The European tradition of free-standing kitchen furniture has returned to vogue. Even though trends in kitchen design are favoring clean, functional lines, The National Association of Realtors reports that American homeowners are adding free-standing cabinets, farmhouse sinks, and other unfitted elements that open up more room for views of windows or working counter space.
For centuries, Europeans have chosen free-standing cabinets and appliances for storage and functionality since they can pick up and move it all to a new home when it’s time to relocate. A free-standing cabinet can also add charm to your existing kitchen design by allowing you to show off crystal or collector dishware.
The Hardwood Manufacturers Association credits English designers with the original implementation of free-standing cabinetry. It recommends buying pieces one at a time to conserve space, prevent clutter, and add workstations. You can also position a freestanding cabinet to block the view of existing cabinets or appliances that are less than attractive. Free-standing cabinets and mini-hutches or cutting surfaces can be made to roll on a tile floor for easy arrangement.
A writer at Home Improvement Adviser suggests shopping around antique stores for kitchen cabinets, however you can easily find them at today’s home improvement stores, cabinet suppliers, and custom design shops. Many homeowners prefer to commission free-standing pieces to complement their existing cabinets and décor.
You’ll find a range of materials and costs in shopping around, from modern and light woods to maple or hickory cabinets in historical designs including Mission, Craftsman, or Shaker styles. If you have a busy kitchen, consider more portable, unfixed cabinets that can be moved into pantries or serving areas when not in use.
Free-standing Cabinets gives elegant look to kitchen. it’s unavoidable part of great looking kitchen.
I don’t believe the English can hold a candle to the Amish here in the US when it comes to free-standing kitchen cabinetry and kitchen furniture. The Amish have been using the same quality solid wood furnishings they make a living selling to good use in their kitchens for generations, and seem to have perfected the art. I am a big fan of the simplicity of using freestanding custom furnishings in place of built-in cabinetry, and in particular those of green construction. In my search for green freestanding cabinetry, I found most sites do not offer custom sizes, are very limited in design options, and put allot of effort into convincing me that the materials in their cabinets meet green building standards. To me the only guaranteed green building material is solid wood, and always has been. Living close to Lancaster Pa. known as Amish country, and having owed furnishings built by the Amish, I knew that if they could build the kitchen I had in mind, I would be thrilled. I did find Amish to build the freestanding kitchen I had yearned for, and for a price within my budget. I will be receiving the freestanding cabinets mid July - I can’t wait! The Amish sell their cabinets through the web site http://www.amishloft.com/cabinetry - everybody wanting custom solid wood freestanding kitchen cabinets should know about this web site - the “English” need not apply.