Some kitchen remodeling ideas are trendy, and others stand the test of time. Although built-in cabinets seem to be the norm, that wasn’t always the case. The earliest American kitchens didn’t have Thomasville or Merrilatt built-ins; they had furniture pieces, such as a hutch and assorted cupboards, designed for the space.
And so it goes that everything old is new again.
Freestanding cabinets can lend an eclectic look, or one that’s as put-together as any other kitchen. It all depends on your personal taste. You can even go with a mix, using some built-ins and a few pieces that stand on their own.
Whatever your style, there might be something to this new old trend that can work great in your kitchen (more ideas on Pinterest).
Kitchen Remodeling Ideas with Bespoke Furniture
Bespoke, or custom-built/made-to-order, cupboards can be nearly anything you want. You can have an old-fashioned farmhouse look on the outside, but with modern accoutrements on the inside.
This hutch is a perfect example. There’s room for a microwave and even a small refrigerator, but when the doors are closed, the modern appliances disappear.
Any cabinet with electrical or plumbing connections will need to be secured to the floor, wall, or both. Your local code governs most kitchen remodeling ideas, including ones like this. But with designs this special, no one will ever have to know that there are a few hidden fasteners keeping it in place.
Kitchen Island Remodeling Inspiration
Islands that don’t look like every other cabinet on the block are one of the easiest changes that you can make in the kitchen. When you consider a plain table at countertop height (36 inches) is the simplest type of island, you can see how many different possibilities there are.
A thick, marble or soapstone slab resting atop an old, weathered table, or one that’s made to look old, gives your kitchen a unique and functional focal piece.
If your kitchen leans more toward the modern side, a simple island table with a stainless steel countertop surface is understated and not fussy.
Islands on casters look interesting, but they’re also functional. The wheels let you move the island anywhere you want it. An island with casters probably isn’t suitable if you want a sink or electrical outlet, unless you wish to permanently lock and disable the wheels.
The Upper Kitchen Cabinet Dilemma
One problem emerges with freestanding cabinetry, and that’s how to compensate for lost upper wall storage. Without built-ins, those uppers are often removed, but you don’t have to go to that extreme. You can leave some built-ins and just add freestanding touches here and there.
Alternatively, you can opt for open shelves instead of upper cabinets. Go simple and clean with stainless, or think about something really unusual such as wooden beams mounted on the wall. You’ll need lag bolts to secure them to the studs and think hard before doing this as shelves will require neat, tidy dishes!
Kitchen Remodeling Ideas Using Furniture
If you’re not a fan of shelves, or if you’d like a place to store things out of sight, the armoire is a go-to piece. The more the armoire differs from the rest of the room, the more it will stand out as a feature.
As with most kitchen remodeling ideas, freestanding furniture can come in the form of a total renovation, or you can lean that direction by only adding one or two pieces.
Starting small, such as with a new island, lets you learn to live with the idea before making a huge commitment.
There are some drawbacks, of course. With built-ins, storage is maximized for the space you’ve got. Freestanding cupboards are neither space savers, nor are they necessarily efficient. What they are is interesting, and oftentimes beautiful. You’ll also find yourself chasing dust bunnies underneath, but that is another of those things that you can either live with, or not.
So what about freestanding cupboards for your kitchen? Have you considered this idea, or do you have a few stand-alone pieces in your own home? We’d love to hear about it!
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