Things to keep in mind while planning a Modular Kitchen in India
The Kitchen is the most used (read: abused) part of the house. Many women and families end up spending maximum time in the Kitchen. Some use the space as a family gathering space too, while cooking elaborate meals. Others prefer quick meals or hire professionals. Hence each person has distinct needs which need to be catered to, while designing a Kitchen.
Before you begin planning a new Kitchen, here are somethings you should be clear about:
1) Family Setup: If you live in a joint family with elderly people and children, then you should plan your storage at lower levels.
2) Will you hire professional help who will use the Kitchen mostly? then you may want to store things used most by the help separately.
3) Stocking patterns: Do you stock for a week or for a month?
4) The budget: which is obvious
Once you have these steps sorted, think about the work flow. Usually, a Modular Kitchen involves cooking, stocking, washing, and an area to keep prepared food. Usually these areas should not be less than 3 ft apart, to avoid a crampy look. But much depends on the space you have.
Here are some layout designs you could consider:
The Straight Line – this is most suited for small narrow spaces. In this layout, all the work area is set against a single wall. The production chain is linear. It is cost-effective and looks sleek. However, this kind of layout does not provide for adequate work and storage space.
The Galley – in this Modular Kitchen plan is flanked by work platforms on either side. Many consider this to be an ideal layout in terms of efficiency. Less movement per task. The only major drawback is that if the space is too narrow, the space would get easily crowded.
The U-shaped Modular Kitchen in faridabad – this type of design is ideal for a large space. It has platforms running along three walls, forming a U. this design provides for a lot of work and storage space. However if the space between the platforms is too wide, the travel distance during a normal cooking process will be too long and could be tiring.
The L-shaped Modular Kitchen – this is the contemporary Modular Kitchen designs in India. The platform runs along two perpendicular walls. The principle of the work triangle can best be demonstrated in the Kitchen.
The Peninsular Modular Kitchen – again applicable to a large space, This layout has an independent counter which can be used for breakfast or snacky meals. This layout works best in open Kitchen.
The Island Modular Kitchen – the distinct feature of this Kitchen layout is that there is a counter in the middle of the room. This type of plan requires a huge amount of space, but it works well for families that spend a lot of time in the Modular Kitchen. Also, this layout works well in planning commercial Modular Kitchen.
Standard Measurements
Here are some standard measurements you could follow as thumb rules.
• Height of counter-top from floor to work surface – 36″
• Width of platform – 24″
• Thickness of stone used for platform – 1 ½ ”
• Thickness of platform skirting – 1″- 4″
• Height of base unit – 34 ½ ”
• Width of base unit – 24″
• Distance between platform and overhead wall unit – 24″
• Height of wall unit from counter – 18″
• Width of wall unit – 9″-18″
• Thickness of shelves – 3/4″
• Maximum total height from the floor to overhead cabinets – 78″
• Width of platform – 24″
• Thickness of stone used for platform – 1 ½ ”
• Thickness of platform skirting – 1″- 4″
• Height of base unit – 34 ½ ”
• Width of base unit – 24″
• Distance between platform and overhead wall unit – 24″
• Height of wall unit from counter – 18″
• Width of wall unit – 9″-18″
• Thickness of shelves – 3/4″
• Maximum total height from the floor to overhead cabinets – 78″
Fire and Ventilation
Since Modular Kitchen are synonamous with smoke and fumes, one should provide for efficient ventilation and the best way of doing this is with large windows. Where this is not possible, exhaust fans and chimneys are practical alternatives.The exhaust should be placed close to the hob and should have a separate plug point.
If you are planning on installing a chimney, the ducting has to be done in the initial stages of renovation itself. It should be placed directly over the hob at a minimum distance of 24″. Ideally, it should be fitted on an exterior wall.
Vastu Tips:
Here are some Vastu tips you must consider:
- The Modular Kitchen should be in the South-East corner of the house as the Element Fire governs in that direction. However, the North-West could be taken as an alternative.
- Ideally, the hob should be placed in the South-East in such a way that while cooking the person faces the East.
- Water should be in the opposite direction of the cooking gas.
- Avoid placing the dining table in the center of the Modular Kitchen, and place it in the North-west direction, if possible.
- Electric equipment like microwave, oven or refrigerator should be placed in South-west.
- The slope of the water flow should be from Southwest towards Northeast.
- The exhaust fan should be installed either in the Northwest corner or the South wall.
Happy Kitchen Planning and cooking.
Interested in Kitchens? Check out our post on the practical side of Modular Kitchen accessories.
