When it comes to appliances, design isn’t just about finishes and handles, it’s also about fit
You might be surprised to learn that how your appliance sits against your cabinetry makes a huge difference in the overall look and feel of your kitchen.
Two common installation styles, proud (also known as standard) and flush (also called fully integrated), each bring their own kind of charm and practicality. And like choosing between a tuxedo and a tailored suit, it all comes down to your personal style, space, and how you want your kitchen to show up.
Let’s break it down.
Proud (Standard) Installation: Confidently Standing Out
In a proud installation, the front of the appliance, whether it’s a refrigerator, oven, or dishwasher, extends slightly beyond the surrounding cabinetry. Think of it as the appliance equivalent of wearing a stylish watch over your sleeve cuff: functional, confident, and designed to be noticed.
Proud (or standard) installations are common in many homes because they’re often easier to execute and allow for better airflow around the appliance (a plus for longevity and performance). They also simplify maintenance, removing or servicing a unit is typically quicker when it’s not fully enclosed.
Visually, proud installations tend to give the kitchen a professional, high-end chef’s kitchen vibe. The appliances make a statement, standing forward with purpose. For example, a proud-installed stainless-steel range or refrigerator can add a little “wow” factor, perfect for those who love that bold, commercial-kitchen aesthetic.
Flush (Fully Integrated) Installation: Seamless Sophistication
If proud installation is about standing out, flush installation is about blending in. In a flush or fully integrated setup, the front of the appliance sits perfectly level with your cabinetry and countertops. Handles may be recessed, or in some cases, hidden entirely behind matching cabinet panels.
The result? A sleek, seamless look where appliances virtually disappear into your design. This is ideal for modern, minimalist, or European-style kitchens where clean lines and cohesion are key. Flush installation can also make smaller kitchens feel more spacious since the visual breaks between cabinets and appliances are minimized.
Make This Decision Early, Before Cabinets or Countertops
Here’s the part most homeowners don’t realize: deciding between proud and flush installation should happen before you order your cabinetry or countertops. Why? Because each style requires different cabinet depths, trim allowances, and ventilation clearances. A flush installation, for example, often needs custom cabinet adjustments for that perfectly even alignment. If those measurements aren’t planned from the start, achieving a true built-in look later can be tricky, and expensive. Making this choice early ensures your cabinetry, countertops, and appliances work together seamlessly (and saves you from some serious remodeling headaches down the road).
Which One Is Right for You?
If you love an ultra-sleek aesthetic and are willing to plan cabinetry with precision, go flush. If you prefer a little breathing room, easier service access, or that bold, professional kitchen appearance, proud might be your match.
And the good news? Capritta Appliance can help you decide which is right for your space—and make sure your installation looks every bit as good as your new appliances perform.
So, whether you like your appliances to blend in or stand proud, one thing’s certain: with expert installation and thoughtful design, your kitchen will be dressed to impress.
All Flush (Fully Integrated) Installation:
Proud (Standard) Range Installation with Flush (Fully integrated) Fridge Installation:
By Linette Capritta11/7/2025