Things to keep in mind before installing Modular Kitchen

Cooking in our desi households is a whole different ball game from the typical Western setups. Thus, our kitchens must account for our culinary habits. And Indian style kitchen design has its own rules.

Things to keep in mind before installing Modular Kitchen

Modular kitchens are practical, manageable, stylish and technical. But before you get carried away with all the amazing designs on offering, you need to pay attention to these technical aspects to have a hassle-free kitchen in your house.

Good health is the key to staying positive and happy and leading a contented life.

It would not be an overstatement to declare the kitchen as the most important part of a house. This is the place from where the fuel to nourish our body and soul comes. This is why it is of utmost importance to construct this part in such a way that all the positive energy surrounds it. Vastu would help you do that.

Vastu Tips for Kitchen

To put it bluntly, you need an Indian style kitchen design to ensure that your ‘chounks’ and ‘tadkas’ don’t do any permanent damage! We are sure you have many questions; so do several other people who are beginning to think about their new kitchen design.

#1: Do I really need a modular kitchen and is it suitable for Indian cooking?

The primary reason for this is that modular furniture makes your kitchen efficient and saves time. Thus, to sustain our busy modern lives, we need modular kitchens. Moreover, modular kitchens can be installed faster and moved from one home to another if required. And don’t forget all the accessories you can install to make your life easy!

#2: I am confused about kitchen layouts. Are open kitchens good for Indian homes?

Traditionally, Indian kitchens were always closed. And one might be tempted to think that closed kitchens are better for desi homes with all our flamboyant cooking. However, both open and closed layouts have their own pros and cons. It depends on your priorities and lifestyle choices.

#3: According to Indian Kitchen, How we manage Compartmentalise storage?

With a modular kitchen, you can personalise compartments and optimise all your storage space. If you have a big family, you are likely to own more, and probably larger utensils. Consider creating differently-sized sections for your utensils and gadgets, just like this one does – the section right below the gas stove fits in the bigger pots, pans and kadais.

Sectional drawers in modular kitchens are great – they reduce effort and help organise kitchen life better. Stocking your spoons, knives, etc. in this space, makes them easy to find when in a rush. Store items that you use the most on the upper-shelves. Design your kitchen so that it fits your working process and not the other way around.

#4: Since Indian cooking is extensive, what kind of wood is suitable for our kitchens?

Solid wood kitchens cabinets are not very common in India. Firstly because it is very expensive; secondly, it requires a phenomenal amount of maintenance. What we see instead is the use of plywood with a range of finishes. Typically, BWR (boiling water resistant) plywood is used for the wet zones in the kitchen. For the rest, any other variety of engineered wood or plywood can be used. The quality and properties of the plywood determine the cost and durability of the kitchen.

#5: Define Electrical fixtures

Slots for electrical and plumbing points need to be kept in mind before designing the space, especially for apartments. In case of an independent house, these can be planned in accordance to modular units. Ensure an easy outlet for water.

#6: What appliances must I have in my kitchen for staple Indian cooking?

Chimney is a must in any Indian style kitchen design. Moreover, an over or a microwave (in some cases both) have become staples in any kitchen these days. The choice is to either create hollow open cabinets for them or have inbuilt appliances. The hob too can either be inbuilt or placed separately. Inbuilt appliances look more seamless and are space-efficient.

Appliances like dishwashers are not exactly indispensable for Indian kitchens as most people have household help to do dishes. Other appliances like air-fryer, mixer-grinder etc. can be placed inside tambour units (with roller shutters).

#7: If I want to cook full pot Indian meals, what kind of finishes and colour scheme should I choose?

‘Finish’ is basically the outermost layer of your kitchen cabinets. Typically, you would choose the finish depending on how you use your kitchen.

  • If you have a hired cook, you might want to stick with laminate finishes that are affordable and easy to clean.
  • Won’t use your kitchen extensively? Membrane is ideal for a seamless look and a kitchen does not get used too much.
  • Acrylic, the most expensive finish, has a glossy look and is extremely easy to clean.

While we have refrained from recommending a finish for Indian kitchens, the same is not true for colours. Considering the affinity for curry stains and oil spills, it’s best for Indian kitchens to have dark coloured base cabinets. But if your kitchen is really compact, stick with neutrals or white.

#8: Do Indian kitchens need open storage?

In a typical Indian kitchen, the spices used on a regular basis are above 10 in number. Considering we use so many spices in our food, it usually makes sense to have at least a few open shelves or spice racks.

Bring in good ventilation

Proper ventilation is the rule of thumb for any kitchen. Your kitchen should have a whiff of deliciousness and not overpowering smells that repel. You don’t want to go on a sneezing spree because of frying chillies or garlic! That’s why a modular kitchen is quite incomplete without a chimney or a good exhaust. A chimney is worth investing in – it sits right on top of the gas to absorb in all the masala fumes.

Add the Final Touch

Don’t forget to add the right lighting in your kitchen. Choose LED fixtures that are not only a more durable option but are also energy-efficient and eco-friendly. Glam-up your kitchen and watch your dream space come to life.

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