If you’ve watched more than a few celebrity home tours on YouTube, you may have picked up on a common thread between them when it comes to the lavish kitchens—they either don't have a fridge (unlikely) or they all have panel-ready appliances.
In the world of interior design and celebrity homes, there's a noticeable absence of the modern yet classic stainless-steel appliances. Once a staple in traditional, high-end kitchens, paneled appliances are making a comeback.
Panel-ready appliances, sometimes also referred to as integrated appliances, are designed to sit flush with cabinetry, creating a cohesive look that blends in effortlessly. The appliance itself is effectively camouflaged.
“Paneled refrigerators used to be associated with a very traditional look," Crystal Hackl, designer behind Inspired Haven Design, told Better Homes and Gardens in January. "But now a variety of appliances can virtually disappear into their surroundings using matching panels. Paneled appliances are all about luxury and customization, two characteristics that are in high demand in today’s kitchen. They are a departure from the industrial feel of stainless appliances and allow a more timeless appeal than most other appliance colors.”
These days, everyone wants to hang out in their kitchens. The space has evolved from a purely-functional space to an extension of the living area in many homes—especially with open floor plans. Think of how many dinner parties you’ve hosted or attended that took place mainly in the kitchen.
And that’s not just for celebrity chefs: Actor Dan Bucatinsky, actress Marilu Henner, former N*SYNC star Lance Bass, actress Tiffani Thiessen, and more have called the kitchen their favorite room in the house.
Homeowners are increasingly looking to open up their kitchens while concealing clutter, and the demand for customization is on the rise. This results in a desire to minimize the appearance of appliances that often take up visual real estate.
“I don’t think I’ve had a client that’s wanted to reveal their fridge for a very long time,” Martyn Lawrence Bullard, an interior designer whose firm has worked with Cher, Tommy Hilfiger, and Kylie Jenner, told The New York Times. “In the last five years, everything we’ve done has had a hidden fridge.”
While upgrading to panel-ready appliances can be a significant investment, it allows for a seamless and stylish kitchen that meets the demands of both form and function. For more information on what panel-ready appliances are and how to get the look yourself, check out our in-depth guide.