First came high-end stainless steel ranges (think Wolf and Viking) in high-end kitchens. Later came British and European imports such as Bertazzoni, AGA, La Cornue and Lacanche. These pastel and jewel-toned beauties, priced from $7,000 to $25,000 (or more depending on size), have been the crown jewels of custom kitchens for the better part of a decade. This kitchen trend is what I call the “statement range.” This is due to the fact that in a space where all other appliances are meant to be hidden behind cabinet panels, these appliances are never meant to be demurely hidden.
Robin’s egg blue, burgundy (like Shavonda Gardner’s gorgeous kitchen Top), black and brass (bottom, made by a US company) big chill), and more than that, these ranges have influenced our culinary designs and also increased our tolerance for risk-taking styles in rooms that often avoid straying too far from the safety of the crowd. The main reason is that it costs a lot of money to fix if the freshness goes stale.
The Statement Series, the gateway to a unique kitchen, opens the door to the Statement Refrigerator. This is probably one of the most exciting kitchen trends of the past year or two, in my opinion. It’s interesting to see how this huge and necessary piece of equipment has gone from being as independent as possible to stealing the stage.
While searching for images to showcase and discuss here, I noticed three different “types” of statement refrigerators, each catering to a different style and budget range. There are vintage-style refrigerators, modern and colorful refrigerators, and freestanding furniture-style refrigerators that are quickly emerging as popular items at the higher end of the spending spectrum.
Come with me to explore all three types.
vintage style statement fridge
It doesn’t matter where the aesthetic pendulum swings. There will always be people who prefer the nostalgic look of yesteryear (although it just so happens that traditional, cottage designs have been very popular for some time). SMEG and Big Chill have dominated this market at a mainstream level for years and years, and for good reason. That’s because they are so cute. For color lovers, they are like sirens, hypnotizing us and seducing us with their pistachio greens and buttery yellows. For those who prefer warm neutrals but not the same as everyone else, go for creamy off-whites and blacks.
A black French door refrigerator with chunky brass hardware from Big Chill Appliances stands out in a classic kitchen. Amy Bowen of Porch and Vine. I think this color combination is a great way to incorporate the calming style of this style without making it look timeless.
Even if the refrigerator is the same, different colors will create a completely different atmosphere. Sunday Supper Club Creative designed a very unique kitchen for Bry Emery of DesignLoveFest. I love the color blocking of the mint cabinets next to the pistachio appliances. It stands out without being too contrasty and allows you to express the moment.
This is also a very classic looking refrigerator. big chilla beautiful dark green. Chrome is a nice change from all the brass we’ve seen in kitchens for over a decade. Of course, something this size wouldn’t be wise as a main refrigerator for most people, unless you live alone or don’t cook much, but if you have a home that square footage, it’s a fun option as a secondary refrigerator.
We love applying cream SMEG around these areas (ask Jess or mallory). I especially love the warm taupe cabinetry and rich wood tones, like in the kitchen above. Live a wilder life. This refrigerator design is suitable for people who don’t want to take up counter space with a spacious 36-inch refrigerator, but still want to add some ambiance.
colorful statement refrigerator
Wouldn’t you like to see a refrigerator that could hold jelly molds for your neighborhood’s moon landing watch party? (Of course, I say that in jest because I love them.) Enter the modern, colorful statement refrigerator.
Indeed, I have never seen a commercial refrigerator like this. truth (or Sub-Zero, etc.) This was a surprise to me since it comes in colors other than stainless steel. But it turns out they do exist. True can be custom color matched to match the color you actually want. I think this is the answer to blending in with the cabinets, as they are not suitable for panels. But on the other hand, you can also have a little fun by choosing a completely different color.
I know red and yellow give a serious Donald McDonald vibe, but I love the soft, mellow yellow combined with the warm brick red, like in this little pantry above. Logan Killen Interiors.
At home with Ashley Customized Samsung refrigerator with glossy brushed panels. The good thing about this refrigerator is that you can always change the panels if you want to change the color or finish. It’s still an expense, but it’s easier to take risks like owning pink appliances when you know you can pay them back relatively easily.
“Undercover” Freestanding Cabinet Statement Refrigerator
Now, next new New in this category: It’s hidden away and isn’t actually a refrigerator, but it doesn’t actually look like a refrigerator at all, but more like a giant cupboard. And anyone who knows my writing knows how much I love cupboards.

The images above and below may be overkill in that they all have 4 photos, but I just wanted to show all aspects of the design (by guild anderson outside the UK). It’s so smart to have your fridge, freezer, cupboard and pantry storage all in one place. In a fairly small kitchen, walking between the fridge and the counter, then back again to the pantry cabinet and back to the fridge… It’s pretty genius, or at least very interesting to talk about.

This is the only one I’ve ever seen that was made to look like a glass door with fabric curtains. It is very hidden, but what a great statement!
This is a smaller design same company (On top of that). And now, upon further consideration, something like this, while custom and probably expensive, is a great solution for a space where the fridge would be nice to sit on the side or on a free wall with no cabinets.
This custom freestanding refrigerator and cupboard situation was created by building a block house for Matilda Gord. It has a retro atmosphere with exposed door hinges and a modern design with a rounded design.
This gorgeous hand-painted work is The house built by Larsmay be one of the first of its kind I’ve ever seen. Anyone who owns a cabinet this beautiful, let alone a refrigerator, would be lucky.
You can’t see the entire kitchen above (obviously), but it’s very symmetrical and has another large built-in on the opposite side, similar to the one seen above. One is the cabinet and the other (I think this one) is the fridge and freezer. Granted, this is just the next evolution of the all-in-one refrigerator, but the addition of decorative moldings makes a huge impact.
Even with low ceilings, an armoire-like refrigerator looks classy and works. Bone design and development I shared that I was considering “hiding” the refrigerator by actually making it stand out as a freestanding cabinet. It’s like it’s hiding right in front of you.
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That’s all for today. I’m always intrigued by design ideas that make practical items the focal point of a room by thinking creatively (or just by adding color). What do you think about this? Have you ever considered breaking away from the panel-ready, one-piece look for something like a statement refrigerator? Which version are you most interested in?
Until next time, friends…
Opening image credit: Design by Nick Anderson guild anderson |Photo credit mark bolton
Source: Emily Henderson – stylebyemilyhenderson.com
