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Modern freestanding kitchen


14 unfitted kitchen ideas and designs |

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There has been a rise in incorporating freestanding kitchen ideas into modern designs. 

While fitted kitchens are unlikely to ever go out of style, there has been a gradual move towards more relaxed-looking kitchens.

Freestanding kitchens range from fully unfitted spaces to single pieces, such as a standalone pantry cupboard or island on wheels so they can move as your needs change, and even move homes with you. 

Not only is a freestanding kitchen more affordable than a traditionally fitted one, it's an easy way to update an existing one. 

And if you're looking for kitchen ideas with character and personality, adding freestanding elements will take the space from looking functional to fantastic. 

Freestanding kitchens can be fully fitted, too, but with an unfitted look that gives you the best of both worlds: an efficient use of space and a relaxed feel. Here, we explore all the options.

1. Opt for a farmhouse table 

(Image credit: Plain English)

When planning a kitchen, it is always very tempting to go for a kitchen island if you are fortunate enough to have the space for one. But far too often, islands can feel like a monolithic obstruction in the middle of the room. 

However, you can take a different approach to typical kitchen island ideas: a farmhouse table. 'This can be all it takes to prevent kitchens feeling too fitted, while also proving extremely useful,’ says Merlin Wright, design director, Plain English . 

‘The addition of any freestanding piece is an opportunity to add texture and variety as a counterpoint to the kitchen’s fitted cupboards, be they vintage, antique or very crisp and modern; all add interest and personality.’ 

2. Adopt a fully unfitted look

(Image credit: Michael Rygaard)

A fully freestanding kitchen has several benefits, starting with transportability. Taking it with you when you move makes the initial investment more attractive, so this could be the perfect option for people who rent in particular. 

As the cabinets are not physically attached to walls or floors, they can also work in properties where panelling or materials are protected or fragile. Few do fully freestanding better than Copenhagen-based Frama , which makes semi-customizable metal-framed pieces in painted and timber finishes. 

This approach might seem ideal for flexible kitchen layout ideas in a large, open-plan space. However, the only elements you will want to move once they are in place are lighter items or those on wheels. Anything else will be unwieldy and/or dependent on plumbing or electrics.

3. Raise your units on legs

(Image credit: Masterclass Kitchens)

Just because an island unit can’t be moved, doesn’t mean it can’t appear freestanding. Elevating the unit on legs allows light to flow underneath, creating an air of portability.  

Run power supplies for appliances inside or behind the legs to suspend the illusion. Plumbing can be concealed centrally in deeper island units. Don’t forget, the longer the legs, the less storage you’ll achieve so do balance the design to suit your needs.

4. Mix materials for a luxurious look

(Image credit: Alexander James)

Looking for a high-end, luxurious take on freestanding? This is particularly important in open-plan kitchens where you are combining a kitchen with a living space. 

The key when thinking about kitchen styling is to find commonality between each piece, so they match in spirit not precise detail, says Lanserring , makers of this kitchen designed by MWAI. 

‘By deliberately mismatching components, each item can be designed with precision as a stand-alone piece. However, when they are curated together the feeling is rich but less formal,’ explains Alex Beaugeard, director of design, Lanserring.

5. Add a splash of color in a neutral scheme

(Image credit: Harvey Jones)

If replacing your kitchen isn't an option at the moment but perhaps you are looking for kitchen color ideas to refresh it a little, a new freestanding piece can add both more storage and a splash of welcome color.

‘Freestanding elements can easily be painted to provide a pop of color and bright focal point in a neutral scheme,’ says Leisha Norman, designer, Harvey Jones . 

In the kitchen picture above, a standalone larder in Farrow & Ball’s zesty Charlotte’s Locks stands out against fitted cabinetry in cool Wimborne White. ‘Whether your style is naturally eclectic or more coordinated, incorporating just one eye-catching freestanding piece can make a big impact,’ she adds. 

6. Use portable furniture for versatility

(Image credit: Paul Craig)

‘Portable furniture is a helpful way to enjoy extra countertop or storage space as and when it’s needed,’ says George Forsyth, director, Drew Forsyth & Co . 

‘A freestanding chef’s table or butcher’s trolley, for example, can be brought in for those busy times, such as when entertaining, then moved out of the way when more floorspace is required.’ 

For portable kitchen island ideas like this one, request castors with brakes for easy mobility.  

7. Add a glass dresser to display personal pieces

(Image credit: deVOL)

‘We’ve definitely witnessed a slow move towards more freestanding kitchens over the last year or so, which, as our roots are firmly based in this look, is pleasing to see,’ says deVOL ’s creative director, Helen Parker. 

One of the simplest, and most useful, ways to take your kitchen in a more un-fitted direction, she adds, is by popping a freestanding dresser or larder at the end of the kitchen units. 

(Image credit: VIPP)

One design, one color, no fuss and no frills. Freestanding kitchens are generally less complicated than fitted but Vipp ’s modular collection deliberately boils down the complexities of planning for those who find choice overwhelming. 

Simply pick and mix from four modules – island, island with breakfast bar, wall and tall modules – add appliances and relax in the knowledge this timeless Danish-built design will last a lifetime. 

9.

 Fit the same countertop to unify your separate units

(Image credit: Very Simple Kitchens)

One downside of an entirely freestanding kitchen is the lack of seamlessly fitted countertops, without crumb-trapping joints between or at the back of units. 

Solution one is to sacrifice flexibility in favor of hygiene by fitting worktops across multiple freestanding units. Or you can make the separation feel purposeful by leaving a generous, cleanable gap, as shown here. 

Add a generous island unit or butcher’s trolley to spread out while baking.

10. Create separate working zones for more efficiency

(Image credit: Bulthaup)

Inspired by a carpenter’s workshop, bulthaup ’s b2 range consists of three standalone modules: a workbench, tool cabinet and appliance cabinet. 

‘The beauty of this modern zoned set up lies in its incredible efficiency when cooking,’ explains Alex Saint, design manager, Kitchen Architecture .

‘For example, the tool cabinet hosts an impressive array of pans, utensils and glassware, making gathering everything you need a one-trip task. ’

11. Source vintage furniture

(Image credit: VSP Interiors)

This unique space was a collaboration between interior designer Henriette von Stockhausen at VSP and bespoke kitchen specialists Artichoke. It features a pair of hefty oak preparation tables, which have an air of portability and so appear more like decorative furniture than functional pieces. Above each table is a four-arm chandelier from Circa Lighting.

12. Introduce clever color combinations

(Image credit: Nicola Harding)

Contemporary details combine with a classic design sensibility in this kitchen by interior designer Nicola Harding. She colored Plain English kitchen units in Summerset Mauve by Pure & Original and the island in Post Modern Mauve; this two-tone approach emphasizes the freestanding feel of the space. The walls are in Farrow & Ball’s Setting Plaster. ‘It works for any light level, any time of day, any time of year. Calm, warm, fresh, comforting,’ says Nicola.

13. Mix materials

(Image credit: Alexander James)

Tom Cox of HÁM interiors redesigned a cottage, adding a spacious kitchen in a vaulted barn extension. ‘For us, kitchens should include elegant pieces of furniture to add depth and interest,’ he says. ‘This custom-built island is made from sycamore, marble and copper.

14. Go for a look steeped in history

(Image credit: Max Rollitt)

Interior designer Max Rollitt collaborated with Plain English on this pantry in a Georgian rectory. ‘The room is given a sense of grounding with my selection of antiques, such as this Spanish table, mixed with Spitalfield cupboards in rich Tuscan Red.

How do I include a freestanding kitchen sink?

It is best to include a kitchen sink in a freestanding kitchen against a wall so that the plumbing can be conveniently and easily hidden.

However, this is not a must: kitchen sinks can be incorporated into freestanding kitchen islands, with the pipework hidden within or behind the legs.

Or drainage exiting straight down into the center of a larger kitchen island, where it can't be seen – except if you were on your hands and knees retrieving something from beneath the island.

Can a kitchen island be freestanding?

Yes, freestanding kitchen islands are an excellent way of adding extra storage and countertop space in a kitchen, whether or not the rest of the cabinetry is fitted or freestanding. Freestanding kitchens can include elements such as hobs, ovens and sinks, with wires and plumbing hidden beneath. 

Otherwise, a freestanding kitchen island that incorporates smart kitchen island seating ideas, extra kitchen storage and countertop space can create a fabulous focal point in any kitchen, and act as a useful zoning device in open plan spaces.

If you want true flexibility, and at the other end of the scale, you can make them countertop and storage only, put them on wheels (with brakes) so you can move them about to suit your needs.

Linda graduated from university with a First in Journalism, Film and Broadcasting.  Her career began on a trade title for the kitchen and bathroom industry, and she has worked for Homes & Gardens, and sister-brands Livingetc, Country Homes & Interiors and Ideal Home, since 2006, covering interiors topics, though kitchens and bathrooms are her specialism. 

With contributions from

Freestanding kitchens: 17 flexible ways to create a rustic look

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Love the look of a freestanding kitchen but not really sure where to start in designing your own? Well, we are here to help, with these tips and ideas that will inspire you to create your own flexible space that is filled with character.  

From what layout to choose, to where to find the best freestanding kitchen units, we have everything you need to create a gorgeous space in this guide. And with a freestanding kitchen, you should have all the space you need for all your essential kitchen appliances – such as your best coffee maker, or your best air fryer. 

And, if you are after anything else kitchen related, make sure you head over to our kitchen ideas page for more advice and inspiration. 

(Image credit: John Gruen)

17 freestanding kitchen options

Once you have the practical elements sorted, like the layout you are going for and what you want to include, it's time for the best bit – making it your own. Below we have loads of ideas and inspiration so you can get decorating your freestanding kitchen. And be sure to take a look at our guide for how to design a kitchen, if you're looking for guidance on completing your project.

1. Raid flea markets to furnish a freestanding kitchen

(Image credit: Future)

While fitted kitchens might seem like a better use of the space, once you have one, you’re committed to it – and it looks, well, fitted. With freestanding kitchens, the look is more relaxed, more individual, more original, and furniture can be moved around or even replaced if you find something that better suits the space, or as your tastes change. Old homes with their wonky walls can make fitting cabinets more difficult, whereas freestanding furniture works well and can be very adaptable.

Lending themselves to vintage furniture and flea market finds, freestanding kitchens can be a cost effective way of redesigning a kitchen and creating the perfect space. Flea markets often have some hidden gems, so they are a fantastic place to start when building your freestanding kitchen.

If you’re a fan of DIY or craft, you could also really make the project your own by upcycling furniture that you already own and repurposing it for your lifestyle. If all your vintage finds need a lick of paint, have a read through our step-by-step guide to painting furniture - or, if it's a matter of restoring old wooden furniture, we've got a guide for that too.  

(Image credit: Neptune)

A freestanding kitchen is very easy to design yourself. Some people will opt for a few fitted units, and supplement the kitchen with freestanding pieces – such as freestanding kitchen islands – over time. This is a great way to spread the cost over time, if you're designing a stylish kitchen on a budget.

If you do design your own freestanding kitchen, try an online tool to organize the space as accurately as possible. Be sure to measure the space thoroughly beforehand, including where doors and windows are located.

Consider how the room is going to be used, too – is it a space for entertaining as well as cooking in? It’s also a good idea to write a wishlist of priorities, highlighting which aspects of the kitchen are most important.

3. Know what to include in a freestanding kitchen

(Image credit: Laura Ashley)

Before assembling your freestanding kitchen, think about what kind of units you actually need.

Larders are becoming the mainstay of a freestanding design, to add to the traditional ‘cook’s kitchen’ feel. Companies are adapting these to include hideaway storage areas for kettles and toasters, for clutter-free worktops, or even fitting them with marble surfaces inside for pastry making or as hidden food preparation areas.

Vintage Welsh dressers are perfect if you have a big enough space. The shelves can be used to display your favorite kitchenware, while the cupboards provide space to hide away clutter. 

Open shelving or plate racks can be added elsewhere for additional freestanding kitchen storage. Wood is a classic choice, but stainless steel versions create a low-maintenance, industrial look.

A moveable kitchen island or butcher’s block can be used to increase workspace as needed. When prepping food, a surface that can be moved from the sink to cooker can be very useful, as opposed to an installed kitchen island.

Accessories in freestanding kitchens include towel rails and chopping board trays, cleverly stored on kitchen island units. Wine racks are popular, too, to make this area of the room more of a hub for entertaining instead of being purely functional.

4. Go for country cottage charm in a freestanding kitchen 

With their awkward angles and uneven walls, country cottages can benefit from freestanding kitchen cabinets which can be easily positioned to make the most of the space. Antique wooden pieces with their time-worn patina are a great complement to rustic timber beams and stone walls. 

Love this kitchen? You are going to love more of our traditional country kitchen ideas.  

5. Display on open kitchen shelves

(Image credit: National Trust)

 If you prefer fitted cabinetry, but like the relaxed look of an unfitted kitchen, a great compromise is to have fitted base cabinets, but to replace fitted wall cabinets with open shelving. Not only will shelves help enhance the feeling of space, they are a great place to display cookwareware and pretty ceramics.

If you are after more kitchen storage ideas though, go and have a read through our feature. 

6. Add texture with a real wood design

(Image credit: Clayton Cabinets)

Chunky real wood design furniture is ideal for a freestanding kitchen, as it will add texture and a quality feel to your kitchen, whether the rest of the items are also wooden or not.

In fact, adding traditional wooden pieces to a freestanding kitchen full of more modern items can create a really unique juxtaposition, as above.

7. Invest in a kitchen dresser

Thought to date back to the 17th century, the classic Welsh dresser has become a mainstay in freestanding kitchens, as mentioned above. 

A timeless piece, it's worth investing in either a good quality antique version or new handmade version which will stand the test of time and can be passed down the generations. While the base cabinets and drawers offer ample kitchen storage for crockery and cutlery, the open shelves are ideal for displaying treasured pieces.  

If it's farmhouse kitchens you love, check out our dedicated feature full of swoon worthy ideas. 

8. Go open-plan for a spacious freestanding kitchen

A mixture of stand-alone appliances and just two freestanding units helps create an open-plan kitchen that feels spacious; the homeowners in the image above cleverly created extra storage by converting a cupboard into a larder and choosing multi-functional bench box.  

9. Add a freestanding kitchen island

(Image credit: Colin Poole)

Whether your kitchen is fitted or freestanding, a moveable kitchen island is a great piece. A brilliant way to zone social and cooking spaces, they can be repositioned when extra space is needed, plus create extra workspace. Get more inspiration with our kitchen island ideas.

10. Make the most of an awkward space in a freestanding kitchen  

If you live in a old cottage, your home is likely to be filled with nooks and crannies that run the risk of becoming dusty, dead space. These areas are ideal for freestanding kitchens, because you can use these spaces to slot in a small cupboard or place a tall dresser behind a door. If part of your kitchen is fitted, you can even paint your freestanding furniture to match, or leave it bare to create a rustic contrast.

Have a snoop around these charming cottages for more ideas. 

11. Use kitchenware to create a display 

Kitchen storage doesn’t have to mean cupboards. You spend money on pots and pans, so why not have them on display? Create a rustic-style farmhouse kitchen by storing them on wooden tables with extra shelving underneath, or hang them in attractive displays on wall hooks. This will save on space, and your pots and pans will be closer to hand when you’re cooking too.

12. Introduce the butcher’s block to a freestanding kitchen

An old butcher’s block is the ideal item of furniture for a freestanding kitchen with a rustic or industrial feel. Butchers’ blocks can stand as an island in the middle of the room, or create another worktop or preparation area when pushed up against the wall. Paired with a couple of tall bar stools, they can even be used as a smart little breakfast table if you want.

(Image credit: Colin Poole)

You could also paint an old butcher's block the same color as your kitchen cabinets to give it a more cohesive feel, almost like a built in island. We love the pale sage green of this block; try Farrow and Ball's Vert De Terre if you are after something similar. Make sure you take a tour of the rest of this gorgeous former mill keeper’s house for loads more inspiration. 

13. Wall mount cabinets in freestanding kitchens

(Image credit: Darren Chung)

If you are lucky enough to have a period home with lofty high ceilings, then wall mounted plate wracks, individual cabinets and sheila maids mixed in with fixed cabinetry is a great way to make the most of your space and give your kitchen a flexible feel. 

14. Choose a contemporary industrial style in a freestanding kitchen 

Whether you’re looking for a modern decorating scheme, or trying to add a modern touch to your period home, reclaimed industrial furniture is the perfect way to add character to any space. With a freestanding kitchen like this you can mix antiques and modern additions seamlessly. If it doesn’t work, you can simply move the units around until it does.

For more industrial style kitchen ideas check out our gallery. 

15. Mix and match old and new kitchen furniture

Pairing fitted cabinetry with a few upcycled freestanding units is a great way to add a touch of unique style. Try refreshing ornate old dressers with chalky furniture paint in a contrasting color, as done here. And if you need any tips on how to paint kitchen cabinets, we've got a easy to follow step-by-step guide. 

16. Small kitchen? You can still go freestanding 

If you’ve only got a small kitchen, the obvious choice would be to maximize on space with fitted units, but this doesn’t allow for flexibility. Instead, a few well chosen, expertly placed freestanding kitchen cabinets can be a really clever use of the space. Make sure you’ve got room for everything you need, and if you find that there isn’t enough, just swap out a unit for something more useful.

For more tips of on designing a small kitchen have a read through our dedicated feature. 

17. Choose a practical freestanding larder

(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)

A well-stocked pantry is what kitchen dreams are made of. But you don't need to fork out a load of money for a bespoke, fitted version. If you think about it, a pantry is just a glorified cupboard with some spices and tins in it, so really any cupboard can technically become a pantry. Choose a lovely vintage one with a few shelves (trawl eBay for a bargain), fill it with food and, just like that – you have a pantry. 

We've got lots of practical pantry storage ideas too, to make sure you make the most of that covetable larder. 

Inspired to create your freestanding kitchen? Keep reading...

Pippa is Style Editor for Period Living magazine and spends many a weekend exploring the Cotswolds for decorating shoot ideas. A collector at heart, she is currently looking for a vintage cabinet to store her favourite wares.

8 freestanding kitchens that look stylish (not necessarily built in)

Hob on countertop, oven underneath. Or in a column in the kitchen. It seems that we are already used to this and have not seen interiors for a long time where the stove would be free-standing, as before. In the meantime, they are! And such kitchens look no worse than those where the appliances are built-in. We show.

1 Yellow kitchen with bright backsplash

This Swedish kitchen has so many accents that you don't even notice the freestanding stove! Although it is not the only such technique here. The dishwasher is also not built-in, but simply installed under the countertop. Like two refrigerators. The interior as a whole is decorated in a retro style, this is also guessed by the kitchen set. Well, retro is in fashion! And in this style, a stand-alone technique looks very cool.

historiskahem. se

historiskahem.se

historiskahem.se

2 A kitchen where the stove is the main focus

Free-standing stoves are much more common in Western interiors. But the size and style are different. These are real ovens! Massive and very pretty. To match the spacious kitchens. For example, in this white interior, a metal plate looks like the main accent.

Instagram @centrestagedesign

Instagram @centrestagedesign

3 Cozy retro kitchen in Khrushchev

This kitchen looks completely authentic. The owners of the apartment equipped it themselves and managed to keep the mood. There was a separate stove in this apartment. But it fits perfectly into the created interior. The example of this kitchen proves that not only a modern interior stuffed with new built-in appliances and furniture can be stylish.

Instagram @marina_at_home

Instagram @marina_at_home

Instagram @marina_at_home

4 A kitchen with classic details

Yellow-hued walls, soft turquoise cabinets, wooden floors, stone countertops, golden details and paintings on the shelves make this kitchen look special. A built-in oven and hob could not have completed the atmosphere. And a free-standing stove (the manufacturer - an Italian brand - calls such equipment cooking centers) - could.

Instagram @jamiehaller_____

Instagram @jamiehaller_____

5 Country kitchen with a special vibe

The kitchen cabinets are a soft blue shade, a deep countertop sink, an apron that resembles wooden boards, cute decor - the interior of this kitchen is associated with a cozy country style. A free-standing stove completes this association. It adds just the right amount of bulk, as does the hood above it, and balances the softness of this kitchen.

Instagram @jogalbraithathome

Instagram @jogalbraithathome

Instagram @jogalbraithathome

6 Bright kitchen

This small kitchen was designed by the owners of the apartment. The kitchen set is very compact, there is only one row of cabinets. A free-standing stove perfectly complements the interior and does not spoil the view at all. It is narrow - already standard plates.

Instagram @anna_azaeva

Instagram @anna_azaeva

7 A small white kitchen with a white stove

A snow-white set, the same stove - together they create a perfect couple. And the fact that the stove is not built-in does not interfere at all. There is no visual noise at all in this interior, everything is hidden in closed cabinets. And the greens dilute the pure whiteness.

Instagram @prostoe_shastye_

Instagram @prostoe_shastye_

8 Spacious, bright kitchen in Scandinavian style

Another Swedish kitchen, also in retro style. The white freestanding stove does not attract much attention here and looks great paired with a vintage-style hood.

historiskahem.se

historiskahem.se

Material prepared

Anastasia Dubrovina

90,000 laconic design and many equipment - INMYROOM

The project of the week

Designer Nikolai Barsukov is convinced that it makes no sense to save

place

Moscow

Brick

Brick

9000 22 sq. m

Pets

Dog – Bichon Frize

Design

Nikolay Barsukov

Photo

Yuriy Grishko

The customers of the project are a friendly family with two children. People who have made more than one repair, have experience and understanding of what exactly they want, and, most importantly, who completely trust the designer, which helps to achieve an excellent result. The apartment had to correspond to the status and reflect the mood of the people living in it.

When planning the kitchen, it was necessary to solve several problems at once: to enter into it the set of equipment that was agreed with the customer, and to create an extensive storage system for all utensils and non-stationary equipment (combine, blender), as the hostess and daughter love to cook.

The simplicity of shapes and materials allows the kitchen to seamlessly blend into the overall mood. There is no built-in lighting under the wall cabinets, this is done so that the working area does not look like an ordinary kitchen. Since the kitchen is combined with the living room, the customers wanted it not to put pressure on the living room with its utilitarian look.

Recessed ceiling lights provide surface illumination. The combination of white frosted glass on the fronts, countertop and backsplash, black glossy surfaces of the showcase and lacquered wood of the fronts creates the impression of an airy and minimalistic space, which is important given the serious dimensions of the kitchen, the total length of which is 6 meters and a height of 2. 65 meters.

The kitchen storage system is clearly divided into zones. Everything you need for serving a festive table is stored in a showcase. Cooking utensils and large non-stationary household appliances are distributed between a cupboard located in a niche and a pantry in the kitchen. The central part is completely allocated for daily use: on the one hand - dishes, on the other - spices and groceries.

The LG NeoChef MH6595CIS freestanding microwave oven with grill and Smart Inverter technology, which allows you to quickly heat up and defrost food evenly, as well as cook various dishes, fits well into the overall concept. The smooth front without unnecessary details and the hidden handle, as well as pleasant touch controls, make it indispensable in such kitchens.

“I always tell my customers,” explains Nikolai Barsukov, “that equipment should not be cheap. It cannot be cheap, because it immediately spoils the whole look - cheap plastic, for example. From a distance or in a picture on the Internet, it seems to be nothing, but in fact it turns out to be disastrous for the entire interior.

Learn more