Design Notes
If you have looked at a renovated kitchen and wondered where the appliances, such as the refrigerator and dishwasher, were, you have just experienced paneled appliances. The beauty of these custom panels lies in their ability to cover the appliances, allowing them to blend in seamlessly with the rest of the cabinetry. Although they have often been seen as a luxury item, an increasing number of homeowners are opting for this option when building or renovating their kitchen due to the benefits it brings to their space. We know that the kitchen is often seen as the heart of the home, the place where we enjoy gathering together while cooking or simply socializing, which makes the design choices particularly important. Paneled appliances significantly enhance the overall look and feel of the kitchen, often creating a harmonious ambiance in the home, especially when paired with an open-concept layout. Let’s talk about why they may be a great option for your upcoming renovation.
What are Paneled Appliances?
A paneled appliance is one that has a cabinet panel installed over it, giving the appearance that it is also a cabinet. This option allows it to become part of the cabinet, matching the overall design of the cabinet instead of standing alone. These cabinet fronts can also be fitted with hardware that matches the other cabinets, helping it to further blend into the kitchen. The typical hardware choice is a longer pull that provides a good grip for you and is strong enough to manage the day-to-day usage that will be required from it. Multiple companies now offer a wider selection of sizes for a specific hardware style, which means you won’t be limited in your choices. As a custom cabinetry company, we can create a panel for any of them, even though there are several different appliance models available. We recommend that you confirm with the manufacturer about the appliance’s ability to be paneled, as some may not be designed for this purpose.
The benefits of paneled appliances
There are several reasons why these custom panels are a great investment for your new kitchen renovation:
- Aesthetic
- Increase in value
- Ideal for open floor plans
Paneled appliances create a beautiful aesthetic in the kitchen as they form a unified look throughout the space. While having your appliances on display is not a bad thing, in fact, they can be integrated into the design and look great, there is something special about blending them with your cabinetry. Having the appliances hidden within the cabinetry also keeps the area looking clean and seamless. Paneled appliances are a wonderful choice for kitchens in more luxurious homes. Additionally, this option can increase the value of your kitchen, as it is perceived as an upgrade compared to the traditional look of exposed appliances. For those who enjoy an open floor plan, paneled appliances provide the perfect solution for the design process. Since the kitchen can be seen from multiple areas within an open floor plan, having your appliances covered gives the entire space a more cohesive appearance, rather than having your stainless steel refrigerator gleaming into the living or dining room. Be sure to discuss with your designer the option of incorporating paneled appliances into your kitchen renovation.
Walker WoodworkingOne of the main questions asked during the design meeting is what color the owners want for their kitchen cabinets. Were they looking to do a natural wood or a color instead? While many will opt to do the wood, many enjoy adding a splash of color to their kitchen or mixing and matching. It is a great way to break up the area and create a focal point, but with so many options available, how do you know which one is right for you? While it is up to you in the end, there are three colors that have stood out for some time and will most likely continue to do so. White, gray, and blue remain high on the selection chart, so let’s talk about these popular colors and why they may be the right fit for you.
Walker WoodworkingWhile the kitchen was often viewed as the place where food was merely prepped and served, it has transitioned into a command center as people gather to talk or enjoy a snack while getting some work done. Layouts have slowly shifted to accommodate this change, which has produced the open concept. This floor plan allows families to stay connected even when they are doing things in different areas of the home. While not as popular as it was in the 1990s and early 2000s, many families still choose this floor plan because of their desire to stay close to their family and guests. Today, we want to discuss the open floor concept, the elements that make it up, and if it is the right fit for your family.
Greenbrook DesignYou have just waved goodbye to your last child as they head out to college. While you adjust to not having kids in the house, you also begin to realize that you now have more space, but you’re not sure what to do with it. There are many ways to reuse the space, expand existing spaces, or make room for something new. Let’s take a look at the design possibilities available to you.
In the second of our three-part series on selection tips, we want to focus on tile. Backsplash, shower walls, and flooring are just a few of the many uses for tile since it is beautiful, durable, and timeless. Sometimes considered a small part of the design, it has the potential to make a big impact on the design. Here are some helpful tips when choosing tile.
While cabinets tend to be the focal point of the main spaces, such as kitchens and bathrooms, it is the details that add the final touch to the design. The selection process can be one of the highlights of the design phase, but it can also be overwhelming with multiple styles, colors, and options. In this three-part series, we want to give our best tips for the top three categories of selections and help make this as enjoyable and simple as possible. Our focus today is hardware.
Greenbrook Design
Walker Woodworking