Custom fronts are a fantastic way of transforming appliances from pieces of equipment to extensions of your carefully crafted design vision. Instead of standard finishes — which can be disruptive or prone to becoming outdated — custom fronts offer the luxury of complementing a kitchen’s attractive surroundings, including custom-made cabinets, drawers, and countertops.
See for yourself! The image below from a recent project expertly demonstrates how several major kitchen appliances can been installed to expertly match a kitchen’s design scheme.
In this example, hidden refrigeration and a custom range hood are used in harmony with the theme, allowing the focal points to showcase without competition.
Would you like to achieve this look or use custom panels for a unique project of your very own? The first step is contacting your local cabinet supplier. Since there is no standard when it comes to panel installations, only skilled experts should be trusted with fabricating the necessary work. In the meantime, here are some essentials you might want to know before you begin your next kitchen project.
How to Select Custom Fronts
Because they’re personalized to a buyer’s specifications, custom appliance panels are purchased separately from the unit (typically through a cabinet provider). However, not all brands come with the option to install custom fronts, so it’s important to tell your cabinet supplier you’re in the market for custom panels.
Of course, the appliance you choose to use custom fronts on is also important. Here’s what you should know when it comes to fitting a refrigerator, dishwasher, or hood with custom finishes:
Full Size Refrigerators
As the largest appliance in the kitchen, it makes sense that the some of the most common applications of custom fronts are on full size refrigerators. The experience of opening a cabinet only to discover it’s actually a refrigerator adds a unique element of surprise and practicality that never fails to impress. Given the number of refrigerator options, many brands manufacture a variety of sizes, configurations, and installation options based off a buyer’s needs.
Names and options vary between brands, but overall, there are three main refrigerator custom front installations available on the market, each with a different degree of visibility and utility.
Framed
The original application, this method uses trimming all around the refrigerator that custom fronts slide into. Nowadays, it’s the least popular technique, likely due to the visibility of the trimming that tends to take away from the illusion of a fully integrated refrigerator. Framed custom fronts also tend to install deeper than standard 24-inch cabinets and are most often used for refrigerator models 36 inches and wider.
Classic Overlay
As the most common custom panel option, the classic overlay can be used on most refrigerator widths and configurations. Instead of sliding into place, these panels are installed directly over a refrigerator’s surface. While this option is the easiest to retrofit into existing spaces, it’s finish also protrudes the most out of all methods, and often, the perimeter of the refrigerator can be seen peeking through the sides.
Flush Installation
Custom panels with flush installation offer the luxury of a refrigerator that’s completely disguised by its surroundings. While both classic and flush panel overlays install directly onto an appliance, this method offers a shallower profile, which helps to achieve a truly seamless finish. Keep in mind, this option often requires deeper cabinets than the standard 24 inches in order for the refrigerator to go successfully incognito. Check specifications prior to ordering your cabinets to ensure the installation will fit precisely.
Most often (but not exclusively), this design can be found on column refrigerators. Unlike traditional built-in refrigerators that use a top-mount compressor, column refrigerators are designed with a featureless front, which works exceptionally well at creating a continuous appearance that amplifies the illusion of a hidden appliance.
- For more on column refrigerators, read our article to learn Which Built-in Refrigerator is Right for You
Undercounter Refrigerators
Ideal for extra fresh food storage, storing beverages, or freeing up the main refrigerator, undercounter refrigeration provides practical convenience that’s designed to work in harmony with a kitchen. In fact, many designers and kitchen planners consider the optimum kitchen setup to include a full-size refrigerator complemented by an undercounter food preservation unit (or two).
For instance, instead of trying to fit and conceal a 60-inch refrigeration system into a kitchen, undercounter refrigerators (or a duo of refrigerator drawers) offers greater installation flexibility while simultaneously providing storage comparable to a 60-inch model.
Additional perks include:
✓ Compatible with panel overlays
✓ Virtually flush installation
- Related: See why every room of the home should include a refrigerator drawer
Panel-Ready Dishwashers
For years, dishwashers have come with the option of custom panels to the point that they’ve become a standard for designers virtually out of habit. Later, as the wave of stainless steel appliances took over the market, the trend would increase as buyers began to express a demand for personalized finishes that are less limiting.
Unlike refrigerators, though, many panel ready dishwasher models aren’t necessarily designed to fit flush into cabinetry and generally protrude around two inches out from their surroundings. For truly flush installation, shoppers can explore models from brands like Bosch and Thermador, as well as Fisher & Paykel — the only brand currently on the market that manufactures dishwasher drawers. These latest dishwasher models can be installed to perfectly match drawer fronts and cabinetry, making them particularly good at hiding in the kitchen.
Custom Hoods
Every professional range requires adequate ventilation, but that doesn’t mean options are limited to the traditional stainless-steel hood. With virtually infinite possibilities, custom hoods can accentuate a kitchen design by making a bold statement, or act as a subtle complement that gives a space better flow.
It all starts with a hood liner, which is essentially the core of a standard wall hood that’s been designed to fit into a custom hood and connect to ductwork. With the help of a contractor, all that’s left is to design and build a custom casing to go around the unit. The look and fit are entirely up to you — so get creative!
Inspirations
Visuals are a valuable tool when it comes to dreaming up a custom kitchen. If you’re looking for inspiration, our portfolio is the perfect place to find your next muse. Here are a few popular kitchen projects we’ve shined the spotlight on over the years.
- Sub-Zero and Wolf shine in this modern Italian kitchen
- Dracor brilliantly complements this kitchen featuring an ultra-contemporary style
- You’ll love the breezy, blue feel of this French-inspired kitchen featuring La Cornue
- The minimalism of Monogram beautifully complements this California kitchen design
- Enjoy the soft palette of this baby blue kitchen starring JennAir Rise appliances
- Wolf adds a touch of traditional charm to this historic kitchen remodel
Shop Customization Your Way Grand Appliance and TV
Don’t let appliances stop you from obtaining the kitchen look you’ve always imagined. Instead, stop by and shop at Grand Appliance and TV for expert advice on how to achieve a winning look. With a wide stock of appliances available in a number or finishes, including custom panel options, there’s no better place to draft and dream your kitchen design than with us.
Getting started is easy! Shop by phone at 888-396-8165, online, or at one of our 26 appliance showrooms across Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa, including locations in Green Bay, Milwaukee, Chicago, and Indianapolis.