6 Reasons to Choose an Unfitted Kitchen

The dilemma of choosing kitchen cabinetry is real, people. And the cost of installing a kitchen is through the roof. But there is an alternative to the wall to wall cabinetry we’ve become used to. . . an unfitted kitchen.

What is an unfitted Kitchen?

According to Crusoe Kitchens of the UK, “A freestanding kitchen (or “unfitted kitchen” as they are sometimes known) doesn’t dictate the footprint of your kitchen. Instead, a freestanding kitchen offers the freedom for you to choose exactly which pieces of furniture you want, and where.”

A freestanding kitchen was the norm until around the 1930s and 40s. But then someone came up with the brilliant idea of attaching cabinetry to a wall and the fitted kitchen was born. I have to admit they are practical and make the most of weird spaces, but I find myself leaning towards a freestanding look. Here’s why.

Save Money

We’ve done a lot of research over the past month of building. And even the cheapest quote we got was $15000 for a DIY paint it yourself kitchen from a well-known hardware store. And that was without appliances. I’m not saying that the kitchen might not be of good quality, but it was not constructed using hardwood or even wood! I’m dubious about using MDF products in our home. If we choose our freestanding pieces wisely, will spend around 2/3 of that amount.

Sustainability

Because unfitted kitchen pieces are often second hand, vintage or antique, they are naturally more sustainable. Purchasing vintage is a way to avoid increasing the negative impact of mass produced low-quality furniture. Recycling items eliminates the need for new production and save otherwise good furniture from landfill. I love antiques and second hand for this reason.

Character

If you want a kitchen with character, personality and that completely you, the unfitted kitchen is the way to go. You can mix and match pieces to create a look that nobody else will have. Your kitchen can be tailored to your preferences. You can mix old and new or even cut down pieces to suit your needs. It’s your choice.

Easy on the Budget

One consideration that led me to want an unfitted kitchen was the budget. The cheapest quote we had, for a kitchen that was assembled by us, painted by us, and made of MDF was $15000. When I shopped around for more budget friendly options, I realised buying new furniture pieces, in solid timber, and customising them was actually less expensive than a full kitchen. This led me down the antique route and soon we had the basics of or kitchen cabinetry at around 2/3 the price.

Creativity

If you are the person who loves to move things around in your home, an unfitted kitchen could be just the thing for you. You can flex your creative muscles when choosing pieces and then keep them honed moving things when you become bored and want a fresh look. Because your kitchen is basically secondhand, you won’t feel as pressured to maintain the current look. You can paint it if you want, change handles or turn your dresser into a coffee station. A free standing kitchen allows you to think outside the box. Use an old bookshelf as a pantry or a buffet as housing for a sink. If you want a change, you can sell a piece and refresh your space with something new.

You Can Take it With You!

Other than the sink and possibly the oven, all the other items in the unfitted kitchen are removable. This means you could take them with you when you move.

Have I convinced you to think about an unfitted kitchen for your next update? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.