The refrigerator is the cornerstone of every kitchen – not just for storage and organization, but also as a focal design element influencing the overall aesthetic. While refrigerators were once hulking appliances relegated to discreet corners, the range of stylish options today makes them pieces worthy of showing off.
Your refrigerator’s finish, configuration, color and accessories can complement or detract from the decor of your kitchen. Read on to learn how to use your refrigerator as an accent feature.
Integrated vs Freestanding Design
The most fundamental design decision is integrated versus freestanding:
1. In Built Refrigerators
Integrated, or built-in, refrigerators fit flush within surrounding cabinetry for a seamless, consistent look. Only the refrigerator doors are visible set within custom cabinet facades around the rest of the unit. This gives a refined, clean appearance ideal for minimalist kitchens. However, integrated units limit customization since the refrigerator cannot be easily moved or accessed.
This integrated refrigerator blends right into the cabinetry facade – you can barely tell it’s there until the doors are opened!
2. Freestanding Refrigerators
Freestanding refrigerators have exposed exteriors not bordered by cabinetry. This design allows flexibility to reposition the unit as needed during kitchen remodels. Freestanding models can also accommodate more personalized touches like color or accessory customization. However, the stand-alone look may seem more casual than integrated counterparts.
For people who love having a freestanding refrigerator – they can move it on a whim and add accessories to match your decor over time. The visibility allows me to decorate it.
Configuration Layout Styles
Beyond built-in or stand-alone placement, refrigerator configuration affects kitchen design.
1. Top Mounted Refrigerator Design
The traditional top mounted refrigerators have the freezer located atop the fresh food compartment, resulting in a taller, more narrow silhouette. While not as seamlessly integrated, this classic layout usually offers the most storage capacity in a relatively smaller footprint. Top freezer models come with freestanding or integrated options.
2. Side-by-Side Design
Side-by-side refrigerators feature freezer and fridge compartments arranged horizontally next to one another. This wider, stockier shape can anchor a room. While more limited on space compared to other configurations, side-by-side refrigerators offer convenient access with doors open at 90 degrees.
In an open concept kitchen, the side-by-side refrigerator’s squared design and wide footprint actually help define the cooking space.
3. Bottom Mounted Refrigerator Design
Bottom mounted refrigerator models align the fridge compartment over the freezer section below. This lowers the overall height for a minimized appearance. However, bending down for frequent freezer access may be inconvenient. Some bottom mounted refrigerator designs allow conversion to refrigerator space instead. With the refrigerators that offer ‘Jhukna Mat’ Feature which reduces bending by 90% comes several health benefits like:
- Reduces risk of back and muscle pain from repeated bending and reaching
- Prevents strain and injury especially for seniors or those with back problems
- Allows easy access to contents without excessive bending or stretching
- Promotes better posture by reducing need to hunch over into fridge
- Reduces fatigue that can come from stooping and bending repeatedly
- Better accessibility encourages healthy eating by making fridge contents easy to see and reach
The Haier 355L double door refrigerator (HRB-4053PKG-P) comes equipped with 14 convertible modes allowing you to convert the fridge into a freezer and vice versa based on your needs.It also has a digital control panel and the Jhukna Mat feature. Some of the main features include:
- Capacity: 355 liters
- Double door design
- 14 convertible modes to convert fridge into freezer and vice versa
- Triple Inverter and Dual Fan Technology for energy efficient cooling
- 1 Hit faster ice making
- Digital control panel
- Jhukna Mat feature reduces bending by 90%
4. French Door Refrigerators
French door refrigerators split the fridge into dual doors with a bottom freezer drawer. This allows wide fridge access and flexible freezer storage. The dual doors give a distinctly upscale look. However, door clearance is important to prevent awkward maneuvering in tight kitchens.
The Haier 651L French door refrigerator (HRB-758SIKGU1) offers 100% convertibility between fridge and freezer sections along with a Smart Screen and Android OS for smart connectivity.
- Capacity: 651 liters
- French door design
- 100% convertibility between fridge and freezer sections
- Smart Screen with Android OS for smart connectivity
- Twin Inverter Technology for precision temperature control and energy savings
- Triple cooling system to maintain ideal humidity and freshness
- Freshness Sensor to monitor food spoilage
- T-ABT technology to inhibit bacterial growth
- Digital control panel
- 10 year warranty on compressor
Material and Finish Options
The exterior finish of your refrigerator also influences the kitchen decor style. From stainless steel to custom wood veneers, choose a finish that complements your design and style.
1. Stainless Steel Finish
The stainless steel exterior offers a contemporary, professional look. Brushed steel finishes resist fingerprints while hiding scratches.
Models with tubular or pro-style handles reinforce the commercial aesthetic.
You can opt for stainless steel to play up with the aesthetics in your open concept loft kitchen remodel. The minimal, metallic finish pairs perfectly with the exposed ductwork.
2. Matte and Gloss Finishes
Many refrigerators now offer a choice between glossy or deliberately matte finishes. Matte finishes hide fingerprints for low maintenance, while gloss finishes contrast nicely against matte cabinets. However, consistent cleaning is key for glossy units.
3. Painted Finishes
For a bold, eclectic look, companies like Haier offer refrigerators painted in vibrant colors from Parrot Green to Peach Nyanza. Custom color matching your cabinetry is also possible with integrated units. Just note colored finishes show wear.
You couldn’t resist a Haier Refrigerator to perfectly match the pastel cabinetry in our beach house remodel as the playful color energizes the whole kitchen.
4. Black Stainless Steel
Black stainless steel fridges offer a more subtle alternative to traditional stainless with the same understated, modern appeal.Fingerprints blend away on the dark finish. Just beware of contrasting metal fixtures like brass hardware nearby.
The black stainless steel finish on the refrigerator will have the sophisticated steel look you would want that will come without standing out too much against our all-white kitchen scheme.
Personalize with Accessories
Fun accessories allow you to customize your freestanding refrigerator to complement your kitchen decor.
1. Chalkboard Panels
Chalkboard fridge panels create a handy space for leaving messages, drawings, recipes or reminders. Use chalk pens in vivid colors that contrast against blackboards for a creative focal point.
Families with little children in their homes prefer this refrigerator as children will have loads of fun decorating refrigerator chalkboards with new drawings and notes each day! It adds such personality to the kitchen.
2. Magnetic Boards
Similar to chalkboards, stainless steel magnetic panels allow attaching photos, calendars, notes and more by using magnets. Arrange items creatively for a constantly evolving collage.
Nothing beats our magnetic family photo fridge gallery! It’s an ever-changing display of our favorite snapshots displayed with pride.
3. Kit Dispensers
Integrated dispensers and storage solutions on refrigerator doors maximize your kitchen’s usable space. A built-in knife block on the refrigerator door keeps sharp blades safely at hand when chopping ingredients, saving precious counter real estate near the cooktop. The ultra-convenient accessibility makes meal prep a breeze. With your knives, cans, and accessories right on the fridge instead of scattered about, you’ll love the streamlined efficiency your kitchen gains.
4. Lighting Accents
Some refrigerator models feature interior lighting options to cast a glow on contents or surrounding cabinetry. Theater-style interior lighting or under-cabinet work lamps enhance visibility.
The interior lighting on our fridge lets us easily see contents without compromising the surrounding mood lighting ambiance in the evenings.
The Fridge as a Focal Point
Choosing the right refrigerator ultimately comes down to identifying designs that best match your kitchen’s aesthetics and layout. At Haier, we offer a diverse range of stylish refrigerators with customization options to not only store and organize food but also enhance your kitchen decor.
With configurations to fit any space, elegant finishes like black stainless steel, and accessories to add personalized flair, a Haier refrigerator serves both form and function. Show off your Haier fridge with pride and let it contribute to your kitchen’s overall design aesthetic!
Ending Thoughts!
Ultimately, we can see that the refrigerator is now an integral focal point influencing the visual appearance of modern kitchens. With so many options available today in finish, configuration, and specialty features, your refrigerator can be used to make a statement and express your personal style.
When thoughtfully coordinated with the overall kitchen decor, your refrigerator has the power to pull a space together or create an interesting contrast. Appliance design has come a long way, allowing refrigerators to seamlessly blend in or stand out in your kitchen.
By taking the time to consider what refrigerator styles best match your kitchen’s look and feel, we can enhance visual harmony in this busy household space.
With the refrigerator being one of the largest appliances, its design choices significantly impact the cohesive feel and flow of the room.
So use your refrigerator to complement your design vision and create a kitchen that feels aesthetically pleasing and uniquely you.