While buying modular kitchens...

With exposure to global lifestyles and cultures, our own lives are changing. This also changes the way we look at our own homes, and especially our kitchens. From open kitchens with built-in appliances to a lounge where one can socialise, the definition of a kitchen is evolving into an experience of comfort and style. Kitchens today have become places to socialise and to celebrate; and the modern day modular kitchens are serving this purpose, along with being utilitarian.

The world of modular kitchens is also fast evolving today. Increasing open-shelfing options, and a growing array of colourful fixtures and globally influenced appliances are providing a multifunctional touch to them. As kitchens are becoming the focal point of socialisation, an island counter or counter height tables are considered trendy choices. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you plan your kitchen before buying one.

The most important thing to keep in mind while planning a kitchen is to design it considering the usage and availability of space, thus making the design eloquent. India is a diverse place where cooking styles and needs vary, therefore the kitchen requirements vary too. The fundamental things that a user should be looking at while doing up their kitchens would be:

Height of the kitchen

The height of the kitchen counters and shelves should be such that every part of the kitchen is accessible and easy to use. Safe and easy cooking requires that the counters of the kitchen be in accordance with the users’ height, so that theirshoulders don’t shrug while working, or the person doesn’t need something to step on, while working.

Layout & accessibility

While cooking, there are many things which a cook needs to shuffle in and out of. For this, the layout of the kitchen should be designed according to the working triangle rule. This consists of three fundamental workstations, i.e., the sink, refrigerator and the cooking hob/range. The triangle is measured from the centre of the sink to the top of refrigerator to the centre of the cooktop or cooking range. To ensure maximum efficiency, the work triangle perimeter should be at least 12 feet, but not exceed 26 feet.

Accessories

Minimalistic yet useful, accessories help in organising the kitchen, and at the same time, add a signature style to one’s kitchen. (Example: Hanging storage shelves, cutlery hangers, cloth piece dryer, dustbin holders etc.)

Storage

There are two kinds of storage that a user looks at — active and passive storages, based on the frequency of usage of things and how they are stored. A modular kitchen should suffice for both storage needs.

Material

The need of material changes widely across users and locations. A place with high humidity will call for a kitchen with Marine Ply (for its water resistance properties); a place which is prone to attacks of termites and insects would require a steel kitchen (for its anti-infestation properties) and so on. While
deciding on the material, users also look at how easily a kitchen can be cleaned Indian cooking
As Indian cooking is full of masala, oil, curries etc. or wet cooking, kitchens need to have features that facilitate such cooking techniques. This would include features like durability, water resistance, ample storage space and easy maintenance.

Shape & design

The shape and design of the modular kitchen is also a factor that customers take into consideration. Some of the most popular and common designs include the ‘L’ shape, ‘C’ shape and ‘U’ shape. The style of parallel counters is also seen in many homes.

For small kitchen spaces, ‘L’ shape and ‘U’ shape modular kitchens are the best. Customers having large kitchen spaces can also experiment with kitchen islands in modular kitchens.

(The author is assistant general manager  Design, Cuisine Regale)