The “foodie” trend of the past few years has created a demand for gourmet kitchens perfectly outfitted with matching, pro-style appliances. But the appliances have for the most part merely changed their exteriors and veneers without huge leaps into creative realms. Maytag’s new Jenn-Air Attrezzi line is creating a new niche of artsy kitchen appliances for the U.S. Hitting KitchenAid squarely on its retro-styled jaws, the Attrezzi mixer and blender boldly display their Murano glass inspired flair.

The beautiful mixing and blending bowls come in pleasing colors and patterns that cause the home decorator to wish for more counterspace instead of an appliance garage. I doubt they will be selling quilted covers for these models. Will other appliance companies rise to the bait and propel the artsy appliance trend past retro and into art glass? Most home cooks get to choose only one of the now almost overwhelming palette of KitchenAid mixer colors. Lovely glass bowls, however, come with that wonderful money-making word: collectible. (NY Times article on the genesis of the Attrezzi line)