The Advantages of Going Freestyle and Freestanding in the Kitchen
You rarely buy an entire outfit off the peg, so why settle for a one-style-fits-all kitchen? Here are some individual designs to inspire
Jo Leevers
11 October 2014
Houzz contributor. I also write about interiors and houses for leading UK magazines and newspaper supplements. Recent work at www.joleevers.com
Houzz contributor. I also write about interiors and houses for leading UK magazines... More
Freestanding units, mixed-up colours, contrasting textures and individual handles – kitchens can be as creative as their owners. If sleek, clean-cut units don’t get you excited, take inspiration from these 10 ways to mix it in the kitchen.
Mix up your cabinetry
This kitchen’s units are all cast in the same on-trend grey hue, but it sidesteps predictable symmetry by mixing two dressers in different styles. They work together, but have different-depth drawers and storage options. A rail for pots and pans adds to the unconventional mood – perfect for an inspired cook.
This kitchen’s units are all cast in the same on-trend grey hue, but it sidesteps predictable symmetry by mixing two dressers in different styles. They work together, but have different-depth drawers and storage options. A rail for pots and pans adds to the unconventional mood – perfect for an inspired cook.
Pick a key piece
A fitted kitchen is still going to be a good-value option, so to keep things looking interesting, combine it with a standout piece of storage. It could be a plate rack, an unusual cabinet or a bright or weathered dresser. It will break up the mathematical rigidity of an off-the-peg kitchen and let your personality shine through.
Browse key pieces of friendly furniture
A fitted kitchen is still going to be a good-value option, so to keep things looking interesting, combine it with a standout piece of storage. It could be a plate rack, an unusual cabinet or a bright or weathered dresser. It will break up the mathematical rigidity of an off-the-peg kitchen and let your personality shine through.
Browse key pieces of friendly furniture
Work up an island
This central island doesn’t conform to any norms, providing storage with a weathered attitude. Adding impact to a large kitchen does require special consideration, as it needs a ‘hero’ piece that can carry the space. This unit, echoed by the industrial storage on wheels, adds just the right amount of character.
See why brass and copper are big style news
This central island doesn’t conform to any norms, providing storage with a weathered attitude. Adding impact to a large kitchen does require special consideration, as it needs a ‘hero’ piece that can carry the space. This unit, echoed by the industrial storage on wheels, adds just the right amount of character.
See why brass and copper are big style news
Import a New York loft style
This London kitchen is a slim space livened up with a strong dose of industrial style. Wood, metal, grey paint and ceramic surfaces all mix easily, thanks to similar tones.
Then there are the contrasts: bare bricks are mirrored by glossy metro tiles, waist-level units by a taller cabinet. A fitted kitchen in this space could look regimented and unimaginative, but this one looks freed up and innovative.
This London kitchen is a slim space livened up with a strong dose of industrial style. Wood, metal, grey paint and ceramic surfaces all mix easily, thanks to similar tones.
Then there are the contrasts: bare bricks are mirrored by glossy metro tiles, waist-level units by a taller cabinet. A fitted kitchen in this space could look regimented and unimaginative, but this one looks freed up and innovative.
Go two tone
A mix of two shades – palest green and natural bare timber – brings a breath of fresh air to this freestanding kitchen. Tongue and groove cabinets and a mix of two types of handles add extra bespoke twists to the space.
A mix of two shades – palest green and natural bare timber – brings a breath of fresh air to this freestanding kitchen. Tongue and groove cabinets and a mix of two types of handles add extra bespoke twists to the space.
Compare and contrast
A freestanding, individual kitchen doesn’t have to be off-the-scale unusual. Simply combining two tones, two surfaces and two heights does the job succinctly. It prevents a kitchen looking all matchy-matchy, but a careful finish assures a quality feel.
A freestanding, individual kitchen doesn’t have to be off-the-scale unusual. Simply combining two tones, two surfaces and two heights does the job succinctly. It prevents a kitchen looking all matchy-matchy, but a careful finish assures a quality feel.
Cast it in monochrome tones
Not technically a freestanding kitchen, this still has the individual, quirky look that a some fitted kitchens struggle to achieve. The dark on light colour scheme adds visual interest and the contrast of raw waxy timber with smooth marble creates a look that’s totally unique.
Not technically a freestanding kitchen, this still has the individual, quirky look that a some fitted kitchens struggle to achieve. The dark on light colour scheme adds visual interest and the contrast of raw waxy timber with smooth marble creates a look that’s totally unique.
Add your own handles
This kitchen works its magic with off-the-shelf Ikea units given added gravitas with tactile leather handles. They’re eye-catching and pleasant to hold – a good job, when you consider how often you’ll use them. Open shelving keeps the unfitted look going strong, and is combined with a stainless steel worktop that wouldn’t be out of place in a chef’s kitchen.
This kitchen works its magic with off-the-shelf Ikea units given added gravitas with tactile leather handles. They’re eye-catching and pleasant to hold – a good job, when you consider how often you’ll use them. Open shelving keeps the unfitted look going strong, and is combined with a stainless steel worktop that wouldn’t be out of place in a chef’s kitchen.
Pare it back
This industrial warehouse conversion is a dramatic space in itself, so the kitchen wisely doesn’t try to steal the limelight. Zinc-coloured doors inside pale frames, metallic tones and a pared-back 1960s vibe to the furniture mean this is a kitchen that suits its setting. And there’s no way you get the impression it’s been picked out at a showroom. Proof that statements don’t always have to shout.
TELL US…
Does a freestyle, freestanding kitchen appeal to you? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
MORE
Explore other kitchen planning ideas
Tour inspiring revamped kitchens
This industrial warehouse conversion is a dramatic space in itself, so the kitchen wisely doesn’t try to steal the limelight. Zinc-coloured doors inside pale frames, metallic tones and a pared-back 1960s vibe to the furniture mean this is a kitchen that suits its setting. And there’s no way you get the impression it’s been picked out at a showroom. Proof that statements don’t always have to shout.
TELL US…
Does a freestyle, freestanding kitchen appeal to you? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
MORE
Explore other kitchen planning ideas
Tour inspiring revamped kitchens
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