Looking for ways to conceal yet show off your fridge? We look at design ideas for a truly unique kitchen aesthetic…
The hidden kitchen look is something I have written a lot about recently – including some ingenious ways to create Narnia-style pantry doors or beautifully disguised extractors. The latest feature in this category that’s sparked my interest is bespoke fridge cabinets that are concealed in handcrafted joinery, adorned with cornicing, or embellished with fluted glass and gorgeous fabrics.
You’d think they’re just regular pieces of furniture, until you peek inside… But are they meant for everyone?
The fridge is one of the key elements in the kitchen triangle (a design concept which enhances workflow); but if you don’t like yours on show, this could be the perfect way to stop it disrupting the look and feel of your space.
“Designing joinery to house fridges is always our preference,” says Holly Vaughan, director at Vaughan Design and Development. “As appliances are big pieces of kit and often come in a glaringly obvious finish, creating something beautiful to disguise a fridge is a bit of a must.”
How to get the look
Be it hidden inside a charming freestanding dresser or seamlessly concealed within kitchen cabinetry, this design idea offers a cohesive look, and can be adopted to fit any aesthetic, from classic to contemporary. However, for this more fanciful design, you’ll need to work with a bespoke kitchen company.
If you go down this route, truly, there are no limitations in terms of what you can achieve. “Whether it’s an American-style appliance with an eye-level fridge and convenient pull-out freezer-drawer, or a full-height larder fridge that brings everything within easy reach, there’s no shortage of stylish, functional options,” says Kira Blume, showroom manager at Krantz Designs.
You can personalise your fridge cabinet with detailed profiles, glass fronts, statement hardware, or eye-catching paint and finishes, for example. But keep in mind that the overall design needs to feel like a seamless statement, “not detracting from the rest of your kitchen interior, but acting as the icing on top,” says Holly.
Practicalities
Looking at practicalities, a fridge cabinet is particularly effective in an open-plan room. “As well as being neat, it creates a softer feel which can be important in multi-functional spaces,” says Ella Driscoll at Shere Kitchens in Surrey.
“A few things to think about are ventilation (the model of fridge will provide the specific details of what’s required), the door hinges, and easy access for servicing. For ventilation, pretty plinth cut-out details or decorative grilles can add character,” says Ella.
And lastly, consider the cost attached to a bespoke design. “This will come with a price tag, but it’s an investment that will round off your kitchen; so, in our opinion, it is worth every penny,” concludes Holly.
So, will you keep your fridge in plain sight, or camouflage it in style?
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