Introduction
The refrigerator is an essential part of our kitchen, but for some it is much more than that. It can become a means of artistic expression, a design object, or even a collector's piece. Here are a few very real refrigerators that blur the line between household appliance and work of art.
The Hand-Painted Refrigerator: Dolce & Gabbana x Smeg
The most famous example is the "Frigorifero d'Arte" born from the collaboration between fashion house Dolce & Gabbana and Italian manufacturer Smeg. One hundred units of the retro FAB28 model were hand-painted by Sicilian artists, each decorated with unique motifs inspired by traditional Sicilian carts, lemons, the trinacria symbol and scenes of knights. As Smeg notes, every piece is numbered and one of a kind, making it as much a collector's item as an appliance.
Painting on fridges goes beyond luxury. Berlin artist Thierry Noir, famous for his murals on the Berlin Wall, has painted refrigerators for charity projects. This dialogue between art and appliances is explored further in our article on the fridge in contemporary art.
The Swarovski Crystal Refrigerator
For those who love a bit of bling, Slovenian manufacturer Gorenje created the "Eye-catcher", a gloss-black version of its Premium Touch range entirely covered with around 7,000 hand-set Swarovski crystals. Fewer than ten were produced, and one sold for close to US$110,000, with the proceeds going to charity. Gorenje later released a wider "CRYSTALLIZED Swarovski Elements" range on less exclusive models, proving that crystal-clad appliances were more than a one-off stunt.
The "Steampunk" Fridge and Design as a Statement
Steampunk, the retro-futuristic aesthetic inspired by 19th-century steam machines, appeals to many makers and custom builders. Clad in copper, rivets, pressure gauges and gears, these custom fridges turn an ordinary appliance into a spectacular object, usually built as one-off pieces by specialist workshops.
You don't need a custom build for a fridge to become a centrepiece, though. The Smeg FAB, with its 1950s curves and pop colours, has become a genuine kitchen icon. This evolution of shapes is detailed in our article on the evolution of refrigerator design.
Conclusion
Who said refrigerators have to be boring? Between hand-painted pieces, Swarovski crystals and steampunk creations, they can become unique and impressive objects. The fridge also holds a surprising place in our imagination, as shown by refrigerators in pop culture or, conversely, by modern kitchens that try to hide it completely.
Sources: Smeg, Refrigerator of Art (Dolce & Gabbana) and Appliancist, Gorenje Eye-catcher with 7,000 Swarovski crystals.