Whether you’re looking for a new place to live or visiting a friend’s house, a built-in fridge will definitely grab your attention. Seeing these devices fit so seamlessly into the surrounding environment kitchen cabinets And the space instantly feels luxurious, and with good reason – getting custom cabinets fitted around your fridge is expensive.
Luckily, according to our experts, it doesn’t have to be exactly the same look. They’re here to tell you about their favorite ways to fake a built-in fridge for a fraction of the price, no matter what level of DIYer you are.
meet the expert
- joyce houston is the principal designer and co-founder of interior design firm Decorila.
- jennifer rogers BKC Kitchen & Bath is a Colorado-based interior designer.
use ikea frames
even if completely remodeling your kitchen Decorilla co-founder and designer Joyce Huston says that even if it’s out of your price range, as long as you have room for a few more shelves on either side of your fridge, you can instantly flaunt a sophisticated, built-in look. -And that- the furniture pieces for this project are surprisingly affordable.
“I recommend starting by installing floor-to-ceiling cabinetry or pantry units that flank your existing fridge,” says Huston. “If you’re able to do so with your space and budget, you can create the illusion of a custom surround.” Using standard cabinet components. I recommend using long ikea cabinetsLeave about one to two inches of space on each side for proper ventilation.”
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Use the Shelving Above the Fridge
If you have a small kitchen And if adding two full cabinets isn’t possible, interior designer Jennifer Rogers of BKC Kitchen & Bath recommends focusing your efforts a little higher.
“A smart choice of cabinets is to install floating cabinets above the fridge to visually connect it to nearby cabinetry,” says Rogers.Styling These Shelves Adding decoration or storage baskets will help incorporate the fridge into your kitchen while enhancing the functionality.”
Building vertically can also help make the most of small spaces look and feel bigger-So this solution for fake built-in fridge is a win-win deal.
Create the illusion of cabinets
If you’re more interested in creating the illusion of a built-in look and less concerned about being functional storage spaceHuston says all you need are some cabinet doors or panels around the fridge.
“For a more budget-friendly option, consider using wall-mounted cabinet panels or decorative screens on either side of the fridge,” says Huston. “I’ve found that adding a shallow soffit above the fridge, wrapped in the same material as your cabinets, completes the built-in look perfectly.”
These elements don’t need to be moved once they’re set in place, and will instantly make your cabinet area feel more intentionally designed around your equipment.
use mdf sheets
“You can also make a simple frame around your fridge using this mdf Or plywood, painted to match Your existing cabinet,” says Huston. “The key thing is to extend this frame to the ceiling and make sure it’s deep enough to be level with the front of your refrigerator. One of my DIY-loving clients in Chicago executed this beautifully using pre-primed MDF crown molding To reach the top.”
Both MDF and plywood are more lightweight options than wood cabinet doors, and building the fridge-surround frame can be done with varying levels of DIY abilities and can be as simple or as complex a project as you want.
use trim kit
If your fridge is already located within existing cabinetry and is just a few inches short of looking completely built out, you’re in luck. There are fridge trim kits specifically designed to fill small gaps around your appliance.
These kits are either sold by fridge model, or can be custom-made – just keep in mind that they’re one of the more expensive options when it comes to getting the built-in look for a lower price, and cost around Start at $500.
Install Peel-and-Stick Panels
Although the built-in look can make a metal fridge look more streamlined in your kitchen, a fridge that matches and blends with your surrounding cabinetry will feel even more seamless. Installing integrated appliances is even more expensive than building them, but Rogers says the look can also be DIYed for very little cost.
“For a pocket-friendly idea, use vinyl wraps or peel-and-stick cabinet panels in similar colors and textures to your fridge that match perfectly with your cabinetry,” she suggests. “This hack gives you a harmonious look by creating a perfect blend of the fridge and its surroundings.”
Match finish and hardware
No matter which DIY method you decide to use when fitting your faux built-in fridge, both of our designers agree: your new shelves, panels, peel-and-stick and their handles will be perfect for your Matching the surrounding cabinets is important for a solid look. ,
“The most important detail, in my experience, is to match the finish hardware style For your existing cabinetry,” explains Huston. “Even simple solutions can look high-end when colors and materials are perfectly coordinated.”
