It IS a good idea! You'd need a header just like framing it for a doorway since some studs would come out. As long as there's nothing in the wall that can't be worked around, it shouldn't be too hard.

If you don't get any good examples here, post this in the kitchen forum and you'll probably get some pictures and more specific information. A lot of people do it.

Where the fridge is used to be a closet that opened from the hallway to the right of the fridge. We had to lift it up also because of a stairway beneath the fridge.

Go for it!

If the fridge is at the end of a cabinet run, as opposed to being in the middle, you can leave it unrecessed and it looks ok. You can see pictures of mine on my homepage or in the finished kitchens blog. Like you, I just couldn't see spending a lot extra for a smaller fridge.

The only thing you have to worry about is what is behind it. I mean, you don't want the fridge sticking into the dining room, do you?

Also, you'll need to remember about ventilation. That is, there needs to be some space around for air to circulate.

I donÂt have a picture but we did this too and are very happy with the results. One of the many great ideas I learned on here at GW. :-)

thanks everyone for your support and advice..... jeri did you DYI or did you have someone break down and reinforce the wall for you? i'm not a DIY kinda gal so i'm having my contractor do it, but want to make sure he charges me a reasonable price. how was the opening reinforced? like fori had suggested was it framed like doorway or was that not necessary?

My husband is a master DIYÂer. This has it advantages and disadvantages. We have saved a *ton* of money, but my kitchen has been a work in process for over 2 years now. :-)

DH probably framed it  that is not a difficult thing to do. Our fridge wall is also the garage wall so space was not a problem. He probably went deeper than necessary building the "box" out.

If you have the space, I canÂt imagine this being a problem for your contractor but I could see one charging more than necessary since it is not done often and there would be few comps. That probably sounds cynical :-)

I did it in my kitchen. Very happy with the result : cheaper, larger, fridge than any counter depth model. What's not to like.

john.com,

your cabinets, handles, and refrigerator (and corner of your range) are beautifully matched. i always like it when it all works out aesthetically seemlessly, which doesn't always happen. hope you enjoy it!

It's a matter of what is involved. If the wall has a bathroom on the other side, or it's a supporting wall, or electrical, or HVAC, or it's an outside wall, blah blah, it could get pricey.

egganddart49, thank you. We very much enjoy it. during the re-do, we just didn't want to have any big blunders, but could not have ever imagined how happy we would be with it all.

My architect actually suggested the "bump the wall back" idea. I,too, have always been so disappointed with my counter flush fridges. NO room and we have 6 kids so I need the room. I am going to buy two regular depth appliances. One a full size fridge and the other a full size freezer. They will be side by side and the ones I have seen done this way look exactly like a built in unit. The wall my units will sit against is a hallway on the other side. Because of the bump out area it creates an inset area beside it. We are making that into a family message board area as the hallway it is in is part of the back entryway/mudroom area.
Comfortdog