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Polls Appliances

Fridges - integrated or exposed?

Isidora Markovic

7 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

Our fridges are something a lot of us may not give much thought to, but have the potential to change the focal point of a kitchen quite significantly. Do you prefer the look of fridges when they are seamlessly integrated into the overall kitchen unit so that attention is drawn away from the fridge and towards other features, or on display and making a statement?

Eh, I'm not too bothered...

Other - let us know below!

Featured Answer

PRO

Burchdaume

7 years ago

Depends on the look and location!

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Comments (22)

User
7 years ago
Integrated, much better than seeing one on show.
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PRO
Normanton Designs
7 years ago
I agree that it depends on look and location. In most houses I would argue that integrated will normally look better. A free standing fridge automatically becomes something of a room defining statement which is only of benefit to specific styles.
PRO
Hampton Design Studios
7 years ago
A free standing fridge can be a fabulous feature for your kitchen
PRO
Michael Nicholas Design
7 years ago

Both in different settings. Attached photographs of two of our projects. The first where a mid-century / eclectic look with exposed fridge works well and the second shows a clean-line contemporary look where the fridge had to be integrated to maintain the aesthetic.
PRO
Indigo Acre
7 years ago
Exposed is always more sleek and tidy looking however if you have a beautiful fridge such as a Smeg why not show it off!
Isidora Markovic
Original Author
7 years ago
Agreed - Smeg fridges were made to be shown off!
PRO
Kutchenhaus Aberdeen
7 years ago
Integrated if its a standard fridge / freezer. But if its a statement you want go for SMEG and show it off.
Helena Markou
7 years ago
If you ever spill anything between the real fridge door and the fake one then it can be problematic to clean. Plus you loose the handy magnetic surface.
Tameha Nazim
7 years ago
Integrated if if its a tall fridge buy exposed if its an american one
User
7 years ago
I have to have both as the integrated one wasn't big enough. Fortunately it's hidden behind a partial wall remaining from before the kitchen was extended. I don't particularly like the aesthetic of any fridges or indeed any white goods, so prefer them not to be seen, but some do look OK.
Lynda Rae
7 years ago
My fridge freezer looks great I want it shown
maggieandrichard
7 years ago
It really depends on the kitchen. I like quite tidy, sleek kitchens but I don't like too matchy, matchy, so a free standing fridge can avoid this.
Elaine Long
7 years ago
It really depends on the design and feel of the kitchen. Contemporary definitely suits an integrated fridge to keep it sleek and modern whereas a traditional country cottage kitchen can make a feature of an exposed fridge look brilliant
PRO
Reniam Limited
7 years ago
Unless it has character (colour, and shape, etc) being that its not a solid white block, then integrated
PRO
Kontour
7 years ago
Prefer integrated as nothing worse than clients ending up covering the fridge with magnets, notes etc. At least no temptation when it's integrated. Exception is the Smeg of course; somehow I can't imagine the owner of a Smeg decorating it with magnets!
Lillian Mc Ewan Glover
7 years ago
I prefer to have mine integrated now because I just want to have a streamlined look for my kitchen design. I am now living on my own and only want other items to take centre stage . However I think some of the attractive coloured smeg fridges stand out as a feature when you have medium size family to feed. My needs and opinion s have changed alongside my changes in homes over the years . Also depends how much space you can devote to your kitchen design.
Sonia
7 years ago
I have a Gorenje retro fridge (as used in Bakeoff) and it is fully exposed and I love it! It is exactly the same look as a Smeg but half the price. Everyone always comments on it. I do rather fancy the ice cube and cool water thingy on an American fridge, but I haven't go the space.
Jenny Lewis
7 years ago
We've just remodelled our kitchen and have an open Fridge/freezer and we love the look. We have mix and match cupboards so it all looks really good together.
Dundrum 16
7 years ago
I used to have this fantastic Zanussi Oz fridge which was greatly admired. (Sorry it's not a better picture). Apart from it, I think fridges should be discreet.
rzanuk
7 years ago
Not one mention of functionality so far. Admittedly my budget is small but not one integrated fridge I looked had good vegetable storage and the internal space was too small overall. I love my very tall freestanding Bosch fridge and it swallows vegboxes with ease.
163 hrd
7 years ago
Free standing with ice dispenser for Pimms, G&T, sangria, margaritas, mojitos ..........

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