danko
Outstanding Restaurateur: Michael Mina
Outstanding Service: Quince, Saison
Outstanding Wine Program: Benu, Nopa
Outstanding Wine, Beer, or Spirits Professional: Lance Winters (St. George Spirits)
Rising Star of the Year: Sara Hauman (Huxley), Ryan Pollnow (Aatxe),
Best Chef (West): Matthew Accarrino (SPQR), Dominique Crenn (Atelier Crenn), Mourad Lahlou (Mourad), Corey Lee (Benu), Melissa Perello (Octavia), Joshua Skenes (Saison), James Syhabout (Commis)
For a complete list of semifinalists, check out the list here. Stay tuned for the final nominees list to be released on March 15.

Article and images sourced from http://www.timeout.com/san-francisco/blog/28-restaurants-chefs-and-bars-in-sf-make-the-james-beard-awards-semifinalist-list-021716

The Real Top 10 List of Steepest Streets in San Francisco

"What are the steepest streets in San Francisco?” is a question you've likely been asked a million times by everyone from random tourists in Fisherman's Wharf to your own mother.
And if you've dutifully gone to Google to research that question, then you'll likely find the SF Bureau of Engineering’s outdated list from the last century.
It looks something like this:
1. Filbert between Leavenworth and Hyde (31.5% grade)
2. 22nd between Church and Vicksburg (31.5% grade)
3. Jones between Union and Filbert (29% grade)
4. Duboce between Buena Vista and Alpine (27.9% grade)
5. Jones between Green and Union (26% grade)
6. Webster between Vallejo and Broadway (26% grade)
7. Duboce between Alpine and Divisadero (25% grade)
8. Jones between Pine and California (24.8 grade)
9. Fillmore between Vallejo and Broadway (24% grade)

But don't be deceived! You'll notice that there are some seemingly very steep streets that are obviously missing from this list. What about Kearny Street just above Broadway, for instance?
7X7 Magazine joined forced with Stephen Von Worley, who combined the National Elevation Dataset’s data with an Open Street Maps grid, to come up with the real list of San Francisco's steepest streets. You're welcome.
The Real List of the Steepest Streets in San Francisco: 
1. Bradford above Tompkins (41% grade)
2. Romolo between Vallejo and Fresno (37.5% grade)
3. Prentiss between Chapman and Powhattan (37% grade)
4. Nevada above Chapman (35% grade)
5. Baden above Mangels (34% grade)
6. Ripley between Peralta and Alabama (31.5% grade)
7. 24th between De Haro and Rhode Island (31.5% grade)
8. Filbert between Hyde and Leavenworth (31.5% grade)
9. 22nd between Vicksburg and Church (31.5% grade)
10. Broadway above Taylor (31% grade)

Article and images sourced from http://www.7x7.com/culture/real-top-10-list-steepest-streets-san-francisco

WildAid Calls for Ban on Synthetic Rhino Horn Exports

SAN FRANCISCO (February 10, 2016) — WildAid and the Center for Biological Diversity today formally petitioned the Obama administration to ban the sale and export of so-called “synthetic” rhinoceros horn. Trade in the biologically engineered faux horn could accelerate consumer demand in Asia for illegal wildlife products that has caused rhino poaching rates to skyrocket across southern Africa.
Rhino horn is coveted by some in Vietnam and China as a status symbol and as a panacea for ailments and diseases, from hangovers to cancer. There is no scientific evidence that rhino horn has medicinal value but rhinos in Africa and Asia are gravely imperiled due to demand for their horns. Several populations have already been poached into extinction, while others, such as the northern white rhino, have dwindled to just a few individuals. Experts believe the best way to save rhinos is to reduce consumer demand for rhino horn.
The good news is that history has shown that we can beat this illicit trade: Past public campaigns against rhino horn have previously succeeded in putting pressure on nations to crack down on the trade. For example, in 1994 the Clinton administration imposed unprecedented sanctions against Taiwan for its failure to stop rhino horn sales. The international scrutiny and well-publicized penalties resulted in Taiwan stepping up enforcement against the market, which also was banned in China and other countries. The rhino horn trade collapsed until economic growth in Vietnam, coupled with new rumors of rhino horn’s anti-cancer effects, revived consumer demand.
Introducing synthetic rhino horn into the market will not stop this trend, and may accelerate it. In today’s petition to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Center for Biological Diversity and WildAid argue that exporting synthetic rhino horn for sale in Vietnam and China will perpetuate myths of rhino horn’s medicinal potency and make the product more socially desirable at a time when consumer education campaigns in both countries are starting to successfully counter these dangerous trends.

“When something looks too good to be true, it usually is. Despite near-universal condemnation by conservation experts, the serial entrepreneurs peddling this product are playing a dangerous game for their own profit, while conveniently overlooking the genuine threat it poses for rhinos,” said Peter Knights, CEO of WildAid. 
The petition urges the administration to use its authority under a wildlife trade treaty and two laws enacted by Congress — the Endangered Species Act (ESA), and the Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Act (RTCA) — to regulate and prohibit biofabricated or “cultured” products that are derived from imperiled wildlife species such as rhinos. Full text of the petition is available here. 
“Rhinos are being poached to extinction for their horn. That has to stop before we lose them forever,” said Sarah Uhlemann, international program director at the Center for Biological Diversity. “U.S. law protects rhinos by prohibiting trade in their parts, and these ‘synthetic’ but biologically identical horns are no exception. We need to save rhinos by eliminating demand, not accelerating it.”
Seeking to exploit consumer demand, U.S.-based entrepreneurs are developing synthetic rhino horn that can’t be visually, chemically or genetically differentiated from actual horn. Founders of one venture capital-backed company, Pembient, have told media about its intention to sell both powdered rhino horn and “carvable” horn for the production of durable goods, like jewelry, libation cups and chopsticks.
The product is created in part by inserting the rhino genetic code into yeast, which then produces keratin, the protein that primarily constitutes rhino horn (and is also found in human hair and nails). Pembient then seeks to create an authentic “DNA signature” by combining the keratin with rhino DNA. Pembient’s plans for consumer goods containing rhino horn have included a beer brewed in China and a skin cream for distribution in Vietnam labeled “Essence of Rhino Horn.” More recently, Pembient has stated it will focus on producing solid, carvable horn — a product that would also likely be ground into powder form by many consumers.
Synthetic rhino horn raises several additional concerns: The product severely complicates law enforcement, as the real and synthetic products are meant to be visually indistinguishable, which will allow real, illegally-poached rhino horn to be laundered as lab-made. It also introduces a new, broader consumer base for rhino horn products, stimulating future demand for “real” rhino horn.
Today’s petition urges that cultured horn be classified as a product derived from a rhino, as trade in such products is clearly prohibited by the ESA and the RTCA, and is strictly regulated under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). WildAid and the Center for Biological Diversity are asking the Service to issue new rules affirmatively banning trade in the product.  
Rhino poaching is now at crisis levels. Over the past decade, largely due to demand for horn in Vietnam, poaching surged from 262 rhinos poached in 2008 in South Africa, where most of the killing has taken place, to 1,215 in 2014. New figures released last month indicate poaching had dipped slightly in 2015 but remains shockingly high, with 1,175 rhinos killed in South Africa. Countries such as Namibia and Zimbabwe, where poaching has been largely suppressed in recent years, saw dramatic increases in the rate of rhino poaching last year, often in areas once considered too remote to be vulnerable to poaching.
WildAid, African Wildlife Foundation and the Vietnamese organization CHANGE are working to reduce rhino horn consumption in Vietnam and China, utilizing similar methods deployed in a successful campaign to reduce consumption of shark fin in China by 50 percent to 70 percent. Chinese consumer awareness of the rhino horn trade’s devastating impact on Africa’s rhinos has grown rapidly over the past several years, and independent surveys showed the percentage of people who believe that rhino horn has medicinal value dropped by nearly 25 percent, from 58 percent in 2012 to 45 percent in late 2014. Consumer surveys of the Vietnamese market will be released this spring.

Article and images sourced from http://www.wildaid.org/news/wildaid-calls-ban-synthetic-rhino-horn-exports

5 Chef Couples Share the Dishes That Made Them Fall in Love

When chefs date, one thing is for sure: Dinners at home are going to be great—especially in the early stages, when they’re trying to impress each other. Here, five chef couples reveal what they cooked for each other on early dates.

Greg Denton & Gabrielle Quiñónez Denton, Ox in Portland, OR
Greg: “The first thing I remember cooking for Gabi was a roasted whole lobe of foie gras with figs. It was at a party, and I wanted to impress her. It worked!”
Gabrielle: “The first thing I cooked for Greg was rice and beans. I remember putting so much care into making them perfect, but then he had to rush back to work so the beans were undercooked. Oh well.”

Gabe and Katherine Thompson; dell'anima, L'Artusi, Anfora and L'Apicio in New York City
Gabe: “One of the first things that Katherine made for me was lamb chops. Although she’s a pastry chef, she is an accomplished cook, too. The chops were cooked at a super-low temperature and were perfectly pink and juicy throughout. Absolutely delicious!”
Katherine: “The first time Gabe cooked for me, he made a simple butter lettuce salad with a lemon cream vinaigrette, olives and hazelnuts. I think I fell in love with Gabe over that dish. It was the perfect balance of delicate leaves next to a tangy, flavorful dressing. Many years later, this dish is one of our most popular at L’Artusi, and we had to include it in our cookbook, Downtown Italian.”

Matt Danzer and Ann Redding, Uncle Boons in New York City
Matt: “I cooked her dry-aged rib eye with foie gras butter.”
Ann: “Tom Yum Koong—Matt was sick. It’s something quick and easy that I’ve been making at home since I was a kid.”

Evan and Sarah Rich, Rich Table in San Francisco
Evan: “I made breakfast.”
Sarah: “Cannelloni. My family has the old Time/Life book series about foods from all over the world. The book on Italy has a delicious cannelloni recipe in it that was always something my family would cook together on special occasions. In an effort to make a good impression on Evan, I cooked that. It must have made a good impression, because he has no memory of it.”

Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski, State Bird Provisions in San Francisco
Nicole: “Stuart cooked me a life-changing bowl of popcorn. He crushed a clove of garlic, threw it into the melting butter, added a bunch of dashes of Tabasco and after pouring it over the popcorn he grated a ton of Parmesan cheese. I seriously had never had anything like that.”

Article and images sourced from http://www.foodandwine.com/blogs/2015/02/11/5-chef-couples-share-the-dishes-that-made-them-fall-in-love?xid=soc_socialflow_facebook_fw

Pacific Union’s January 2016 Real Estate Update

Bay Area home shoppers who ventured out in the first month of 2016 were in luck, as the months’ supply of inventory (MSI) of homes for sale expanded in every one of our regions. However, all of our markets still favor sellers, with the exception of Lake Tahoe/Truckee, where plenty of properties await buyers who want to take advantage of the copious snowfall the region is enjoying.

SAN FRANCISCO – SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES

The pace of sales for a single-family home in San Francisco slowed as the year began, with properties selling in an average of 43 days. After dipping below 1.0 in the final month of 2015, the MSI expanded to 1.9.

The median sales price eased just a bit from December, falling to $1,167,500, but prices haven’t been under $1 million in a year. The average home fetched 104.4 percent of its asking price, mirroring what we saw last January.

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SAN FRANCISCO – CONDOMINIUMS

The median sales price for a San Francisco condominium inched up in January to $1,124,500. As with single-family homes, prices have not dipped below $1 million in a year. Homes sold for 101.8 percent of original prices, the smallest premiums recorded in more than a year.

The pace of sales has been progressively slowing since September, and the average condominium took 47 days to find a buyer. The MSI increased to 2.4, nearly identical to levels recorded in January 2015.

Article and images sourced from http://blog.pacificunion.com/pacific-unions-january-2016-real-estate-update/

6 Perfect Picnic Spots in San Francisco

A secluded black sand beach with sweeping views of SF? Yes please. (Photo by ryryindo) 

Whether you’re in the mood for a secluded beach or a party at the park, the city has a ton of great options for your next day in the sun.

Black Sand Beach
Make the short hike into this mile-long stretch of black sand beach just over the Golden Gate Bridge and you’ll be rewarded with fewer crowds, epic views, and a rugged coastline to explore. Grab picnic supplies in Sausalito and enjoy a romantic day on the beach. Learn more.

Dolores Park
Feeling more festive and less romantic? Then head over to Dolores Park. This part of the city is usually the sunniest and has a huge tiered lawn that is ideal for setting up for the day with your friends and enjoying the warm weather. Learn more.

Tank Hill
Looking for a cool, under-the-radar spot that’s perfect for picnics, chilling out, and enjoying the sunshine? Look no further than Tank Hill. This great little park has amazing views spanning the Bay Bridge to the Golden Gate and plenty of space to lay out a blanket and take in the city. Learn more.

Mile Rock Beach
If you’re willing to carry your basket on a short hike, you could have your own private beach picnic at Mile Rock Beach. There’s a lot of natural seating in the form of rocks and logs and the view of the sunset from here is pretty incredible. If you need a spot to warm up after the sun sets, head to the Outer Richmond for some of the city’s most underrated food. Learn more.

West Bluff
If you prefer an actual picnic table for your picnic and you love amazing, close up views of the Golden Gate Bridge then the West Bluff Picnic Area at the north end of Crissy Field is the spot for you. If you stick around for sunset, you’ll catch one of the best views of the bridge that the Bay has to offer. Learn more.

Great Meadow Park
If your typical picnic also involves bocce ball, corn hole, music, dancing, and drinks then Great Meadow Park at Fort Mason is the spot for you. With a huge grass lawn, lots of people to enjoy the festivities with, and good vibes all round, you can’t go wrong here. Learn more.

Article and images sourced from http://www.7x7.com/eat-drink/6-perfect-picnic-spots-san-francisco

Real Estate Roundup: Mortgage Rates Keep Dropping in the New Year

Here’s a look at recent news of interest to homebuyers, home sellers, and the home-curious.

MORTGAGE RATES DIP TO 3-MONTH LOW

Mortgage rates have declined every week so far in 2016 and are currently at their lowest levels since the fall, a fact that could help motivate hesitant homebuyers who have been sitting on the fence.
That’s according to the most recent numbers from Freddie Mac, which said that 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages fell to 3.81 percent for the week ended Jan. 21, down from 3.92 percent from a week earlier and up from 3.63 percent a year ago. Fifteen-year mortgage rates displayed a similar pattern, dropping from 3.19 percent to 3.10 percent on a weekly basis but up from 2.93 percent year over year.
In a statement accompanying the report, Freddie Mac Chief Economist Sean Becketti attributed the declines to weak inflation in 2015 and global economic turmoil, which is driving investors to treasuries.

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HOW MUCH YOU NEED TO EARN TO OWN A BAY AREA HOME
California residents must earn more than those in any other state in order to purchase a home, with Bay Area homebuyers requiring the biggest paychecks in the nation.
In a recent analysis, consumer financial-services comparison website Finder.com examined how large of a salary residents of 78 metro areas needed to earn in order to comfortably afford a home, assuming a 20 percent down payment, the ability to cover per-person expenditures, and the ability to pay off debt not related to the mortgage. By those criteria, San Francisco area households need to pull in more than $180,000 per year to afford the average home costing $1,119,500, the highest in the U.S. San Jose was the second priciest market in this regard, with a salary of $129,864 necessary to buy a home valued at $805,000.
Los Angeles and San Diego also made the top five for biggest salary requirements. Finder.com notes that those four California metro areas were among just six in the country where the salary required to obtain a mortgage is higher than the salary needed to pay for mortgage payments, average debts, and average expenditures.

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SUPER BOWL TRAFFIC, TRANSIT MAYHEM PROJECTED FOR SAN FRANCISCO
Although Super Bowl 50 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara is still almost two weeks away, its impact is already being felt in downtown San Francisco, as streets close and havoc is predicted to befall strained public-transportation systems.
Curbed SF reports that the construction of Super Bowl City began over the weekend at the Embarcadero. The extravaganza will disrupt 19 Muni bus lines and close an entrance to the Embarcadero BART and Muni stations for most days. BART trains themselves are expected to be packed to capacity, though the agency plans to add extra trains to the rotation.
Worse still, predicts Curbed, will be the traffic that the detours create. Although the city is only closing a compact grid of streets right around the site of the festivities, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency is directing drivers traversing the streets to major northbound/southbound corridors such as Van Ness Avenue and Gough Street, which could potentially clog up traffic several miles west of the event.

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1 IN 3 REAL ESTATE DEALS FACES DELAY
About one-third of real estate transactions encounter a delay before closing, but savvy buyers can take steps to ensure smooth sailing.
Citing data from the National Association of Realtors, an article in The Washington Post says that 32 percent of real estate sales encountered a delay over the past three months. Of the deals that were delayed, financing issues were the most common culprit, affecting almost half of those buyers.
In order to keep one’s financial ducks in a row while closing a loan, homebuyers should not make any major purchases that could affect their credit score. The article also recommends that buyers be completely transparent with their loan officer, disclosing all financial obligations and changes in employment.
(Photo: Flickr/401(K) 2012)

Article and images sourced from http://blog.pacificunion.com/real-estate-roundup-mortgage-rates-keep-dropping-in-the-new-year/

Check Out Who Will Be Playing (Free) Shows at The Levi's City Stage in Super Bowl City

Levi's has officially announced the full lineup for The City Stage, the main entertainment stage in Super Bowl City. The shows are free and include performances by Grammy Award winning singer and pianist, Alicia Keys; Oakland R&B songstress, Goapele; pop band, One Republic; Grammy Award winning country group, The Band Perry, and more. The City Stage is located in Sue Bierman Park, with shows scheduled from Saturday, Jan. 30 to Sunday, Feb. 7. Check out the full performance schedule below. 

Wednesday February 3

· 12-12:45 p.m. Loco Bloco 

· 1-1:30 p.m. Taiko drummers

· 7:30-9:00 p.m. Matt Nathanson

Thursday February 4

· 12-12:30 p.m. Culture Shock

· 12:45-1:30 p.m. Le Vice

· 7:30-9:00 p.m. The Band Perry

Friday February 5

• 12-12:30 p.m. Conservatory of SF 

• 12:45-1:30 p.m. Jarrod Spector 

• 8:30-10 p.m. One Republic

Saturday February 6

· 12-12:15 p.m. B-Boys and DJs

· 12:45-1 p.m. B-Boys and DJs

· 7-7:45 p.m. Goapele

· 8:30-10 p.m. Alicia Keys

Sunday February 7

• 12-12:30 p.m. Latin Jazz Youth Ensemble

• 12:45-1:30 p.m. John Brothers 

• 2-3 p.m. Glide 

Article and images sourced from http://www.sfweekly.com/shookdown/2016/01/15/check-out-who-will-be-playing-free-shows-at-the-levis-city-stage-in-super-bowl-city

7 trends in colorful kitchen appliances

I love these colorful ranges!  See ya, stainless. Brilliantly-colored appliances are hitting the market. We share our favorites, along with ideas for working one into your kitchen:

Cherry red range

Red is a classic kitchen color, but now it’s moved off the walls and onto appliances. This 30-inch range would stun when set in a bank of charcoal gray cabinets. $2,395; bigchill.com/shop/cook/big-chill-pro-stove

Orange refrigerator

Picture this fridge in a basement or media room kitchenette. The citrusy color combined with the retro styling signals relaxed fun. $2,995; bigchill.com/shop/refrigerators/original-big-chill-retro-refrigerator

Golden oven

For a bright color, this maize yellow electric wall oven feels elegant, almost like an appliance you’d find in an Italian villa. Pair it with plywood cabinets for a seamless look, or black for full-contrast drama. Price varies by options chosen. www.bluestarcooking.com/products/wall-ovens/electric-wall-oven

Bright yellow range

Let this sunny color be the star by surrounding it with white or pale gray cabinets. It would also look smashing in an industrial kitchen with stainless steel cabinets and concrete countertops. Price varies by options chosen. www.bluestarcooking.com/products/platinum-series-new

Lime green refrigerator

When was the last time you looked at a refrigerator and thought, It’s so cute! We dare you not to utter those words in the face of this petite lime green number. It doesn’t have a freezer drawer, which makes it perfect as a secondary spot to stash drinks. $1,999; www.smegusa.com/product/fab28ulir1

Mint green dishwasher

In a color reminiscent of milk glass, this dishwasher panel is a surprise, but feels right at home in a beachy kitchen with white cabinetry. Measures 23-5/8 inches by 33 7/8 inches. $525; bigchill.com/shop/dishwashers/big-chill-dishwasher-panel

Navy range

Navy is the hottest color in kitchen appliances right now and for good reason—it’s easy to incorporate in existing kitchens with white, wood, putty, or gray cabinetry. $1,618; www.vikingrange.com/consumer/product/products/cooking/freestanding-ranges/viking-tuscany/36-w--and-48-w--tuscany-ranges/36-w--tuscany-range---tvdr360

Article and images sourced from http://www.sunset.com/home/kitchen-appliances