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Tips and strategies for modular kitchen interior design
Modular kitchen design is all about creating a space that makes cooking and preparing food an enjoyable experience, while also impressing and entertaining guests.
Unlike traditional/non-modular kitchens, these kitchens are designed with pre-made cabinets and modules that can be easily assembled, making it more challenging to plan the design.
That’s why we are here to share some tips and tricks based on our experience of handling many such design projects.
With these creative ways to design and decorate your modular kitchen, you can transform it into a functional and stylish space that meets your specific needs.
Planning the layout
When it comes to designing your modular kitchen, choosing the right layout is crucial.
So, what are your options for the layout? Well, it depends on the size of your room. However, you have 3 options to choose from – straight, L-shaped, or U-shaped.
Why does the layout matter? A well-chosen layout makes it easy to prepare food (we designers refer to it as “easy workflow”).
The “Kitchen Triangle”
Many designers suggest following the kitchen triangle rule, which means that the stove, the refrigerator, and the sink should be the focal points of the kitchen, and the distance between each of them should be between 4 to 9 feet.
Explanation of the rule: The sink, stove, and refrigerator are the most essential items in cooking and preparing food – the number one function of a kitchen. Having them close in a triangle like that will make it easier for you to cook.
Tips for following the kitchen triangle rule
Drawing up a rough sketch of your kitchen space before deciding on the layout can help you find the location and space between each point.
You can place your stove and refrigerator opposite each other with the sink in the centre, forming a triangle.
Also, consider placing other frequently used appliances closer to the refrigerator to make the golden triangle more user-friendly.
Selecting building and surface materials
Experienced interior designers recommend low-maintenance materials like wood or glass for cabinets, stainless sinks, and marble kitchen countertops.
These materials make cleaning your space simple and quick, allowing for easy access to every nook and corner of your kitchen.
If you are choosing between different kinds of wood boards
Go for BWR (boiling water resistant) plywood instead of less durable materials like MDF, HDF or particle board which may get damaged in moisture-laden conditions.
When it comes to the exterior finish of the kitchen cabinetry, you have a choice between acrylic, laminate, membrane finish, and duco paint finish.
By selecting the right building and surface materials for your modular kitchen, you can ensure that your space is not only stylish but also functional and easy to maintain.
In addition, here are the best flooring materials for the kitchen.
Choosing appliances and related issues
Choose your appliances during the design phase itself, so they can be integrated into the layout according to their sizes.
It’s also important to introduce adequate plug points for all the appliances you plan to use in your kitchen.
Make sure to finalise the position of the cooktop-cum-chimney unit, and choose a chimney with high suction power to eliminate odours and create a smoke-free space.
By selecting the right appliances for your modular kitchen, you can enhance its practical use and make your cooking experience a pleasure.
Make sure you have sufficient storage capacity
From appliances when they’re not being used to dishes and also food materials and supplies – there are many storage requirements in a kitchen.
- To keep everything organised and within reach, use differently-sized drawers and cabinets for storing spices, pots, cutlery, utensils, and electronic appliances.
- Don’t over-depend on the countertop – keeping the countertop cluttered is a kitchen interior mistake to avoid.
- A dedicated pantry unit can store all your dry ingredients, while increasing the height of the overhead cabinets will optimise vertical storage.
- Make sure there are no gaps between the overhead cabinets and the ceiling, as they tend to accumulate dust.
- Sectional drawers are also a great storage option that can help you efficiently organise your kitchen.
- Consider a pull-out pantry or a standard pantry unit with a winged door mechanism to store crockery or dry food items.
With smart storage options, you can make the most out of your modular kitchen. Indeed, smart storage is an intrinsic part of home interior design.
Deciding the colour combination
When deciding the colour combination for your modular kitchen, keep in mind the long-term maintenance requirements.
Avoid all-white kitchens as they are high on maintenance and can easily show tough stains.
Consider a single colour or a two-tone colour scheme with contrasting colours.
For the kitchen cabinets: Go for a matte finish as it hides fingerprints and smudges better than a glossy finish.
Keep in mind that darker shades tend to attract more heat, especially in summers, so choose a combination of colours that maintain an overall harmonious look.
Optimise the lighting
In fact, optimising the lighting is a key traditional/non-modular kitchen design tip.
While ceiling lighting is important for general illumination, overhead cabinets can create shadows and dark spots on the countertop.
To address this, it’s advisable to install under-cabinet lighting to ensure proper task lighting for food preparation and cooking.
Aside from artificial lighting, natural light can also be utilised to brighten up your kitchen during the day.
However, it’s important to ensure adequate lighting for evenings and night time.
By optimising your lighting, you can create a bright and welcoming atmosphere in your modular kitchen.
Safety issues
Safety is a crucial aspect to keep in mind while planning any kitchen room design. Safety measures can range from ensuring proper gas piping to choosing curved edges for your countertops.
It’s also important to choose slip-resistant flooring to prevent accidents in the kitchen.
Placing appliances near the switchboard and creating space between the basin and stove can help prevent electric shock and other accidents.
Modular kitchen design tips – main conclusions
Here are the key ways to design and decorate your modular kitchen – recapped:
- Planning the layout with the kitchen triangle rule in mind is important for easy workflow.
- Selecting the right building and surface materials, appliances, and storage capacity can make a significant difference in the functionality of the kitchen.
- When deciding on the colour scheme, it’s important to keep maintenance requirements in mind.
- Optimising the lighting and taking safety measures are also crucial aspects to consider.
By following these tips and tricks, you can create a modular kitchen that is not only efficient and practical but also reflects your personal style.
Ready to design your modular kitchen?
We hope that our tips have given you some inspiration to plan your own modular kitchen design.
If you’re looking for more ideas, check out our interior design portfolio for additional inspiration.
If your overall space is small, consider our small kitchen design tips blog for ideas.
If you’re ready to take the next step and design your own modular kitchen, or if you have any design queries, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Our team of experienced professionals is ready to assist you in creating the kitchen of your dreams.
