Plus, considerations to know before disguising your dishwasher or fridge.
Have you ever looked at photos of a beautiful kitchen and wondered where the refrigerator is?
Paneled refrigerators used to be associated with a very traditional look.
Credit: David Tsay
Paneled appliances are all about luxury and customization, two characteristics that are in high demand in todays kitchen.
What Are Paneled Appliances?
Vent hoods can similarly be concealed by custom covers that match cabinets.
Credit:Emily Followill
The NKBA report also predicts that dishwasher drawers and secondary dishwashers will be more prominent in the coming years.
The result is a desire to minimize the appearance of appliances.
Thats a lot of stainless steel (the most commonkitchen appliance finish, according to the NKBA report).
Credit: Kim Cornelison
An integrated, panel-ready appliance with a matching cabinet panel is critical, but installation is equally important.
A truly integrated look requires more than just a matching panel, says Hackl.
They do not sit flush, so the panels stick out beyond the cabinetry profile.
Credit: Werner Straube
Appliances that are flush with cabinetry and countertops might also be smaller than their traditional counterparts.
However, you arent entirely limited.
Even IKEA even offers a one-stop shop with both panel-ready appliances and cabinetry with their kitchen design services.
The cabinet box and other installation considerations are key when going for a totally seamless look.
Typically, when we are integrating an appliance, its part of a larger scale remodel, says Hackl.
In addition, youll need to coordinate appliance fronts from the cabinet manufacturer or cabinetmaker, too.
Keep in mind that this also means replacing damaged panels, or entire appliances, may be more difficult.
They can also suggest coordinating looks or clever installations to minimize cooking appliances that cant be paneled.
Higher Costs
Fully-integrated paneled appliances will cost you more.
Built-Ins Don’t Align with All Design Styles
Sometimes, concealing appliances doesnt work for your style.
Industrial kitchens have an aesthetic that embraces stainless steel finishes.
