PLAN THE KITCHEN LAYOUT
When designing the layout of the kitchen remember the phrase work triangle. This is the triangle is formed between the cooking range, sink and the refrigerator. No leg of the triangle should be more than 9ft and less than 4ft. The total sum of the three legs should not exceed 26ft. “Over the years, kitchens have moved up the ladder in priority more than any other room in the house. Therefore, layouts very important,” says Duggal. Kitchens are divided into four main areas or zone, cooking, washing, preparation and storage. Remember, a well balanced kitchen keeps all these parameters in mind.
FOLLOW THE BLUEPRINT
According to Duggal, if you entertain often, an island kitchen is preferable, whereas if the space is smaller go for an L-shaped kitchen. “However, for large kitchens with work top going around the kitchen, a rectangular space is the best option. But creating the right space with adequate storage is the key ingredient in a kitchen,” he adds. The galley, or corridor style kitchen has two straight runs on either side. Typically the sink is on one side and the cooking range is on the other. Only drawback is traffic flow. The L-shaped layout offers more privacy, add an island if you want to interact with people while cooking. U-shaped offers maximum storage and counter space. Experts at Pepperfry’s Mangiamo Kitchens say that straight, U-shaped, parallel and L-shaped are very popular and in demand these days.
INTERACTIVE KITCHEN DESIGNS
“Like Europe, the Indian kitchen is becoming the centre of home life and entertainment. Therefore, concepts like open and island kitchens with a small coffee table or dining set-up are gaining tremendous popularity,” says Juergen Wolf, Managing Director, Hafele India.
BUILD IT IN
“Integration of built-in appliances in an existing kitchen requires some amount of back-work (especially if the kitchen is not modular). It follows the same designing principles of modular kitchens where the cabinet heights and depths are standard while the width can vary as per customer requirements,” says Wolf. Most of the built-in appliances available in the market are in standard sizes as per the cabinet modules. PRICE `20,000 onwards (appliances)