Layouts, cabinets, pull-outs, countertops – if this is the first time you are designing a modular kitchen for your home, be ready to be bombarded with terms and figures that will go over your mind. Wondering what all pointers should be kept in mind when you meet an interior designer or venture out in the kitchen market? Here is a go-to rulebook for the first-timers on how to get started with your modular kitchen design and plan.
#1. Identify Your Kitchen Work Triangle
For the uninitiated, a kitchen work triangle constitutes your refrigerator, sink and hob. A large part of choosing a kitchen layout is deciding how these three essential items interact with each other, i.e. the location of and the space between each. Draw up a rough sketch of your kitchen space first before thinking of a layout.
The standard counter height is related to the average Indian height which is generally between 820 mm to 860 mm. Ensure that the distance between your kitchen cabinets and the countertop should not be too much as the upward it goes, the more difficult it is for you to reach the upper shelves.
#3. Choose Colours wisely
Always remember that it is you who will need to maintain the kitchen colour in the longer run. Avoid an all-white kitchen simply because it demands consistent cleaning and is high on maintenance. But that does not mean you blindly opt for bright hues. After all, darker shades attract more heat, especially in summers. You could always mix and match the two to maintain the overall harmony. Also, make sure your kitchen colour should go with your overall home décor as well.
#4. Ventilation is the key
Cooking is one activity which generates a lot of heat. While most of the kitchens have a chimney or an exhaust fan or both to vent out the frying fumes outside the kitchen area. A door next to the kitchen which opens out in the balcony or the washing area is also necessary as it allows fresh air to come inside when not cooking. This will also make sure that the smoke doesn’t amass inside your house.
#5. … and lighting too
Nothing can beat the brightness and warmth of the natural light seeping inside your kitchen through the window. However, there should be ample natural light as well as overhead lighting in the kitchen, especially falling on the countertop where most of the action happens. Even under cabinet lights are becoming popular owing to their direct shine it provides on the countertops which are a big plus for cooking at night.
#6. Safety First
From proper gas piping where leaking is prohibited to curve countertops edges, your kitchen should be a safe place to work in. Even the flooring you choose should be slip-resistant and easy to clean from constant spills and breaks. Place your appliances close to the switchboard which should be at a distance from the basin and your stove.
#7. Don’t ignore corner spaces
Often, while creating storage shelves and cabinets in the kitchen, we ignore the corners thinking it will be of no use. However, with modular kitchen designs that are easy to use and an introduction of blind corner cabinets, you can utilize your kitchen corner space to the fullest. After all, who complains about more kitchen storage options?
#8. Trash it right
If you prefer to keep all the trash outside your kitchen, then you could buy a large steel garbage container that is regularly cleaned. However, if you’d like to keep your bin away from the public eye, you can ask for built-in bins that are constructed behind the cabinet door and also has the option to separate waste as dry and wet making it easier for you to go the eco-friendly way.
