Freestanding vs built-in kitchens – designers give their verdicts on which best

Lining up the pros and cons of freestanding vs built-in kitchens is an exercise more of us are weighing up before tackling a remodel. Deciding between the structure of a built-in kitchen vs the freedom of freestanding – which best suits our home, style, and circumstances?

Built-in kitchens remain a favorite choice for many, but there’s a growing trend for freestanding kitchens in which none of the furniture is fitted or that include some freestanding elements such as cupboards, islands or appliances alongside the pieces that are built in.

What’s best for your home will depend on your circumstances and the look you want to create, so we asked professional designers to weigh in on the head-to-head of freestanding vs built-in kitchens and, here, they share the benefits of both.

Advantages of freestanding kitchens

A major advantage of freestanding kitchens is their flexibility. ‘Freestanding kitchens provide excellent flexibility in terms of layout and placement,’ says Christiane Lemieux, renowned designer and founder of modern luxury brand Lemieux et Cie.

‘You can move and rearrange freestanding appliances and sometimes islands easily, making them ideal if you plan to relocate or update your kitchen frequently. This portability makes them a great option for renters or homeowners who may move.’

Josh Rudin, owner of ASAP Restoration, notes that they are also flexible over time. ‘Freestanding is a perfect option for a kitchen that has changing needs, like if you were to need more storage while having kids in the house, but not when you’re an empty nester, then freestanding cabinets are a great temporary solution without getting into a remodeling project just so there are more plates for the kids.’

Opting for a freestanding kitchen can also save money. ‘Generally, freestanding units and appliances are less expensive compared to built-in units,’ says Christiane. ‘They require less specialized installation and are available in a wide range of price points.’

A further upside of a freestanding kitchen is that it allows you to express your own style. ‘Freestanding kitchens allow for more personal expression, whether through vintage pieces or bold-colored appliances like Smeg refrigerators,’ says Christiane. ‘This style gives a kitchen an eclectic, unique look.’

There are also advantages to opting for freestanding appliances. ‘Freestanding units are readily available which makes their cost less than a built-in unit,’ say Colleen Bennett and Stefee Osborne of CBB Designs. ‘Freestanding appliances are typically easily installed,’ they add. ‘No special equipment needed.’

And like standalone storage and portable kitchen islands, they’re flexible. ‘Freestanding appliances are normally set at standard sizes so you can easily move them around the kitchen space,’ they say. ‘It’s a cheaper way of updating a kitchen without replacing cabinets.’

Advantages of built-in kitchens

Built-in kitchens offer a range of benefits vs freestanding designs.

‘Built-in kitchens offer a streamlined, integrated aesthetic, ideal for modern or minimalist kitchen designs,’ says Christiane Lemieux. ‘Appliances are hidden behind cabinetry, which provides a clean and uncluttered look, especially in smaller kitchens.’

They optimize stash space, too. ‘I love built-ins, they are like a storage powerhouse,’ says Joyce Huston, a lead interior designer and co-founder at Decorilla. ‘Every inch is maximized, which is very helpful and necessary in small kitchen layouts.’

Christiane agrees and identifies a further bonus. ‘Built-in cabinets and appliances help maximize space, particularly in smaller kitchens, as they sit flush with the cabinet,’ she says. ‘This can also help conceal elements like pipes or electrical outlets, adding to the kitchen's visual appeal.’

These kitchens often provide more work space, too, according to Josh Rudin. ‘Built-in designs usually offer more readily available countertop space to work with which makes doing cooking projects, or building science class volcanos, a lot easier in terms of space,’ he says.

Freestanding vs built-in kitchens: the verdict

The verdict on freestanding vs built-in kitchens is that both have upsides.

‘Freestanding kitchens offer flexibility and easy installation, with appliances that can be moved or swapped out without renovations,’ says Diana Viera, managing partner of ITALKRAFT. ‘They tend to be more affordable and allow for creative design choices. However, they are not as sleek and seamless-looking like built-in kitchens. While they’re the more budget-friendly option, they may not be as space-efficient and could have a lower resale value in some markets.'

‘Built-in kitchens offer a sleek, custom look with appliances seamlessly integrated into the cabinetry, maximizing space and creating a more luxe look and feel,’ she continues. ‘While built-in kitchens enhance the overall design and boost resale value, they do come with higher costs due to the need for customization and installation. The lack of flexibility can make future upgrades more challenging and pricey.’

However, the choice doesn’t have to be either/or. ‘Many homeowners opt for a hybrid approach, using a combination of freestanding and built-in elements to balance flexibility and style,’ says Christiane Lemieux.

And Joyce Huston says: ‘I have found that built-ins are the perfect option for forever homes, while freestanding setups are great for those who like to switch things up every now and them. Personally, I like to mix both: that’s where the magic happens.’

If you’re planning the ultimate cook’s kitchen then built-in is the way to go, while freestanding designs enable you to indulge in personalized kitchen styling. Both freestanding and built-in designs allow you to express your own style, with colors and finishes, it's more of a practical decision than aesthetic which one you go for.