If I had it my way, renting apartments in the States would be more like it is in Germany, where renters bring their own kitchen components from one rental to another. That way, I could make a one-time investment and save myself the grief of dodgy ovens and linoleum counters. Just give me a blank room, some hook-ups, and I’d be set. If you like the modular kitchen look (whether the intrepid renter or savvy homeowner), here are eight companies offering modular components, including islands on wheels, standalone ovens, and more to create your own kitchen kit.
1. Frama
Above: Frama in Copenhagen offers a series of kitchen modules called the Studio Kitchen. Shown here is Unit D with Douglas fir, black melamine, Portuguese marble, and steel; it includes a cooktop. One of the modules is a standing tower that includes an oven, fridge and freezer, and cupboard.
2. Noodles, Noodles & Noodles Corp.
Above: Based in Cologne, Germany, Noodles, Noodles & Noodles Corp. makes kitchen cabinets, shelves, and a sink counter in different units. For more, see Kitchen of the Week: The New Old-World Kitchen from Noodles, Noodles & Noodles Corp.
3. Alpes Inox
Above: Italian company Alpes Inox makes freestanding stainless steel kitchen systems that consist of ranges and cabinets on wheels, gas burner counters, oven/beverage refrigerator combo, and more. For more, see Race-Car-Style Appliances for Compact Kitchens.,
4. R-Toolbox
Above: Tokyo-based R-Toolbox designs sink and cooktop units along with storage cabinets designed for small, urban kitchens. For more, see À la Carte Kitchen Components, Tiny Apartment Edition.
5. Vipp
Above: Copenhagen company Vipp designs a line of kitchen modules—a wall module (shown), island module, and tall modules—that can be customized with a Miele dishwasher, oven, refrigerator, refrigerator/freezer combo, or a KFN freezer. See a US project designed with Vipp modules in Kitchen of the Week: A Vipp Modular Kitchen in the Hamptons.
6. CPH Square
Above: CPH Square in Copenhagen designs a Travel Kitchen—and other custom kitchen options—to accompany an owner from one house to another. It’s made with different options for countertops, sinks, faucets (shown with a Vola), and can be customized in different colors.
7. My Kilos
Above: In Hamberg and Berlin, MyKilos designs custom kitchens and the MyKilos Kitchen Series (shown) with Miele appliances, cabinets, and drawers on wheels. Contact MyKilos for more information.
8. Joko Domus
Above: Joko Domus in Northern Italy is a family company that started out making butcher blocks and today designs a series of kitchen modules with butcher blocks, cooktops, grills, Big Green Egg barbecues, and refrigerators. Contact Joko Domus for more information.
For more kitchen solutions, see our posts:
- 10 einfache Teile: Instant-Kücheninseln
- 15 Storage Ideas to Steal from High-End Kitchen Systems
And don’t forget our comprehensive Kitchen guides to help you create your dream kitchen with our best picks on appliances, kitchen cabinetry, and countertops.
