Freestanding kitchen furniture adds extra preparation areas and storage to existing food preparation space without renovating built-in counters, cabinetry and shelving. The vast selection of kitchen furniture sets and accessories available makes integrating new units into an existing layout quite simple.
Mobile and stationary carts, islands, stands, shelves and racks provide functional extensions of work and storage areas. These specialty cabinet units are made in styles and materials that match many popular built-in cupboards and counter surfaces. Selecting complementary materials for surfaces and base units can result in attractive pieces that can be tailor-made to fit the current decorative scheme.
To augment a classic French kitchen, furniture might include light-colored solid wood units topped with granite in colors that accentuate the décor. Wrought iron and black steel also blend well in this décor. In a large space, an island with shelving and a top of granite or butcher block not only provides additional preparation and storage areas, but defines workspaces on either side. A small counter on one end can add an informal bar area for quick snacks and for visitors to chat while food preparation is going on. In smaller layouts, mobile cabinets, tall, narrow shelving units and suspended pot racks can be effective in increasing storage without cluttering the room.
For a modern kitchen, furniture should be of sleek and reflective materials like stainless steel, chrome or brushed aluminum. Tiered storage shelves and corner units present elegantly simple, clean lines. Carts and islands provide extra work surfaces as well as storage for cooking vessels and utensils. Units equipped with stainless steel sinks or cooktops extend existing counter space. Shelving and cabinets may also feature concealed waste bins or slots for storage of large baking sheets and cutting boards. Separate wall-mounted racks in complementary materials can display spices, cookbooks, utensils and knick-knacks.
A dedicated space for the preparation of gourmet foods is a boon to the serious cook. A stationary stand with a stone top or a butcher-block cutting board surface adds needed workspace that can make it much easier to prepare food in an organized way. Bakers may appreciate a marble top for rolling dough, baking bread or assembling cakes and cookies. Baker’s racks in materials such as wrought iron, wicker, wood and stainless steel provide storage for specialty cookware and cutlery while adding an attractive piece to the room featuring Italian kitchen furniture.
Wine racks lend an old-world charm to food prep and dining areas. Racks may be dedicated to wine storage alone, or be incorporated into bar islands, baker’s racks and workstations. A tasteful open-shelf corner unit with a polished stone top adds interest to an otherwise unused space.
Department stores, specialty stores, discount merchandisers, home improvement retailers and on-line merchants offer an almost infinite selection of mobile and stationary units. Prices vary from discount kitchen furniture to costly pieces depending on the material, type of construction and complexity of design. Unfinished or partially finished pieces allow the do-it-yourself enthusiast to select both the finish for the base and material for the top.
For the thrifty, cheap kitchen furniture can be found in second-hand shops or through on-line merchants offering “gently used” products. Bargain hunting for antique kitchen furniture sometimes provides interesting results in estate sales and through reputable on-line antique dealers.
Combining functional pieces with matching dining furniture, table sets or dinettes creates a cozy nook that invites family and friends into the work space. The kitchen will become a vibrant, cheerful workplace by adding attractive and functional kitchen furniture.