9 Kitchens That Achieved the Built-in Fridge Look for Less
Glean ideas from this roundup of clever ways to give the fridge the flushed, built-in look
Counter-depth refrigerators are popular appliances for new kitchens. Their appeal is that they save precious aisle space by sitting flush with the cabinets rather than sticking out. This makes the kitchen look smooth, custom and visually organised. These models can also be finished with matching cabinet doors for an even more cohesive look.
The downside is that they are very expensive. They can cost two to three times more than a regular freestanding refrigerator, and must be wider to incorporate the same cubic-foot storage. If you want this look without the extra expense, design your kitchen and cabinets so that your regular-size refrigerator sits flush with your cabinets.
The downside is that they are very expensive. They can cost two to three times more than a regular freestanding refrigerator, and must be wider to incorporate the same cubic-foot storage. If you want this look without the extra expense, design your kitchen and cabinets so that your regular-size refrigerator sits flush with your cabinets.
In this case the refrigerator door sticks out beyond the base cabinets. But because there are deep side panels and a deep cabinet overhead, the refrigerator looks incorporated into the cabinetry and built in. A deep cabinet above the refrigerator is a good place for tray storage or even a TV, as shown here.
Here is another kitchen where deeper cabinets accommodate the greater depth of a freestanding unit. This refrigerator is a bottom-freezer model.
Here the homeowners built a wider set of deep cabinets, which include some open shelves for display.
Another way to ‘build in’ your freestanding refrigerator is to actually build it into the wall, rather than cabinets. If your kitchen plan will allow it, this is probably the easiest and most cost-effective way to get the look, because you can make the opening the exact width and depth you require. You also won’t have any cabinet modification costs.
This is particularly nicely done. The very linear refrigerator fits neatly into the opening and is trimmed out with house moulding. The display shelf above draws the eye up. With a wine refrigerator next to the main refrigerator in a small peninsula cabinet, this is a good area for dispensing drinks.
Cheers to home bars and wine cellars
Cheers to home bars and wine cellars
This kitchen utilises a very effective way to incorporate a deep refrigerator: The cabinets are stepped, for a very custom look. From the corner to the left of the refrigerator, the cabinets are typical sizes: 30 centimetres deep on top; 61 centimetres deep on the bottom. Next comes the upper cabinets and the appliance garage unit, probably 38 to 45 centimetres deep. The deepest cabinet is around the refrigerator, with display cabinets above.
On the end is a tall open cabinet that creates an interesting visual display as one enters the kitchen. Note that this cabinet is actually pulled back a few centimetres from the refrigerator depth, so it continues the stepped look and also makes that corner a little less intrusive.
On the end is a tall open cabinet that creates an interesting visual display as one enters the kitchen. Note that this cabinet is actually pulled back a few centimetres from the refrigerator depth, so it continues the stepped look and also makes that corner a little less intrusive.
Cabinets and a refrigerator create a clean and contemporary look here. The cabinets were probably furred out within the walls.
This refrigerator is the centrepiece of an open display area. This would be a very cost-effective way to house a refrigerator and small appliances while using a short wall.
TELL US
Where is your fridge placed and why did you pick that spot? Share in the Comments below.
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Choosing the Right Fridge for Your Needs
TELL US
Where is your fridge placed and why did you pick that spot? Share in the Comments below.
MORE
Choosing the Right Fridge for Your Needs
To get that flush look, you can either recess a freestanding unit several inches into a wall or have your cabinets furred out several inches to meet the refrigerator.
In this kitchen, if you look carefully, you’ll see that the 61-centimetre-deep base cabinets that extend to the left are recessed behind the oven cabinets. The appliance portion of this wall, therefore, has been furred out. Note that the side cabinet panel on the right has been ordered in a larger size to accommodate the depth of the refrigerator, which is greater than 61 centimetres.