A built-in refrigerator provides a custom, upscale appealbut you could achieve the look without the expense.
A variety of tricks can achieve the integrated look without the cost.
David Greer
Types of Refrigerators
Determine the pop in of refrigerator you need.
Credit:Brie Williams
In addition to price, space limitations and features will influence your choice.
Here are the most common types of refrigerators for the home.
Built-ins typically come with a bottom freezer and side-by-side configurations.
Credit:David Greer
it’s possible for you to also find separate refrigerator and freezer units.
Read the manufacturer’s installation manual for specific requirements for door clearance.
Counter-depth refrigerators are available as side-by-side, bottom freezer, and French-door models.
Credit:John Gruen
Pro:Counter-depth models offer the upscale look of a built-in refrigerator for less money.
Con:These refrigerators have less usable space than deeper freestanding models, and they cost more.
Once your refrigerator appears built-in, take the look further by making the refrigerator seem fully integrated.
Credit:Werner Straube
John Gruen
1.
Build Cabinetry Around It
Surround the refrigerator with cabinets and/or matching panels to cover the top and sides.
Choose a finish or a trim kit that matches the cabinetry.
Credit:Kritsada
Pro:Building cabinetry around the refrigerator requires no demolition, making it a relatively easy and inexpensive option.
Pro:The refrigerator becomes flush with the wall or cabinetry, offering a custom look.
Con:Building an alcove requires demolition and construction, and you’ll lose space in the adjacent room.
Werner Straube
3.
Carve Out Stud Space
Recess a standard-depth refrigerator a few inches into the wall behind it.
The added depth might be enough to align it with surrounding countertops.
This refrigerator backs into space carved from between wall studs.
Pro:The refrigerator is flush with the cabinets without stealing space from another room.
Con:Some demolition and construction is needed to recess the refrigerator into the wall.
Make It a Focal Point
Build a cabinetry wall around a freestanding refrigerator.
Design the cabinetry with multiple depths to create impact and the look of a built-in refrigerator.
The effect transforms a basic appliance into a focal point with lots of surrounding storage.
Pro:No demolition is required, and no storage space is wasted.
Kritsada
5.
Install a False Wall
Nudge the cabinets forward.
Afalse wallbehind these pantry cabinets makes the freestanding refrigerator look like a built-in.
The sleek, modular design matches the kitchen’s contemporary style.
Con:Building a false wall requires construction work, and the space between the two walls is unusable.
Extend the Countertops
Add deeper countertops, as this illustration shows, instead of moving the refrigerator back.
Stacking one or two 24s behind standard-depth base cabinets creates room for deeper-than-usual countertops.
At additional cost, you could opt for deeper base cabinets and also gain more storage space.
Pro:Deeper countertops provide a larger work surface.
Con:Extending the countertops and base cabinets takes away floor space.
