Your kitchen, your space

Doing up your kitchen and home this festive season? From modular kitchen boutiques to designer furniture, retailers are all set to woo its customers with trendy designs and decor

Homes are a reflection of one’s own self as it reflects the taste, style and personality of its owner. Adding the finishing touches to the interiors of a home can be quite daunting. Design and aesthetics, therefore, play a key role in the décor of a home.
Interestingly, technology integration in home furniture is a trend today and is seen to be moving in good volumes. The key is in the details and the prime importance in any kitchen design is to get the geometry of the space right along with the function, flow, scale, proportion and balance. According to Jain Varghese, proprietor, Casa Modular and Interiors, a stylish, well-organized kitchen is the way to go. A good example of this is the trend in modular kitchens. “It is compact, hassle-free, and all items are within reach. Moreover, it is easier to re-design it unlike a wooden or steel kitchen,” says Varghese.

Traditionally, Indian homes look for functionality. Hence, today we see a combination of functionality and aesthetics that are playing a key role, and products which have the combination of these, move faster. “Another very basic and common measure of functionality is the kitchen triangle that connects between preparation, cooking and cleaning areas. It should be kept minimum and not exceed 20 feet to ensure comfort as well as save time,” says Kochi based interior designer, Smitha Naik, of SNSofDESIGN.

Types of kitchen designs:
 The single line kitchen: This is the simplest kitchen, also called galley kitchen in a narrow space. It gives an efficient and streamlined appearance as all the storage units and appliances are installed besides one another along the wall. 
 The two-line kitchen: Also called double galley kitchen, this is wider version of a single galley kitchen, where facing walls forms the kitchen. The distance between the two galleys must be sufficient enough, such that it does not bump into equipment on the other side while working.
 Island kitchen: One way of having an uncluttered kitchen is by opting for a kitchen island which serves as an additional workspace in the scullery.  This kitchen is practical in rooms where space is plentiful.
 The L shaped kitchen:  The main advantage of an L-shape kitchen is that, it makes space available for eating area or other family activities. It provides place for more than one person, working in the kitchen at the same time.
 U-shaped kitchen: The U-shape kitchen offers the most efficient and effective design solutions. Abundant storage space is available with cabinets all around the room. Storage is not a problem with sufficient space for appliances and cupboard.

Intelligent design of storage
Naik believes design of storage in itself has to be creative as based on technical aspects. She stresses the need for good storages space and a good floor space in an ideal kitchen for any Indian home. That includes, kitchen cabinets, steel racks, overhead storage, as well as accessories.

In any kitchen, food storage is very important and dictates its own storage requirement. Avoid storing vegetables too close to an oven or a hob. Most of cutlery must be stored below worktop. Drawers are still the best storage option for cutlery. 

Accessories have dual functions to perform- utility and decor. The designer accessories available for the kitchen, makes the kitchen the focal point of the home. Wired accessories are becoming increasingly popular in the kitchen.
Different styles of storage can break the monotony of a long cupboard area. Crockery, cutlery and glassware are stored at overhead storage unit. Moreover, cabinets and shutters are crucial and play an important role in deciding the looks of your kitchen. 

These small thoughts and ideas will help make each day more productive. Remember, a happy home starts with a well-designed kitchen.