Sunday, July 5, 2009

When Is A Refrigerator More Than A Refrigerator?

When it becomes a decorative element in the kitchen or blends away into the cabinetry. I saw a beautiful paneled refrigerator painted to match cabinetry in a kitchen featured in the current issue of Beautiful Homes Magazine (which, of course, I can't find a picture of online). I decided to search out the different ways of integrating a refrigerator into the kitchen without it looking like a refrigerator.

See if you can pick out the refrigerator in these pictures.



This one looks like an armoire. I think those are even tassels hanging from the handles.



This one is so pretty - it even looks like a painted cabinet.

Photo courtesy of Pam Design

This one blends in seamlessly with the surrounding cabinetry.


Photo courtesy of HGTV

This one looks like it could be a pantry cabinet.

Photo courtesy of Decorati

It took me a few seconds to realize that this mirrored piece is the refrigerator - draws and all!

Photo courtesy of Decorati

Another that looks like it's a piece of furniture. I would never think that was the refrigerator!


Photo courtesy of Decorati

More of a cabinetry look.

Photo courtesy of Decorati

This one looks like an armoire in a bedroom.

Photo courtesy of Decorati

Who would have thought a refrigerator could be beautiful!
Oh, before I forget - here's one for the guys. A toolbox refrigerator. Gotta love the creativity!

20 comments:

Maria Killam said...

Wow, I have never seen such creative ways of hiding a fridge! This is why I love blogs so much! Great post!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

I love the way they blend into the kitchens, Maria. And to think that mine is covered with magnets, pictures, coupons, quotes, shopping lists, etc., as my decor!

Marie said...

I have seen lots of fridges with paneling before but nothing like some of the ones you have pictured here. What a gorgeous collection of "hidden" fridges.

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

I know, Marie; it's amazing what they can do. I couldn't believe some of them either. Very creative though!

Laura Trevey said...

You are a winner!!

xo Laura

Anonymous said...

One thing to note about paneled appliances, typically dishwashers and refrigerators, is that eventually you will have to replace the appliance.

I am a kitchen designer who HAD a paneled refrigerator until it died and we had to buy a new one.

See the rest at:


http://kitchen-exchange.blogspot.com/2009/07/note-about-paneled-appliances.html

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Thanks Laura! It took me a minute to figure that comment out, but I did and I guess I'll be doing some shopping this week. ; )

Peggy ~ You bring up an excellent issue! Appliances do die - I know, as I just put my washing machine to rest last week!

Tiaa @ EYInteriors said...

Refrigerators have come a long way! I agree with a previous post, you have to be careful when you customized your fridge like that. Once it breaks, you would have to replace a lot, not just the fridge. On the other hand, fridges were made to last a while so I guess by the time it dies you will be ready for a new kitchen anyway! LOL!

Great post, Kathy!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Absolutely something to keep in mind, Tiaa. Appliances don't last forever, but they can look pretty while we do have them!

Leona Gaita said...

These are gorgeous! On the issue of appliances dying: if the fridge panel has a finish/look that isn't a match,but rather a contrast to the rest of the cabinetry, then upon the solemn occasion of the fridge's death,a new contrasting panel set can be introduced. So we need not grieve! Whereas a matching panel brings the issue of matching new to old (Problem!)

I'm CRAZY about the Chinese style fridge cabinet! So elegant!

Great post, Kathy!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Thank you, Leona! I like all of them, the ones that blend in and the ones that are, basically, the focal point. Interesting idea, but right up there with the dishwasher draws that blend into the cabinetry too.

Kathy @HomeWorkshop said...

Wow. I adore the mirrored fridge and also the "guys" fridge.

Great examples.
-- Kathy

Julia @ Hooked on Houses said...

These are gorgeous! Some of them are so creative, like that mirrored one, and the painted doors. My husband would love the tool-fridge. Ha. What a fun post! :-)

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

What guy wouldn't love the tool fridge?! Going out to the garage to do some work, indeed! : )

Heidi said...

All of these built in refrigerators are gorgeous!! Loved them! The biggest problem I've found is finding someone who has the carpentry skills to create someting so seamless and beautiful.

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

They are gorgeous Heidi; I'd love to know how they get refrigeration (and freezers) into pieces like the Asian cabinet or the mirrored piece.

Anonymous said...

what a great 'man' thing!! love it being on wheels.

ste @ refrigerator select said...

great ideas of blending the fridge into the room. How useful the one with wheels is - push it around where you want ! Now that is innovative

Anonymous said...

oooh, love them all! great photo examples -

Steven said...

That painted cabinet one looks like something you might find in Versailles!

They look great, but I wonder where you find someone who can duplicate the effect.

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