Modular Kitchens DE-CODED: Common Kitchen Layouts

So what is this great hoopla about modular kitchens? Are they just fashion statements? A passing fancy? What makes a modular kitchen better than the one we have in our own home? For generations our kitchens have remained more or less the same – thinking of the food cooked by grandmother’s and mothers still makes ones mouth water.

Essentially, as the term ‘modular’ suggests, these kitchens are made out of different modules. This makes them easy to install, customize and even move. The benefits and other features of modular kitchens shall be covered in detail in the coming posts. For now, the attraction of a modular kitchen lies in the fact that it combines aesthetics with functionality.

Students of hospitality and culinary studies learn that certain foods (meat, vegetables, dairy products, fish, etc) need to be cut on different boards. There is a dry area in the kitchens, as is a wet area. Many of us either know these things inherently or learn from experience.

Modular kitchens are designed keeping these same principles in mind: storage, preparation, waste, cutlery, utensils. The underlying idea is to keep distances short, make the work station practical and comfortable while also utilizing today’s technological advances.

The following are some of the most common layouts of a kitchen:

Straight Line Kitchen:

The ideal kitchen layout for for narrow kitchens in small and medium sized homes. Notice how all the appliances and cabinets are along one wall - efficient and effective.

3-D Straight Line Kitchen

Straight Line Modular Kitchen: Courtesy Timbor Cucine Vadodara

C-Shaped Kitchen/U- Shaped Kitchen:

A versatile layout for both small and large spaces. Allows for a lot of free worktop and storage space. 

L Shaped Kitchen:
Most popular layout. Ideal for entertaining. The layout provides plenty of accessible storage and space for dining as well.

3-D Representation: L Shaped Kitchen

L Shaped: Timbor Cucine, Vastral

Island Kitchen:

Uses space efficiently. Allows one to attend to guests while working in the kitchen. Has become very popular nowadays. Is essentially a straight line kitchen with an add-on.

3-D Representation: Island Kitchen

Modular Kitchens - quite the rage!

The Western consumer is quite aware and has thus created the demand for modular kitchens, and India too is seeing a surge in this demand. The modular kitchen concept is based on the idea that the kitchen is not just a room to cook and eat, but also a space where the family gathers for relaxation and comfort, made in such a way so as to utilize optimum space.

Timbor Home’s modular kitchens are based on this very idea and so as to cater to all consumer segments, they have two separate brands for modular kitchens, ‘Timbor Cucine’ and the higher-end ‘IKI Kitchen.’

Many of the new-age home owners have shown a preference for modular kitchens and furniture. Consumers usually search out and finalize their designs while the house is getting built/furnished etc. This saves a lot of time as the modular kitchen is only installed once all the other aspects of the kitchen building site are complete.

Take a look at some of the IKI kitchen designs:

Simple wood front panels contrast with green laminated wall units give a simple yet contemporary look to the kitchen.

The straight design with wall unit and side units in contrast color add to the overall look of the kitchen.

The Hi gloss lacquer teamed with aluminium give a very modern and classy look. 

Open glass fronted drawers add to the aesthetics of the design.

High gloss laminated front doors invite you to be tactile. They harmonize perfectly with the open glass fronted drawers. The aluminium tambor unit with aluminum framed glass shutters, create a picture of sheer elegance and timelessness!

Blending Luxury and Efficiency in the Kitchen

The kitchen does not have to be a place where one’s meals are prepared. Gone are the days where one’s kitchen was just a space in the home. Today kitchens reign at drawing room conversations. It is not very difficult to add to one’s style quotient with a well planned and designed kitchen. The main consideration is to remember that apart from looking good on the surface, one’s kitchen needs to be practical as well. The following are some basic essentials that a luxury kitchen should encompass.

Mr. Anant Maloo, CMD of Timbor Home Ltd., has always emphasized that it is the birthright of a woman to have a good kitchen that reflects her own personal style. A kitchen is often ‘the place’ when it comes to parties at home. Similar to the ‘office cooler’ where people gather and discuss work happenings, casual parties have a lot of people coming and out of the kitchen, especially if it is the host/hostess that is preparing the food.

The first consideration for a luxury kitchen is to have a kitchen island that will provide a platform for conversation and lounging. A kitchen island that is broad with a sleek countertop of coloured granite or wood is quite popular. Open kitchens too are becoming quite the rage nowadays. Depending on space available, it is also a good idea to have a country-style wooden table in one corner of the kitchen, preferably close to a window.

Ample storage is extremely important in a kitchen. Another factor that needs to be considered is to have defined clear work areas. There should be separate areas for cooking, baking, and other such activities. Having the appropriate appliances placed at these areas makes working in the kitchen so much easier. There are innumerable kitchen gadgets available today; the ones which have concealing options can give a seamless look to the countertop, mixing style with practicality. Having a space for cleaning/drying just adjacent to the main kitchen comes very handy during family and other occasions.

Cabinets in wood or with a steel finish make quite an impact. Hard wood flooring in the kitchen is a popular trend. Lighting in the kitchen cannot be forgotten. One should make provisions for task as well as ambient lighting. 

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