Choosing the Right Refrigerator Style For Your Remodel

Whether you're remodeling your kitchen or replacing an old appliance, choosing the right refrigerator style is crucial—not just for aesthetics, but also for functionality. Today’s refrigerators come in a range of configurations that cater to different styles (some come with the capability of taking panels to match your cabinetry so the refrigerator effectively disappears), kitchen layouts, and design preferences. From classic top freezers to high-end French doors with multiple drawers, let’s break down the pros and cons of each style.

1. Top Freezer Refrigerators

Overview:
The top freezer is the classic refrigerator design, with a freezer compartment on top and a refrigerator section below.

Pros:

--Affordable: Typically the most budget-friendly option.

--Energy Efficient: Uses less energy compared to more complex models.

--Compact Size: Ideal for small kitchens or apartments.

--Simple Design: Easy to operate and maintain.

Cons:

--Less Ergonomic: You'll need to bend down frequently to access fresh food.

--Limited Features: Often lacks advanced features like water dispensers or adjustable shelving.

--Less Stylish: May not suit modern or high-end kitchen aesthetics.

Best For: Traditional kitchens, rental properties, budget-conscious homeowners.

2. Bottom Freezer Refrigerators

Overview:
This style places the fresh food compartment at eye level, with the freezer drawer below.

Pros:

--Ergonomic Design: Easier access to frequently used fresh food.

--Better Organization: Freezer drawers often include baskets or compartments.

--Modern Look: Sleek and updated design options.

Cons:

--Heavier Freezer Drawers: Can be difficult to open and sort through.

--More Expensive: Typically costs more than top freezer models.

--Less Freezer Access: Less convenient if you frequently use frozen items.

Best For: Home cooks who prioritize fresh food and want a slightly modern look without going full high-end.

3. Side-by-Side Refrigerators

Overview:
Split vertically, with the freezer on one side and refrigerator on the other.

Pros:

--Easy Access: Eye-level access to both fridge and freezer.

--Narrow Doors: Great for tight kitchen spaces.

--Extra Features: Often includes water and ice dispensers.

--Ample Shelving: Plenty of organized storage options.

Cons:

--Narrow Compartments: Hard to store wide items like pizza boxes or large platters.

--Less Energy Efficient: Uses more power than simpler models.

--Frozen Food Storage Can Be Cramped: Narrow freezer compartments can get crowded quickly.

Best For: Households that use fresh and frozen food equally, kitchens with limited space for wide-swinging doors.

4. French Door Refrigerators

Overview:
Features two side-by-side refrigerator doors on top and a bottom freezer drawer.

Pros:

--High-End Look: Very stylish and popular in modern kitchen designs.

--Spacious & Flexible: Wide shelves for large trays, party platters, and full-width items.

--Energy Efficient: Only open half the fridge when retrieving items.

--Convenient Storage: Good combination of fridge visibility and freezer capacity.

Cons:

--Pricey: Typically more expensive than other types.

--Requires Space: Wide doors need room to open fully.

--Freezer Drawer Can Be Disorganized: Items can get buried or hard to reach.

Best For: Large families, frequent entertainers, and high-end kitchen renovations.

5. French Door with Multiple Drawers

Overview:
An extension of the standard French door model, this style includes additional drawers—usually a flex zone or secondary fridge drawer—between the fridge and freezer.

Pros:

--Ultimate Customization: Separate drawers can be set to specific temperatures.

--Family-Friendly: Dedicated snack or drink drawers are easily accessible.

--Luxury Appeal: Sleek, modern, and often feature-packed.

Cons:

--Very Expensive: Among the most costly refrigerator types.

--Takes Up More Space: Larger footprint and requires more clearance for drawers.

--Can Be Overkill: Features may go unused for smaller households.

Best For: Gourmet kitchens, design-forward homes, or families who need hyper-organization.

Your refrigerator is more than just an appliance—it’s a functional focal point of your kitchen. Whether you’re seeking efficiency, luxury, or a balance of both, there’s a refrigerator style that can complement your kitchen design and meet your daily needs. When we are designing your kitchen, I always consider your layout, cooking habits, storage needs, and design preferences before recommending choices. So if you're considering a new kitchen, give me a call and we can explore appliances and features!

Happy designing!

A Country Manor Kitchen by Fiorito Interior Design

My clients approached this kitchen remodel hoping not only for improved functionality but for a space that invited comfort, warmth, and daily enjoyment. Their existing kitchen was limited in both layout and atmosphere where a small island barely larger than a podium offered little utility. An oversized double-width doorway at the rear of the room leading into the adjacent living space disrupted the flow, making furniture placement nearly impossible. They longed for a kitchen where cooking felt easy and intuitive, but also one where they could sit at the table with a book and a cup of tea, or host friends without feeling cramped or awkwardly positioned.

One of the most impactful decisions we made early on was to close off that extra-wide opening to the living room. Doing so allowed us to reclaim the wall, which not only improved circulation but also gave us the freedom to rethink the spacing of the kitchen and eat-in area. With that change, we could introduce a much larger island—truly functional this time—complete with generous workspace and storage. It became a true centerpiece for meal prep, casual dining, and gathering.

From there I turned my attention to layering in comfort, personality, and style. I curated a color palette of soft white, pale blue, light wood tones, and touches of sunshine yellow. This fresh and uplifting combination feels timeless and relaxed. We chose cabinetry with traditional Shaker-style doors, accented by black forged iron hardware for a subtle hint of contrast and authenticity. For the countertops we chose a Gold Calacatta-look quartz, bringing elegance and warmth with its soft veining and classic appeal.

To elevate the kitchen walls I selected a soft matte glass tile in a moody, sky-blue that blankets the backsplash, providing a gentle wash of color that’s calming and cohesive. On the floors I chose a limestone-look porcelain tile in a classic Versailles pattern as an homage to old English manor houses—bringing character and texture underfoot while remaining durable and low-maintenance for modern life.

Lastly I transformed the adjacent eat-in area into a cozy, multifunctional space. We added custom built-in bookshelves and a sideboard for serving and display—perfect for entertaining or simply making daily routines feel more special. A black iron picture light softly illuminates the buffet, lending a warm, ambient glow in the evenings. I carefully planned the seating arrangement to include a space-saving banquette along the wall, paired with a trestle-style dining table and side chairs. At either end I placed tufted host chairs upholstered in an exquisite, tonal Chinoiserie dragon pattern that are comfortable enough to sit on for hours. Whether sharing a leisurely meal, reading in the sunlight, or gazing out at the greenery just beyond the windows, this spot now invites my clients to truly enjoy their home in a new, deeper way.

All photos above by Bernardo Grijalva. Before and after photos below...

If your kitchen needs a new look, give me a call!

Happy designing!