Why every home should have a Smeg fridge
The House Beautiful team pick a design classic we think you'll love forever – this time, the FAB retro-style refrigerator by Italian home appliance manufacturer Smeg.
Who designed it?
The piece was a collaborative effort by the brand’s in-house creative team. After a conversation between Smeg's then-CEO and his son, designers set to work and the fridge launched in 1997.
Why we love it?
Smeg is a family business where ideas are listened to. In the mid-1990s, Vittorio Bertazzoni (the brand’s current CEO and son of Roberto, the then-CEO) became obsessed with American design from the 1950s. His interest was sparked when a friend began importing old petrol pumps, retro furniture and automobile memorabilia to Italy from the US, and he suggested to his father the idea of a fridge in this Americana style.
Roberto Bertazzoni didn’t need much convincing and set his design team to work. They were inspired by the chunky forms and streamlined chrome detailing prevalent in the era, and took their colour cues from the pastel shades of cars including the classic Cadillac. This research gives the fridge some serious design credentials that have clearly paid off – if you were to travel back in time to the 1950s and visit a diner in any American town, the Smeg would fit right in beside the curved bar and checkerboard floor.
The Smeg FAB has appeared in Hollywood blockbusters including Men in Black, Mr & Mrs Smith and even Paddington! off. Stars ranging from the Kardashians and the Beckhams to Lindsay Lohan and Kevin Costner are known to love their retro refrigerators.
Why you'll love it forever?
While many people use cabinetry to conceal their dishwashers, washing machines and fridges, this is one appliance worth showing off. Retro styling makes it an instant scene-stealer that’s sure to take pride of place in the kitchen.
Although it so obviously evokes the era it was inspired by, the Smeg fridge can work with lots of decorative styles, especially the models in a more neutral shade – the top-selling colour, after all, is cream, followed by black. For a more playful approach, why not pick a statement design? Smeg regularly collaborates on special editions with top brands including Dolce & Gabbana.
The fridge has inspired a range of smaller appliances too that are ideal for mixing and matching or as a more affordable entry point into the look – toasters, blenders and espresso makers.
What makes a design icon?
For a piece to be truly iconic to the HB editors, it needs to:
Have longevity and really stand the test of time
Illustrate innovative design, whether from the high street or a showroom
Be recognisable homeware that deserves the spotlight
Serve as an object of desire – beautiful, yes, but useful, too
Be a piece that is used every day by House Beautiful editors
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