I think people throw around that term too easily. Won't everything be dated the minute after install? I do not think integrated and paneled appliances will ever look bad.

I think there is a difference between paneled and integrated- with paneled being the older form.

I guess my European box full overlay shaker cabinets with my integrated appliances paneled will be dated then.

Based on the OPs photos, she is looking at integrated. I agree with DrB that having metal trim and compressors showing may be dated. Here are my Thermadors. If these are dated, I don't want to be current!

Thanks! Yes, I plan on integrated ones. My ears just perked up when the KD said the "dated" word ... obviously he doesn't hang out here! For me, it depends on the layout/design and the overall look that someone is trying to achieve in the space.

The photos of integrated fridges posted look great and give me ideas for my space.

To piggy back on my question, see the photos posted by DrB and johnsoro, their units are placed as if one, and open from the center. Would it be weird to have fridge and freezer side by side, but have them both open in the same direction? A possible spot for mine, would work best if they both open from right-to-left.

Continuity is important to me. My kitchen is not huge and I think that that the paneled refrigerator and dishwashers help to keep the good look of the kitchen. I also hate stainless steel

Chispa- I have seen that setup before. When I was researching the Thermador columns years ago I saw a few kitchens with both columns opening in the same direction. It looked great. Good luck with your planning.

I don't think they are dated if you are doing the fully integrated look so that no hinges, water dispenser, or trims show. If you use the term "paneled appliances" like you did in your OP, which means the hinges/dispenser/trim show, it is dated. Having said that, me, I like my kitchen to have its appliances be unpaneled and show, but that is my taste. I also want to make sure you are aware of the extraordinary expense, and sometime difficulty, of fully-integrated appliances. First, there's the appliance itself. A fridge/freezer that can be fully integrated will cost $9k to start and go up from there. Then add the cost of the specialized cabinetry. Then add the difficulty of fabricating and installing that cabinetry. There have been a number of threads from posters tearing their hair out because e.g., the cabinet panel is 1/2" off and won't work. Be prepared for that when your wish list for your kitchen has fully-integrated appliances, and hire a KD who is very experienced with them.

I agree with DrB, I think fully integrated panelled will only be dated when the cabinets become dated. Which will happen of course. I'm doing fully integrated panelled as well. I thought SS was dated too now? It is tough to keep up.

johnsoro, good to hear that it didn't seem odd to have the 2 units open in the same direction.

frieda, I am aware of the cost! When interviewing KDs I'll be sure to ask for examples of how they work with integrated appliances. Thanks.

The most current look that I have been seeing in magazines, showrooms, and just saw in a designer showhouse - is integrated fridge and freezer (separate) with icebox hardware. Seen in modern and transitional kitchens. The hardware is very heavy-feeling and solid, like an old icebox, and I expect it is expensive. Check out Christopher Peacock's Refectory Kitchen - few can afford him, but he sets trends that others copy.

Just be careful with handle clearances and such if opening in same direction. I'm not sure the units could be next to each other with large appliance pulls and open the same direction. My fridge doors will clear an adjacent cabinet pull but not an oven handle.

I wonder what would make your KD say paneled appliance doors are "dated". Do they read some sort of design magazine that tells them that? Personal opinion? Is there a trend I don't know about? Perhaps this individual is worried about the amount of effort and money involved.

Most of the time, when someone is able to further unify the design of a kitchen through thoughtful customization, the results are refreshing. Continuity is important in design.

Scherr's Cabinets & Doors Inc - I suspect that the issue is terminology. It appears that the OP used the phrase "paneled appliances" rather than mentioning "fully integrated". The KD may have assumed she meant the look that is discussed on this thread that is dated, in which the hinges, trim, and dispenser show (as pictured above in DrB477's pic). It could be that if the OP had been more specific about what she was looking for, the KD may not have said the look is dated. But the onus should not be on the customer; the KD should have asked more questions, as in "do you mean fully integrated paneled appliances?". It's a red flag if the KD did not. Though we weren't there for the conversation, so it's hard to know whether the KD should be criticized about that response or not.

What friedajune said. I had the same conversation with a friend who's a builder and realized that what i want is "integrated", which, by the way, is what's "in" in European kitchens, which frequently set the trend here.

DrB, good point about handle clearance. Next time I'm at the appliance store that has a big display of integrated appliances I'll make sure to do some measuring.

We just picked out our refrigerator (integrated Sub Zero) and I’m still attempting to get through the maze of dishwashers so whether it will be ‘paneled’ or ‘integrated’ is beyond me. Integrated vs. paneled is a new concept to me as of this reading, I thought they were the same. Duh.

Dated? I’m assuming most kitchen choices I’m making that make my heart sing (to quote another GW’er) may be considered ‘dated’: apron front sinks for one, lack of subway tile for another. I could not care less. If I liked a 4” granite backsplash I’d go with it (not so much, so we’re going all tile), and I know many consider that to be very dated. I see houses here in almost all price ranges sold all the time with that feature.

Even if you follow the latest trends to a T, you will find your kitchen will be dated at some point. Few things are timeless, and even then it depends on what another person's "opinion" is. I'd suggest going with what you love and want.

When buying an integrated DW, make sure that it won't stick out beyond the counter, once the panel is on. Bosch/Miele make shallower DWs, some US made brands are too deep for conventional cabinet depth and won't be flush in the front with the cabinets.

nosoccermom, I didn't meant to sidetrack the OP's post, and I feel chipsa, and others will also be grateful for your advice as well, thank you! I'm looking at Miele's now, and am grateful to understand I need to look for integrated and depth as this is what we'd prefer... unless function rules over aesthetics. Our counter depth will be 27" at the DW.