An integrated paneled refrigerator can be designed to blend into a kitchen or steal the show.
An integrated paneled refrigerator can be designed to blend into a kitchen or steal the show.An integrated paneled refrigerator can be made to look like part of the kitchen’s architecture. It’s a necessary appliance needed but hated by many — especially me — because it’s large, usually unattractive and it commands attention. Given a do-over, I would either hide our side-by-side paneled refrigerator in our walk-in pantry or buy a different brand that could be made to appear more furniture-like in our open floor plan. A recent post by Jane, Refrigeration in Disguise, featured an exquisite Asian and European inspired integrated paneled refrigerator and freezer. One of the comments was from Francie, who said she would love to find one with cottage style. Maybe I’ll be able to save her some time — I had already pulled photos of several refrigerators in disguise for future posts. Cottage can mean different things to different people, from rustic to shabby chic. A daring Victorian-inspired twig paneled refrigerator [top] has an arched top with an inset clock looming over a full size fridge freezer pair. I’d like to see the entire room, since this photograph makes it appear to be a jumble. Still, using twigs brings the outdoors inside and is perfect for a rustic or Adirondack cottage look.
Now, we’re talking! This paneled refrigerator is neatly worked into an entire cabinet with barn-style doors and strap hinges. The arched top is a display cabinet with heavy, but simple, trim and divided glass doors. Distressed, glazed and finished in gorgeous off-gray/green color puts me in love with this fridge. While paired with simple white cabinets in this kitchen, it could make an even larger impact on a wall by itself.
Old fencing was used for the Sub-Zero panels and cabinetry in this cottage kitchen. The handles are made from galvanized pipe, which echoes the galvanized metal shelves and counters. Some would say too shabby, others would cal it country chic.
This farmhouse kitchen features the same Sub-Zero as the kitchen above, but tung and groove pine panels and wrought iron hardware give it a totally different look. The pine continued across the adjacent upper cabinets, while the lower cabinets are painted. That’s so all eyes can be drawn to the fabulous centerpiece — a vintage stove. Whether you want to showcase the integrated units or make them disappear, a little creativity and a good craftsman or cabinet designer can help you achieve your goal.
(Sources: Beautiful Kitchens, Designing Your Dream Home, House Beautiful, jkendesign via Flickr)
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Love these integrated fridges! The Mick deGiulio ones are more my style, but these would look amazing in a more cottage style home. Thanks for sharing.
I planked my fridge when I planked my kitchen (JennAir with trim to accept panels. I like it, but I think next time I would go with just having it out there.
Does anyone know where we can find the sites with the whole kitchens? I would love to see where they fit into the design of a kitchen, and if it is open to the rest of the floor, house, etc.
Gatorgirl, the sources are listed in order at the bottom of the post. The first two pictures came from Beautiful Kitchens/Design Your Dream Home http://designingyourdreamhome.blogspot.com/
The third was in House Beautiful article –> http://www.housebeautiful.com/decorating/fulk-small-idyllic-0708
and the last one was found on Flickr/jkendesign.
Hope this helps!
Allison
Allison can say for sure but very often only certain views are taken. I do feel one can see how these panels are integrated with the various kitchens. Some people do this because they don’t like stainless fronts but so many kitchens are open to other rooms today this certainly makes sense.