A Â good kitchen transcends its utilitarian purpose of food preparation. In a country like India, where the language, culture and cuisine changes every 100km traveled, the cookie-cutter modular kitchens prevalent today is far from the right fit. By understanding the nuances of Indian cooking styles – from the spices of Kerala to the large vessels used in Punjab – and incorporating dedicated storage solutions for those needs, a kitchen can be transformed from generic to truly user-friendly.
The key to designing successful modular kitchens in India lies in customization and regional relevance. Indian kitchens deserve smart storage solutions designed for the unique demands of regional cuisine. Imagine pull-out drawers with compartments specifically for storing pulses, grains and essential masalas in airtight containers. Dedicated pull-out rack for Pans. Integrating the rice cooker with a roll-up shutter. The ideas can be endless. Here’s how to go about designing a perfect modular kitchen with Indian values
Prioritize for workflow: Indian cooking often involves multiple steps and utensils. Design a layout that promotes a smooth workflow. L-shaped or U-shaped layouts are popular choices, as they allow for a designated prep area, cooking zone, and cleaning station. It is also imperative to understand who all might cook, how many people might use the kitchen simultaneously and how to prioritize flow so it’s uninterrupted.
Ample Storage: Indian kitchens tend to have a lot of utensils, spices, and ingredients. Maximize storage with pull-out drawers, deep shelves, and overhead cabinets. Consider dedicated sections for grains, pulses, and spices. We at Dekanhaus start by surveying your existing kitchen, your storage and buying patterns and give a design solution accordingly.
Material and Durability:
Easy to Clean: Indian cooking can involve strong spices and oils. opt for materials that are easy to wipe down and maintain, like granite countertops, vitrified tiles and acrylic finishes.
Heat and Moisture Resistance: Indian kitchens tend to be humid and experience frequent temperature changes. Choose materials that can withstand these conditions, like BWP Plywood or High Density High Moisture Resistant (HDHMR) Boards for cabinets
A Touch of Tradition:
Ethnic Touches: Incorporate elements that reflect your cultural background. This could be beautiful brass hardware, hand-painted tiles with traditional motifs, or a decorative puja unit for storing religious items. We can also plan to incorporate into the modular design a clay-pot for drinking water in summers
The Right Colors: Consider colors that evoke a sense of warmth and vibrancy. Kitchen wall cabinets which are visible to our eyes at all times can preferably be lighter, brighter tones giving a sense of openness and calm. The base cabinets underneath the countertop can be contrasted to have darker tones, thus being easier to clean and hide stains while also balancing the color palette.
Modern Conveniences:
- Built-in Appliances: Integrating the right kind of modern appliances is a key challenge. We
recommend BLDC motors for the fluctuation generally seen in our electricity grid. Chimneys with higher suction capacity, self cleaning ones are recommended. Stainless steel/glass
cooktops which are non-corrosive, non-reactive and easier to maintain. - Smart Storage Solutions: Utilize space-saving solutions like corner cabinets, pull-out shelves, and utensil organizers for efficient storage. A roll-up shutter with sockets inside can be a perfect hideaway for all our appliances like a wet-grinder, rice-cooker, blenders etc.
Additional Considerations:
Lighting: Ensure proper task lighting in the prep and cooking zones. Warm ambient lighting can create a welcoming atmosphere.
Ventilation: A good ventilation system is essential to remove heat, moisture, and cooking odors.
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