Why opt for a modular unit?
Made of modules of cabinets, a modular kitchen with state of the art appliances continues to rule the cooking space. Here’s why it makes a lot of sense to go in for one that suits your needs.
The essential features
Modular kitchens comes in a variety of designs, and they can be dismantled and reinstalled with great ease, as and when needed. “These features are well complemented by their durability, and their accessories last for a long time,” says Rajat Mathur, Head Retail Marketing, Godrej Interio, adding, “Such kitchens are easy to install. Even their accessories and fittings come in a wide range of designs.” Other features include stylish hardware, such as vibrant coloured doors and stainless steel doorknobs. “The biggest aspect is there is no carpentry involved. A modular kitchen set up is done in a matter of hours. In case of damage it’s easier to repair and one can upgrade the kitchen as and when one wants a new look, by just replacing the fronts or doors,” explains Alok Duggal, Founder and COO, Homestudio.com.
A modular kitchen with inbuilt appliances from Homestudio.com. Photo courtesy: India Today Home
Deconstructing a modular marvel
“Cabinets, innovative pull-out drawers, shelves and shutters, are essential parts to place all kitchen and cooking essentials. Customised space is made to install cooker hoods, cooking range, and other gizmos,” says Mathur. The best part, they come in a variety of customisable shapes to suit individual kitchen needs.
Does size matter?
“Since these are cabinets in huge range of dimensions and types, any size/layout can be done. It purely depends on the layout of the room,” says Duggal.
Price Rs 1 lakh onwards
Plan the kitchen layout
An L-shaped open kitchen from Homestudio.com. Photo courtesy: India Today Home
When designing the layout of the kitchen remember the phrase work triangle. This is the triangle is formed between the cooking range, sink and the refrigerator. No leg of the triangle should be more than 9ft and less than 4ft. The total sum of the three legs should not exceed 26ft. “Over the years, kitchens have moved up the ladder in priority more than any other room in the house. Therefore, layouts very important,” says Duggal. Kitchens are divided into four main areas or zone, cooking, washing, preparation and storage. Remember, a well balanced kitchen keeps all these parameters in mind.
Follow the blueprint
According to Duggal, if you entertain often, an island kitchen is preferable, whereas if the space is smaller go for an L-shaped kitchen. “However, for large kitchens with work top going around the kitchen, a rectangular space is the best option. But creating the right space with adequate storage is the key ingredient in a kitchen,” he adds. The galley, or corridor style kitchen has two straight runs on either side. Typically the sink is on one side and the cooking range is on the other. Only drawback is traffic flow. The L-shaped layout offers more privacy, add an island if you want to interact with people while cooking. U-shaped offers maximum storage and counter space. Experts at Pepperfry’s Mangiamo Kitchens say that straight, U-shaped, parallel and L-shaped are very popular and in demand these days.
Interactive kitchen designs
“Like Europe, the Indian kitchen is becoming the centre of home life and entertainment. Therefore, concepts like open and island kitchens with a small coffee table or dining set-up are gaining tremendous popularity,” says Juergen Wolf, Managing Director, Hafele India.
Build it in
“Integration of built-in appliances in an existing kitchen requires some amount of back-work (especially if the kitchen is not modular). It follows the same designing principles of modular kitchens where the cabinet heights and depths are standard while the width can vary as per customer requirements,” says Wolf. Most of the built-in appliances available in the market are in standard sizes as per the cabinet modules.Price Rs 20,000 onwards (appliances)
How to stack, stash store
Drawer organiser from Hettich. Photo courtesy: India Today Home
Who doesn’t want a clutter free and well organised kitchen? The number one reason why people end up with disorganised and messy cooking spaces is because they missed an essential aspect, the storage. Gone are the days when placing as many cupboards on the walls and drawers below the counter was the best storage solution. Now there are pull outs and pull downs, prefabricated wire baskets, organiser trays and corner carousels to name a few. In fact, built around the concept of modularity coupled with contemporary designs, the Cargo series wire baskets from kitchens fittings giant, Hettich can come to your rescue and transform any piece of furniture into an efficient storage solution.
Think ergonomically
With home spaces getting smaller, efficient utilisation of space becomes imperative. Ergonomics help in ensuring that no part of the kitchen is left unused. This is where the “Science of Comfort Design” comes into play. According to Hettich’s intelligent kitchens concept, there are few important points to bear in mind when planning your kitchen. For instance, the platform height in the kitchen should to be according to height of the person using the kitchen. Another way to turn your cook room into a an efficient workspace is with clever storage. Hettich has on offer larder units, bottle pull-outs that are accessible from both sides, Dispenser Duo (a compact storage system), corner solutions like a carousel and blind corner options like Magic Corners and CargoMan, which are easy to use and perfect for storing anything from utensils to food.
CargoMan, corner solution from Hettich. Photo courtesy: India Today Home
Make it functional
As per Hettich, wall units should be planned such that it is easy to reach items, thus full extension drawers like pull out kitchen shelves in wire ensure that you can see and access the backmost corner. Further the brand believes that an organiser system inside the drawers is a must. It is best to keep your provisions somewhere out of the way and yet within easy reach. Also, why waste space. Hettich says that there is a lot of space under and beside the sink for storing cleaning products and separating waste; they have under sink solution and Dish Drainers, to utlise this space.
The add ons
Hettich even has an efficient damping system that minimises noise and stress levels in kitchen fittings. The silent system brakes the closing movement. Further, multiple options in bottle/spice pull outs all you to use every inch of the kitchen. Dish Drainers also offer the options of shifting the water collecting tray to any level. Price on request.
Let the counter define the look
Kitchen concept titled Aliant by Stosa Cucine at Mirius Interni. Photo courtesy: India Today Home
One of the most neglected area (which also happens to be the most used), in the kitchen is the countertop. From bearing witness to chopping and blending, mixing and grinding, a countertop is used for just about everything. Here are a few trends to follow to spruce it up.
On trend, quartz
“From the initial and age-old preferences of marble and granite, homeowners are now looking at innovative materials like quartz surfaces for kitchen countertops. Unlike marble or granite, quartz is an engineered stone that can be rendered in many colours and textures while giving the same amount of tenacityand endurance of conventional marble or granite,” says Wolf. The material is very durable with low maintenance. The best part? It is nonporous, meaning it’s highly stain resistant, making it safe from oils, liquid, and most home cleaning products.
The thicker, the better
Globally, countertops are getting thicker. From 1.25 inches to now 2.25 inches thick. What this does is emphasise your countertop and make it the focal point of your kitchen. Of course, do bear in mind the thicker the countertop the more expensive it is. Also, remember not to over do it, else the kitchen can end up looking ghastly.
Still steeling the spotlight
Though stainless steel countertops have been in the market for quite some time now, they have slowly and steadily become a popular choice. “A stainless kitchen looks futuristic as is completely in sync with modern day houses. The new trend is to combine it with other materials such as wood or marble,” says Deepikka Jindal, Creative Director and MD JSL Lifestyle.
Use colour to highlight it
Stylish, sleek and sophisticated, grey colour schemes are scoring high on kitchen countertop popularity charts. They are neutral and go with just about anything. The scheme is a breath of fresh air in sunny and humid cites. But where it gets very cold and cloudy, grey tones can appear clinical. In such a scenario, team it with colourful accents to perk it up. Price Rs 2,000 onwards