Feel-Good Fridge Options to Suit Your Space
More than just a functional box, fridges are now a work of art. Discover the latest options from a chalkboard front to nifty drawer units
Kerryn Ramsey
24 April 2015
Houzz Australia Contributor. Freelance lifestyle journalist and serial renovator, reporting for print and digital articles on architecture, design, travel and business.
Houzz Australia Contributor. Freelance lifestyle journalist and serial renovator,... More
Once just a big box in the kitchen, the fridge has certainly come a long way. With modern designs and advances in technology, the mundane appliance has been transformed into a real work of art. A fridge’s shape, size, exterior and colour can be made to complement the design of any kitchen. And more importantly, it’s flexible – it can make a strong statement in shiny stainless steel or can be completely hidden away. For a large family, a side-by-side unit is a must, while a restaurant-loving couple may prefer a compact, slim unit. Meanwhile, those who enjoy organising dinner parties will love the convenience of a bar fridge and lust over the new array of wine fridges. Here are various options to help you choose the right fridge for your needs and space.
Chalkboard front
A chalkboard front on a fridge not only adds personality, but is also handy to update your shopping list or any other reminders. An old fridge can be easily converted by using chalkboard paint. First, the fridge needs to be lightly sanded. Then use a foam paint roller (avoiding brush marks) or spray can when applying the chalkboard paint. Be prepared for two coats. A sweet poem or a famous quote written on the fridge is a great way to christen your creative appliance.
14 brilliant ways to use chalkboard paint
A chalkboard front on a fridge not only adds personality, but is also handy to update your shopping list or any other reminders. An old fridge can be easily converted by using chalkboard paint. First, the fridge needs to be lightly sanded. Then use a foam paint roller (avoiding brush marks) or spray can when applying the chalkboard paint. Be prepared for two coats. A sweet poem or a famous quote written on the fridge is a great way to christen your creative appliance.
14 brilliant ways to use chalkboard paint
Bottom-mounted
It’s easy to clean and easy to access items. Bottom-mounted fridges also save electricity because the warmer fridge compartments are placed above a cooler freezer.
It’s easy to clean and easy to access items. Bottom-mounted fridges also save electricity because the warmer fridge compartments are placed above a cooler freezer.
Drawer fridge
While plates and pots are now stored in drawers for easy access, fridges have gone in the same direction. Many kitchen suppliers are realising that big is not always best for this kitchen staple, and are offering slide-out fridge drawers beneath the bench to save on space.
10 kitchen drawers that’ll make life easier
While plates and pots are now stored in drawers for easy access, fridges have gone in the same direction. Many kitchen suppliers are realising that big is not always best for this kitchen staple, and are offering slide-out fridge drawers beneath the bench to save on space.
10 kitchen drawers that’ll make life easier
Top-mounted
A fridge with the freezer at the top is a long-time classic. The trick is to make sure the freezer is properly insulated against warmer air rising from the fridge below.
A fridge with the freezer at the top is a long-time classic. The trick is to make sure the freezer is properly insulated against warmer air rising from the fridge below.
Compact/bar fridges
This squat unit (around 800mm in height) is ideal for a small family or can be used as a drinks fridge. Here the bar fridge faces out into the entertaining space of an open-plan scheme, providing easy access to the drinks.
This squat unit (around 800mm in height) is ideal for a small family or can be used as a drinks fridge. Here the bar fridge faces out into the entertaining space of an open-plan scheme, providing easy access to the drinks.
Side by side
This appeals to large families due to its extra freezing capacity, but watch out as it’ll cost more money to run.
This appeals to large families due to its extra freezing capacity, but watch out as it’ll cost more money to run.
French door
This style has become popular for families as it provides plenty of storage space in both the fridge and freezer, and still has enough room to include a water dispenser. When choosing a model, look for the latest options such as smart temperature settings, a humidity control and increased hygiene features. And of course, the ice and water dispensers are irresistible features.
This style has become popular for families as it provides plenty of storage space in both the fridge and freezer, and still has enough room to include a water dispenser. When choosing a model, look for the latest options such as smart temperature settings, a humidity control and increased hygiene features. And of course, the ice and water dispensers are irresistible features.
Wine fridge
More suitable for connoisseurs than mere quaffers, a wine fridge, such as this built-in unit, maintains optimal temperatures between 12–18°C. As wine experts know, however, the temperature needs to be refined, depending on the type of wine, grape variety and even the region. When choosing a wine fridge, different styles and shapes are on the market, so a little bit of research – and a few glasses of pinot noir – is required.
More suitable for connoisseurs than mere quaffers, a wine fridge, such as this built-in unit, maintains optimal temperatures between 12–18°C. As wine experts know, however, the temperature needs to be refined, depending on the type of wine, grape variety and even the region. When choosing a wine fridge, different styles and shapes are on the market, so a little bit of research – and a few glasses of pinot noir – is required.
Slimline
Slim in stature, a tall, slender fridge is a perfect solution for a small apartment. The good news is that various manufacturers now offer a slim option, with most of the same features offered by larger models.
Slim in stature, a tall, slender fridge is a perfect solution for a small apartment. The good news is that various manufacturers now offer a slim option, with most of the same features offered by larger models.
Retro
Vibrant Tupperware bowls, spaceship-inspired salt-and-pepper shakers, funky toasters, black-and-white tiles… If you have been collecting any of this mid-century kitchenalia, a retro-style fridge completes the look. Its curvaceous lines and pastel colours convert a bland appliance into a coveted piece. Smeg’s take on this shapely style (in a range of colours) has been a favourite for many years, but vintage fridges – is Nan ready to pass it on?– can also be repaired or even refitted.
15 ravishingly retro kitchen schemes
Vibrant Tupperware bowls, spaceship-inspired salt-and-pepper shakers, funky toasters, black-and-white tiles… If you have been collecting any of this mid-century kitchenalia, a retro-style fridge completes the look. Its curvaceous lines and pastel colours convert a bland appliance into a coveted piece. Smeg’s take on this shapely style (in a range of colours) has been a favourite for many years, but vintage fridges – is Nan ready to pass it on?– can also be repaired or even refitted.
15 ravishingly retro kitchen schemes
Glass front
In love with the industrial-chic look? Then this type of fridge certainly fits the bill. It can work as a main fridge (make sure those cans and bottles are colour coordinated!) or a handy bar fridge.
In love with the industrial-chic look? Then this type of fridge certainly fits the bill. It can work as a main fridge (make sure those cans and bottles are colour coordinated!) or a handy bar fridge.
Fully integrated
Architects and interior designers have a penchant for integrated appliances in the kitchen, particularly fridges and dishwashers. It creates a seamless look and is a great way to transform an older kitchen into a contemporary space.
Architects and interior designers have a penchant for integrated appliances in the kitchen, particularly fridges and dishwashers. It creates a seamless look and is a great way to transform an older kitchen into a contemporary space.
Stainless steel
And of course, we can’t ignore the all-time favourite! The shining star of all things cooling, a stainless steel fridge complements any kitchen design. Even better, fingerprint-proof innovation makes for easy cleaning and prevents scratches. (Just make sure a microfibre cloth is close at hand.) And to improve efficiency, don’t keep the door open too long, even if you can’t make up your mind!
TELL US
What type of fridge is your friend?
MORE
7 Super-Practical Things to Remember When Planning Your Kitchen
Where to Spend vs Where to Save on Your Kitchen Reno
10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying Any Kitchen Appliance
And of course, we can’t ignore the all-time favourite! The shining star of all things cooling, a stainless steel fridge complements any kitchen design. Even better, fingerprint-proof innovation makes for easy cleaning and prevents scratches. (Just make sure a microfibre cloth is close at hand.) And to improve efficiency, don’t keep the door open too long, even if you can’t make up your mind!
TELL US
What type of fridge is your friend?
MORE
7 Super-Practical Things to Remember When Planning Your Kitchen
Where to Spend vs Where to Save on Your Kitchen Reno
10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying Any Kitchen Appliance
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JB