CREATIVE CABINETRY Imaginative ideas for freestanding kitchens

FROM SINGLE DRESSERS TO A FULLY UNFITTED BESPOKE DESIGN, FLEXIBLE STAND-ALONE UNITS ARE THE LATEST STORY IN KITCHENS

1 ALL IN THE MIX

‘A dresser or farmhouse table with scrubbed timber top can be all it takes to prevent kitchens feeling too “fitted”,’ 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 a kitchen’s fitted cupboards – be they vintage, antique or very crisp and modern; all bring interest and personality.’ Kitchen in Rusty Nail from the Colour Collection No. 1; bespoke kitchens start at £50,000, Plain English.

2 RAISE IT UP

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. The Hardwick collection in Highland Stone, with sideboard in Lava; kitchens start at £12,000, Masterclass Kitchens.

3 LUXE LOOK

Looking for a high-end, luxurious take on freestanding? The key is to find commonality between each piece, so they match in spirit, not precise detail, says Lanserring, maker 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. Bespoke kitchen designed by MWAI and made by Lanserring; kitchens start at £65,000.

4 SPLASH OUT

‘Freestanding elements can be painted to provide a pop of colour in a neutral scheme,’ says Leisha Norman, designer, Harvey Jones. Here, a stand-alone larder in Farrow & Ball’s Charlotte’s Locks stands out against fitted cabinetry in cool Wimborne White. ‘Whether your style is naturally eclectic or more co-ordinated, incorporating just one eye-catching freestanding piece can make a big impact,’ she adds. The Shaker kitchen, from £20,000; pantry larder, £4,000, Harvey Jones.

5 MOVEABLE FEASTS

‘Portable furniture is a helpful way to enjoy extra worktop 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 floor space is required.’ Request castors with brakes for easy moveability. A bespoke kitchen starts at £30,000 at Drew Forsyth & Co.

6 CUPBOARD LOVE

‘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 unfitted direction, she adds, is by popping a freestanding dresser or larder at the end of the kitchen units. The Haberdasher’s pantry

cupboard, from £4,340, DEVOL .

7 TOTAL COMMITMENT

A fully freestanding kitchen has several benefits, starting with transportability. Taking it when you move makes the initial investment more attractive – renters take note. As they’re not attached to walls or floors, they can work in listed properties where materials are protected. Few do freestanding better than Copenhagen-based company Frama, which makes semi-customisable metal-framed pieces in painted and timber finishes. Frama Studio Collection, £36,500 for a full kitchen, including shipping, Frama.