The integrated kitchen is a workspace with a near-seamless appearance with the space it abuts or shares. There’s more to creating an integrated kitchen than simply choosing appliances and cabinets (though those are key factors). As with any home project, before you shop, you need to develop a plan for this specific layout.
What is an integrated kitchen?
The term "integrated" means that many individual parts combine in a way that makes a unified whole. Kitchens are one of the hardest-working rooms in a home, and good design makes the room efficient and pleasant to be in.
What is an integral sink?
An integral sink looks as if it’s built into the countertop; it’s a sink that is part of the counter itself, according to Mark Melonas , founder and lead designer of Baltimore-based Luke Works, a design-and-build firm that creates furniture, precision casework, and concrete elements.
What is an integrated sink countertop?
Rather than the sink being its own design element, sinks that are integrated with a countertop are made of one material. Materials like quartz, granite, and marble are popular for creating the integrated sink countertop look many homeowners crave. In some areas of the house, it’s not unusual to have a stand-alone sink, without a countertop.
What is an integrated refrigerator?
This integrated refrigerator has the same frame and panel face as the rest of the kitchen cabinets. It is considered fully integrated. Flush surfaces are also used in an integrated kitchen. Appliances don't stick out or sit in recesses; they are in line with the rest of the cabinetry.
What is integrated kitchen?
What does integrated dishwasher mean?
Is an integrated kitchen desirable?
About this website
What is an integrated kitchen?
Integrated kitchen appliances sit embedded within your units, as opposed to freestanding appliances that can be moved more easily around the room. Both types of appliances can be implemented in any kitchen style and size, from modern through to traditional design schemes.
What is the difference between integrated and built-in appliances?
What is the difference between integrated and built-in refrigerators? Both styles are built into the kitchen housing, however, one of the main distinctions of integrated vs built-in refrigerators is counter depth. Integrated models are completely flush whereas built-in models do have a protruding profile.
What is an integrated cabinet?
Integrated appliances also use a matching custom panel, just like overlay appliances do, but the appliance is installed so that it's completely flush and hidden within the cabinetry design. The ventilation system works differently so that it's impossible to tell where the appliance is in the kitchen.
What is a fully integrated appliance?
Integrated appliances can be housed inside the cupboards and panels of your kitchen. This means that fridges, ovens, freezers and washing machines can fit in very neatly without protruding or looking out of place.
Are integrated appliances easy to replace?
There is no problem with replacing integrated appliances if they have been fitted expertly in the first place. height. on the depth required for these machines to fit flush with the doors fitted to the cabinets either side.
Can you replace integrated appliances?
Hi, generally integrated appliances are interchangeable between all brands of units. The important thing to check is that the width of the unit is correct for the appliance. eg. if it specifies a 600mm wide unit for the appliance, then ensure that is what you are using.
Does fully integrated mean Panel Ready?
Integrated refrigerators are fully paneled and install flush with your cabinets.
Can a normal fridge be integrated?
As the name implies, these refrigerators are not meant to be integrated and therefore, improper installation can impact their longevity, warranty, and become a potential hazard, damaging the unit and/or the surrounding area.
Can I use integrated fridge as freestanding?
5 Answers from MyBuilder Kitchen Fitters Yes that would be fine.
What is the difference between integrated and fully integrated?
Fully integrated Unlike a semi-integrated dishwasher, the fully-integrated dishwasher control panel is located inside the top of the door. When you shut the door, you won't see the controls at all, and the dishwasher is fully concealed within your bench.
Do integrated appliances need a cabinet?
Integrated dishwashers don't need a cabinet, they just need a door. Cabinets are available for some large appliances, such as fridge freezers and some ovens, but dishwashers simply slot between two other cabinets.
Do integrated appliances sit on the floor?
Most integrated machines under worktops are mounted directly on the floor with the plinths running in front of the machine.
What is considered a built in appliance?
Built-in appliances are either completely or partially housed inside cupboards or units and their doors are usually fixed to the cupboard door, so they can be hidden from view. They integrate seamlessly with the rest of your kitchen.
Can I use integrated washing machine freestanding?
A built in washing machine is the same as a fully integrated washing machine in many respects. It is designed to be fitted into the Kitchen unit and not to be used freestanding.
What is the difference between a built in refrigerator?
Built-in refrigerators are secured to a wall within your cabinets for a more permanent installation, while counterdepth models can be installed as a freestanding refrigerator. Another difference between built-in and counterdepth fridges is that built-in refrigerators can come in wider sizes.
What is considered a built in refrigerator?
A built-in refrigerator is one that is designed to be housed in your cabinetry or a custom-built surround. The sides of the fridge are flush with the cabinets on each side. Some built-in refrigerators have doors that protrude past surrounding cabinets and others are flush.
What is integrated kitchen?
Integrated kitchen appliances sit embedded within your units, as opposed to freestanding appliances that can be moved more easily around the room. Both types of appliances can be implemented in any kitchen style and size, from modern through to traditional design schemes .
Why choose integrated appliances?
Integrated appliances sit flush against the wall, giving a clean and sleek finish to your space. Versatile and stylish, they look just as at home in a contemporary kitchen as they do in traditional and country cottage kitchens.
Why do you put appliances behind cupboard doors?
In a classically designed kitchen, styling integrated appliances behind cupboard doors can help to maintain a traditional aesthetic. It allows you to get a consistent look across your whole kitchen, giving you the choice of any material, colour, or finish while still enjoying the space-saving benefits.
What is an integrated fridge and freezer?
Fridge and freezer: An integrated fridge and freezer offers simplicity and a clean finish to your kitchen. Set flush with your cabinets, it can either be exposed or hidden behind cabinet panels that complement the design scheme of your kitchen.
Why are integrated appliances important?
The main benefit of integrated appliances is their space saving properties. As they only take up room that would have been used by cupboards, they are particularly effective in smaller kitchens where both floor and surface area is limited.
When deciding whether to implement integrated appliances into your space, what should you consider?
When deciding whether to implement integrated appliances into your space, make sure to consider style, practicality, and value, as well as whether they will complement the design scheme and size of your kitchen. For inspiration, browse our full range of appliances .
Can integrated appliances be used in a kitchen?
While sitting flush against your wall can offer sleek sophistication and space saving qualities, there are times when you might wish to redesign your space. With integrated appliances, you must work around them instead.
What is an integral sink?
An integral sink looks as if it’s built into the countertop; it’s a sink that is part of the counter itself, according to Mark Melonas , founder and lead designer of Baltimore-based Luke Works, a design-and-build firm that creates furniture, precision casework, and concrete elements. “It is the same material as the countertop, and in the case of concrete, an integral sink is cast all together in one mold at the same time.”
What are the advantages and disadvantages of an integral sink?
A sink that’s all in one piece will be incredibly easy to clean, Melonas points out, which is a boon for homeowners with kids who need ...
Is an integral sink custom built?
Also, integral sinks are typically custom-built, so homeowners who are used to buying off the shelf may be put off by the process of working with an artisan, and by how long it will take.
What is an integral sink?
Integral sinks are made from the same material as the countertop they are set into. The effect is the seamless appearance of a smooth transition from sink to surface.
Why are integral sinks limited?
There are a limited number of materials that an integral sink may be constructed from due to the required versatility of the material to function as both water resistant sink and serviceable countertop. The lack of a seam between the sink and countertop does make cleaning significantly easier.
What is an integral kitchen sink?
An integral kitchen sink has the ability to pull the entire interior of your kitchen together, and even elevate the utility and aesthetic consideration of your kitchen to the next level. Besides these two mainstays in the home, you could also consider installing an integrated sink into a bar area, laundry area, or anywhere else you could benefit from having a sink.
Why do you need an integrated sink?
Because integrated sinks are essentially basins built right into the countertop, they highlight a sense of cohesion and unity of design that can’t quite be achieved with undermount sinks, drop-in sinks , or farmhouse sinks . Regardless of your reasons for preferring an integrated sink, it’s impossible to deny the impact they can have on the overall aesthetic of your kitchen or bathroom.
Where Can You Add An Integrated Countertop Sink in Your Home?
The two main places that people use integrated sinks are in their bathrooms and kitchens to create contemporary interiors. For example, people looking to incorporate a sense of modern utility beyond that of a stand-alone bathroom vanity may opt to include an integrated quartz bathroom sink in their master bathroom or any other full bathroom.
What is quartz countertop?
Quartz countertops – Quartz is often preferred for countertops and integrated sinks alike due to its eye-catching appearance and durable qualities. Quartz is heat and scratch-resistant and looks great in any kitchen or bathroom.
What is a Michigan kitchen distributor?
Michigan Kitchen Distributors is Michigan’s premier kitchen remodeling and design company. When it comes to sinks or countertops, we have the right solutions for you. We offer in-home consultations and can help you pick out the right material for you. Call us today!
Can laminate countertops be integrated?
Although laminate countertops can’t feature truly integrated sinks per se, that doesn’t mean you can’t compliment your laminate countertop with an undermount sink that creates the same impression.
Is an integrated sink and countertop combo for everyone?
In light of the above, an integrated sink and countertop combo might not be for everyone. However, for the right kitchen or bathroom, there’s nothing that says luxurious quite like the cohesive beauty of an integral sink countertop.
What is integrated appliance?
Integrated appliances also use a matching custom panel, just like overlay appliances do, but the appliance is installed so that it’s completely flush and hidden within the cabinetry design. The ventilation system works differently so that it’s impossible to tell where the appliance is in the kitchen.
What is built in kitchen?
Technically speaking, built-in refers to all appliances that are set within a cabinetry system.
What is overlay paneled appliance?
An overlay paneled appliance has a custom-made cabinet door designed to fit on the front of the appliance and match the rest of your cabinetry design.
Can paneled kitchen appliances get dirty?
With every touch, your paneled appliances can get dirty and wet. You’ll need to stay on top of safe cabinet cleaning to keep your custom panels in good shape.
Do paneled appliances cost more to install?
Aside from regular cleaning practices, it’s good to be aware that paneled appliances may cost more to install and repair.
Can you use panel ready appliances in a kitchen?
Unless your current appliances are labeled as panel-ready products, you can’t use them in this type of application. You’ll have to buy new appliances for your kitchen renovation.
Can you panel appliances?
Typically, fridges and dishwashers are the most common appliances to panel in a kitchen design. However, you can panel other items, too, as long as the device can accommodate the panel.
What is integrated kitchen?
The goal of an integrated kitchen is that the appliances are invisible elements; they are either made to appear to be cabinetry or made to be flush with the cabinets, with the visible controls removed.
What does integrated dishwasher mean?
For some sticklers of integrated design, integration means that the appliances are completely hidden and unidentifiable. The small controls on this dishwasher drawer give away the fact that it is not a cupboard, but it is a small detail that most could live with. This dishwasher would be considered partially integrated.
Is an integrated kitchen desirable?
Having an integrated kitchen is very desirable in an open-floor-plan home, as the kitchen can be viewed from many rooms, and mismatched appliances and finishes are not very attractive. Stainless steel appliances tend to be most expensive; adding a cabinet face to an appliance can be a cost-saving measure.
