First came the high-end ranges of stainless steel (think Wolf and Viking) in luxury kitchens. This was followed by UK and European imports such as Bertazzoni, AGA, La Cornue and Lacanche. These pastel- and jewel-toned beauties, which can cost anywhere from $7,000 to $25,000 (or more depending on the size), have been the crown jewel of custom kitchens for most of a decade. I call this kitchen trend “statement ranges”, due to the fact that in a space where all other appliances have to be hidden behind cabinet panels, these tend to be anything but humble and hidden.
Robin’s egg blue, burgundy (like) Shavonda Gardner’s gorgeous kitchen Above), black and brass (below, by American company). big Chill), and beyond, these categories have influenced the design of our cookery, and increased our tolerance for risk-taking styles in a room that are often shy of straying too far from the safe crowd, mostly because it’s prohibitively expensive to fix if their freshness goes stale.
The gateway drug to kitchens full of character, the Statement range has opened the door to the statement fridge, which is probably one of the most exciting kitchen trends of the last year or two, imho. It’s interesting to see how this huge, essential tool has transformed from being as indistinguishable as possible to stealing the stage.
While searching for images to display and talk about here, I came across three different “types” of statement fridges, each offering a style and budget range. We have the vintage-style fridge, the modern colorful fridge and then, what is increasingly emerging as a step up to the upper end of the spend spectrum, is the freestanding furniture-style fridge.
Come along with me to explore all three types.
Vintage-Style Statement Fridge
It doesn’t matter where the aesthetic pendulum swings; There will always be those who love the nostalgia of times gone by (although it happens that traditional and cottage design has become very big for quite some time now). SMEG and Big Chill have ruled this market at the mainstream level for years, and with good reason: they’re very cute. For color lovers, they are like a mermaid, hypnotizing and alluring us with their pistachio greens and buttery yellows. For those who prefer something warm and neutral but not the same as everyone else, there are creamy off-whites and blacks.
A black French door refrigerator with heavy-duty brass hardware by Big Chill Appliances stands out in a classic kitchen. Amy Bowen of Porch & VineI think this color combination is a nice way to bring in this style of chiller without cementing it in any era,
Same fridge, different colour, completely different feel. Sunday Supper Club Creative Wildly Unique Kitchen Designed by Brie Emery of DesignLoveFest. I love the color blocking of mint cabinetry next to the pistachio appliances to make it stand out and give it its own moment without too much contrast.
Here again is a very classic looking fridge big ChillIn a beautiful dark green color. Chrome is a nice change to the brass we’ve seen in our kitchens for over 10 years. Of course, something this size isn’t suitable as a main fridge for most of us unless you live alone or cook a lot, but it’s a fun option for a secondary fridge if you have a house with that much square footage.
We love Cream SMEG around these parts (just ask Jess or). MalloryI especially like how it looks with warm, dark cabinetry and rich wood tones, like the kitchen above. Living a wild life. This fridge design works well for those who don’t want to waste counter space with a 36-inch-wide fridge but still want to set a vibe.
colorful statement fridge
Aren’t you after a fridge that looks like it could hold your Jello molds for the neighborhood moon landing watch party? (Obviously, I say this jokingly because I love them.) Enter the modern colorful statement fridge.
Of course, I’ve never seen a commercial-style fridge like this Truth (or Sub-Zero, etc.) in any color other than stainless, so this was a surprise to me. But turns out, they exist! True can actually custom color-match any color you want, which I’m assuming is their answer to blending in with the cabinetry, as these are not panel-ready friendly. But on the other hand, you can also choose a completely different color to have a little fun.
I know red and yellow can give off serious Ronald McDonald vibes, but I love a soft, pale yellow with a warm brick red, as in this little pantry above. Logan Killen Interiors,
at home with ashley She customized her Samsung bespoke fridge with glossy blush panels. The good thing about this specific fridge is that you can change the panels at any time if you want to change the color and finish. While it’s still an expense, it’s easier to take a risk like keeping a pink device when you know you can get it back fairly easily.
“Undercover” Freestanding Cabinet Statement Fridge
now we come New New to this category: The hidden but not really visible fridge That looks in your face, it doesn’t actually look like a fridge at all, but more like a giant cupboard. And anyone who knows my writing knows how much I love Arsenal.
All the images above and below are probably superfluous, since there are four photos, but I just wanted to show all aspects of its design (by guild anderson outside the UK). It’s so smart to have a fridge, freezer, and some cupboard/pantry storage all in one place. The amount of walking I do in my small kitchen from the fridge, between my counters, back to the pantry cabinet, back to the fridge… it’s pretty genius, or at least very interesting to talk about.
It’s the only one I’ve ever seen that looks like it has glass doors with fabric curtains. It’s very hidden, but what a statement!
Here is a small design by same company (Above). And now that I’m looking into it further, something like this, although custom and possibly expensive, is a good solution for a space where the refrigerator works best on the side or on a blank wall that doesn’t have cabinetry.
This custom freestanding fridge and cupboard situation was designed blockhouse construction For matilda goadIt has a retro feel with the open door hinges, but is also “now” with its circular design,
This beautiful hand painted piece, in the home of The House That Lars BuiltIt might be the first of its kind that I’ve ever seen. Anyone would be lucky to have such a beautiful cabinet, let alone have it be their fridge!
You can’t see the entire kitchen above (obviously), but it’s fairly symmetrical, with another large built-in just like the kitchen seen above on the other side. One is cabinetry, the other (this one, I believe) is the fridge and freezer. Sure, this is the next evolution of the integrated fridge, but the addition of decorative molding makes such an impact.
Even with the low ceiling, the armoire-esque fridge is stately and functional. Vaughan Design & Development Shared that they were looking to “hide” their fridge by actually making it stand as a freestanding cabinet. Like hiding in plain sight.
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That’s all I have for us today. I’m always attracted to a design idea that takes a utilitarian item and makes it the star of the room by thinking creatively (or just adding color). What do you think about this? Have you ever found yourself moving away from the panel-ready integrated look for something like a statement fridge? Which version is most interesting to you?
Until next time, friends…
Opening Image Credit: Design by Nick Anderson guild anderson photo by mark bolton
