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There are a handful of products interior designers use again and again because they’re just that good. In this new series, we ask a pro to share a current holy grail item.
When it comes to renovating a kitchen, we know designers have strong opinions about cabinet paint colors, backsplash tiles, overhead lighting, and countertop surfaces. But here’s something we didn’t see coming: they also really care about your appliances. The quieter a dishwasher, the better. A vent hood that blends in with the wall is an absolute yes. How about refrigeration? If you talk to New-York based pro Piper Skillman, she’ll immediately work Fisher & Paykel’s Integrated CoolDrawer into the conversation.
First thing’s first: it has five different temperature modes, including refrigerator, pantry, wine, chill, and freezer. Most of Skillman’s clients who have followed her advice and installed one in their space change between the settings depending on their needs. “One family tends to use it as additional freezer space for ice cream in the summer and frozen vegetables in the winter. In two other residences, it serves as storage for the bar,” shares the designer. Not only is it great for cooling a bottle of vino, but it’s ideal for cold brew coffee, cream, maraschino cherries and other drink other accoutrements, whether it’s day or night. “If you entertain frequently and have a bar area, it’s wonderful not to have to run back to the kitchen (and leave your own party!) to make cocktails,” adds Skillman.
One of the other major benefits is how seamlessly it fits underneath a standard 36-inch-high counter, allowing it to blend in alongside your millwork without signaling its function. The front panel can also be customized to match the other drawers and cabinets around it. One time, Skillman went as far as to finish it with a glossy red panel and a snake-themed handle.
You don’t have to have a massive kitchen to justify adding a CoolDrawer either. “It’s big enough to offer substantial additional storage space but works with a variety of kitchen sizes and layouts,” suggests the designer. While she’s yet to have a client use it as their primary refrigerator, she thinks it would work great as the sole appliance in a guest house, vacation rental, or an office-studio. Let’s be real: for those days when you go grocery shopping hungry and buy a little more than your main fridge can handle, this overflow spot will have you covered.