Get the Most Out of Your Kitchen with Brilliant Fridge Cabinet Solutions
Having an efficiently organized kitchen is the dream for many homeowners. However, often a cumbersome refrigerator can throw off the feng shui of the space. Luckily, there are clever solutions that allow you to seamlessly integrate your fridge into the overall kitchen cabinetry design.
Strategically designed cabinetry surrounding the refrigerator helps unify the look of your kitchen while also maximizing every inch of available storage.
Clever Ways to Add Storage Around Your Fridge
One of the most effective strategies for integrating your refrigerator into the kitchen cabinetry design is to add extra cabinets directly surrounding the appliance. This continues the visual line of cabinetry, conceals the fridge, and provides you with bonus storage space.
Cabinetry Above the Fridge
Installing a cabinet over top of the refrigerator is a great way to connect it visually with the rest of your cabinetry. The cabinet helps the fridge blend in by concealing the often unsightly top. This also gives you space to store items that you use less frequently or seasonal serveware. The cabinet above can feature doors, open shelving, or a mix of both. This spot is also perfect for displaying decorative items or mementos.
Coordinating Side Panels
Another easy and affordable option is installing side panels on either side of the refrigerator. This simple upgrade allows your fridge to match the same finished look as the surrounding cabinetry. It gives a unified aesthetic to the whole kitchen. Side panels are especially beneficial for small kitchens needing to maximize every inch of space. The panels can disguise the sides of the fridge by matching the cabinet door style and finish.
Enclosing the Fridge Entirely
For a truly built-in, customized appearance, you can enclose your entire refrigerator with complementary cabinetry. This involves adding cabinetry panels to the top, bottom, back, and sides. Your refrigerator will blend in seamlessly. Fully enclosing maximizes your kitchen's overall storage potential. Enclosing also enables you to get creative and mix different cabinet styles around your appliance.
Incorporating Vertical Space
Don't forget to take advantage of vertical real estate on the sides of your fridge. This often gets overlooked. Install tall, narrow, floor-to-ceiling cabinets or shelving units to utilize the empty space. Maximizing the tight area doesn't require taking up any additional floor space. And you gain extra organized storage spots conveniently right beside your refrigerator.
Design Tips for Fridge Cabinetry
Once you've decided on a refrigerator cabinet configuration, keep these design tips in mind:
- Choose cabinetry finishes that closely coordinate with your existing kitchen cabinets. Matching the color, door style, hardware and handles creates cohesion.
- Be sure to allow for proper ventilation space around the refrigerator. This enables the appliance to function efficiently.
- Incorporate interior organizers and storage solutions to get the most out of the new cabinet spaces.
- Under-cabinet lighting brightens the fridge area for visibility and provides ambiance.
- Making contents easily accessible should remain the priority when designing your fridge surround.
Storage Solutions for Fridge Surrounding Areas
To maximize the utility of your new fridge cabinet spaces, incorporate smart storage solutions tailored to the available room.
Inner Cabinet Organizers
Within the new cabinets, include pull-out trays, drawer inserts, shelves or other organizers to customize the interiors to your needs. This keeps items visible and within easy reach.
Pull-Out Vertical Storage
Take advantage of narrow areas on the sides of the fridge by installing vertically stacked pull out shelving or drawers. These maximize vertical storage potential. The shelves retract when not in use to conserve space.
Open Shelving
Consider open shelving to allow you to display decorative cookbooks, ceramics or glassware while still concealing the fridge. Wire mesh or glass shelves maintain visibility.
Achieve an Integrated, Seamless Look
Finally, finish tying everything together with small decorative touches:
- Choose countertops surrounding the fridge that match or coordinate with existing kitchen counters.
- Use matching handles and hardware on fridge and surrounding cabinets.
- Repeat trim or molding used on cabinets around fridge panels.
- Under-cabinet lighting creates a cohesive and well-lit fridge area.
Strategically designed and matching cabinetry around your refrigerator can help it blend in seamlessly. You can gain both valuable storage space and a unified, built-in look for your kitchen. Experiment with cabinet configurations and storage add-ons to find the perfect custom refrigerator integration to suit your needs. With clever fridge cabinet solutions, you can maximize form and function.