Freestanding kitchens offer flexibility and add a characterful look to the kitchen, but they can be difficult to get right. Follow these tips to bring your freestanding dream to life:
1. Consider a mix of fitted and freestanding
For those who like the look of freestanding kitchens but are nervous about taking the plunge, there’s an ideal compromise. You can keep some elements freestanding, while also benefitting from the storage and space-saving features of a fitted kitchen. For example, you can have a small row of fitted units and worktops below and open shelving above, while keeping your cooker, fridge-freezer and central unit freestanding.
2. Use a small palette of materials
One concern that people have with freestanding kitchens is that they can look ‘bitty’, especially compared to a fitted kitchen where units share the same colour palette and worktop. If you want a cohesive look and for your space to look like it’s been properly designed, there’s an easy solution. Stick to a limited palette of colours and materials, to make all the separate elements look like they belong together. For example, use the same wood on your central island worktop as your freestanding dresser.
That said, not everyone wants their freestanding kitchen to look harmonised. Some people love making the most of a statement dresser or a number of colourful or antique pieces, even if they are quite different from each other.
1. Consider a mix of fitted and freestanding
For those who like the look of freestanding kitchens but are nervous about taking the plunge, there’s an ideal compromise. You can keep some elements freestanding, while also benefitting from the storage and space-saving features of a fitted kitchen. For example, you can have a small row of fitted units and worktops below and open shelving above, while keeping your cooker, fridge-freezer and central unit freestanding.
2. Use a small palette of materials
One concern that people have with freestanding kitchens is that they can look ‘bitty’, especially compared to a fitted kitchen where units share the same colour palette and worktop. If you want a cohesive look and for your space to look like it’s been properly designed, there’s an easy solution. Stick to a limited palette of colours and materials, to make all the separate elements look like they belong together. For example, use the same wood on your central island worktop as your freestanding dresser.
That said, not everyone wants their freestanding kitchen to look harmonised. Some people love making the most of a statement dresser or a number of colourful or antique pieces, even if they are quite different from each other.
3. Choose multi-functional pieces
Fitted kitchens are great for making the most of space, whereas freestanding kitchens don’t always offer enough storage or food prep surfaces. You can overcome this by choosing multi-functional pieces, or getting your joiner or kitchen fitter to make useful adaptations. For example, your island unit can also contain storage space as well as stools for casual dining.
4. You must have an island
In many freestanding kitchens, a central island unit is what pulls all the other elements together. You may not have all the worktop space that comes with fitted kitchens, but a well-planned island more than makes up for it. This is where you’ll prepare food, sip a coffee with a friend, host your parties and help the kids with their homework – so it’s important to get it right.
5. Embrace a looser, more eclectic look
People who choose freestanding kitchens tend to be those who reject the uniformity of fitted kitchens. They like standout pieces, don’t mind a bit of mismatch and are happy to have kitchen knick-knacks on display. Think of traditional, farmhouse and country kitchens and you’ll be on the right lines when it comes to the look. This is what freestanding kitchens are all about, so if you prefer minimalism and a clutter-free life this may not be the right choice for you.
If you’re planning a freestanding kitchen, you may still need a good kitchen fitter. There are elements that need to be finished by a professional, so give A&J Kitchens a call on 01942 873781 to discuss your plans.
Fitted kitchens are great for making the most of space, whereas freestanding kitchens don’t always offer enough storage or food prep surfaces. You can overcome this by choosing multi-functional pieces, or getting your joiner or kitchen fitter to make useful adaptations. For example, your island unit can also contain storage space as well as stools for casual dining.
4. You must have an island
In many freestanding kitchens, a central island unit is what pulls all the other elements together. You may not have all the worktop space that comes with fitted kitchens, but a well-planned island more than makes up for it. This is where you’ll prepare food, sip a coffee with a friend, host your parties and help the kids with their homework – so it’s important to get it right.
5. Embrace a looser, more eclectic look
People who choose freestanding kitchens tend to be those who reject the uniformity of fitted kitchens. They like standout pieces, don’t mind a bit of mismatch and are happy to have kitchen knick-knacks on display. Think of traditional, farmhouse and country kitchens and you’ll be on the right lines when it comes to the look. This is what freestanding kitchens are all about, so if you prefer minimalism and a clutter-free life this may not be the right choice for you.
If you’re planning a freestanding kitchen, you may still need a good kitchen fitter. There are elements that need to be finished by a professional, so give A&J Kitchens a call on 01942 873781 to discuss your plans.
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