Should You Hide Your Kitchen Appliances?

A great question that a lot of people ask themselves when renovating their kitchen: To hide or not to hide? You may know the design better as ‘integrated appliances’ or ‘panel-ready appliances,’ but the idea is the same. So, should you hide your fridge, microwave, or other kitchen appliances from view? The answer depends on what you’re trying to achieve with your space. If you want to display your fridge as a modern, sleek focal point, don’t hide it! But if you prefer a wooden, warm feel in the kitchen, integrated cabinetry could be the perfect fit.

In Sacramento—where homes range from historic charmers to modern builds—hidden appliances are catching fire. Whether you’re remodeling a Midtown bungalow or upgrading a suburban kitchen in Elk Grove, custom cabinetry is being used to elevate spaces.

What Are Hidden Appliances?

No glaring stainless steel. No bulky shapes. Just a streamlined, built-in look that makes your kitchen feel like a cohesive living space, not a utility zone. Custom cabinetry and panel-ready appliances hide the functional aspects of your kitchen while enhancing the aesthetic of your home.

Why Hidden Appliances Are Popular in Sacramento

1. Paneled Appliances Are Luxurious

That’s the number one reason people do it. Seamless cabinetry looks clean. High-end. Thoughtful. It’s what you see in designer homes and glossy magazines. And that’s why it’s showing up in homes across Sacramento—from Land Park to Fair Oaks.

2. Custom Cabinetry Is Timeless

Unlike bold hardware finishes or bright-colored appliances, custom cabinetry stays timeless. It fits just as well in a traditional Craftsman as it does in a modern ranch. And when your tastes evolve, your kitchen won’t feel stuck in a design trend from five years ago.

3. Small Kitchens Feel Bigger

Visual clutter adds chaos. Clean lines calm things down. When done right, the kitchen opens up. The room feels bigger. Calmer. You haven’t added square footage, but it feels like you have. That’s the power of clean lines and less visual noise.

4. Integrated Appliances Boost Your Home’s Value

In Sacramento’s hot real estate market, high-end finishes get noticed. Integrated appliances signal quality. They make your kitchen feel like a custom build. That’s a big plus for buyers.

Which Appliances Can Be Hidden?

More than you might think.

• Refrigerators: Custom-paneled, counter-depth models disappear into the wall of cabinetry.

• Dishwashers: Often tucked under the counter, they’re easy to panel and forget.

• Microwaves: Hidden in lower cabinets or behind lift-up doors. Always accessible. Never in the way.

• Range Hoods: Can be boxed in with wood or plaster to match your cabinets or ceiling.

• Small Appliances: Think coffee makers or toasters. Store them in appliance garages with pull-down or pocket doors.

The result? A kitchen that feels less like a workspace and more like a living room.

Why Custom Cabinetry Matters

You can’t always buy this look off the shelf.

To hide appliances properly, the cabinetry often has to be custom-built. That means tailored measurements, panel fabrication, and precision installation. It also means getting the details right—like handle placement, hinges, and venting.

At HEX, we do it all. We help you choose the right appliances, measure your space, and design cabinets that blend form and function perfectly.

Smart Kitchen Design Tips

Thinking about hiding your appliances? Here’s what we recommend:

• Choose appliances early: Cabinet design depends on appliance specs, so make selections up front.

• Stay consistent with materials: A cohesive design signals luxury and thoughtfulness.

• Don’t forget about hardware: Yes, even hidden doors need handles. Match them to your kitchen’s overall style.

• Prioritize storage: If you're hiding appliances, think about where everyday items go. Pull-outs and vertical dividers help.

FAQs on Hidden Appliances

Does it cost more to hide appliances?

Yes. Panel-ready appliances are usually pricier. And custom cabinetry adds to the budget. But the payoff? Huge. Especially in resale appeal.

Can any appliance be concealed?

Most major brands offer panel-ready options for the big stuff—fridges, dishwashers, microwaves. For smaller items, smart cabinet design is key.

Are hidden appliances just for modern homes?

Not at all. Shaker-style panels, warm wood finishes, and traditional trim can make the look work beautifully in classic or traditional homes.

Sacramento’s Experts on Custom Kitchens

At HEX General Contractors, we believe your kitchen should feel like you—refined, functional, and uniquely tailored. Hidden appliances using custom cabinetry are one of our favorite ways to help Sacramento homeowners transform their space.

Reach out today to learn more! We handle everything. Appliance integration. Cabinet fabrication. Design layout. Full remodels.