Lining up the pros and cons of freestanding vs built-in kitchens is an exercise more of us are weighing up before tackling a remodel. Deciding between the structure of a built-in kitchen vs the freedom of freestanding – which best suits our home, style, and circumstances? Built-in kitchens remain a favorite choice for many, but there’s a growing trend for freestanding kitchens in which none of the furniture is fitted or that include some freestanding elements such as cupboards, islands or appliances alongside the pieces that are built in. What’s best for your home will depend on your circumstances and the look you want to create, so we asked professional designers to weigh in on the head-to-head of freestanding vs built-in kitchens and, here, they share the benefits of both.

Advantages of freestanding kitchens A major advantage of freestanding kitchens is their flexibility. ‘Freestanding kitchens provide excellent flexibility in terms of layout and placement,’ says Christiane Lemieux, renowned designer and founder of modern luxury brand Lemieux et Cie . ‘You can move and rearrange freestanding appliances and sometimes islands easily, making them ideal if you plan to relocate or update your kitchen frequently.

This portability makes them a great option for renters or homeowners who may move.’ Josh Rudin, owner of ASAP Restoration , notes that they are also flexible over time. ‘Freestanding is a perfect option for a kitchen that has changing needs, like if you w.