5 Mistakes to Avoid While Designing Your Modular Kitchen

Avoid these blunders and have a modular kitchen that's perfectly planned, has good storage and is easy to maintain

The installation of a new modular kitchen is an expensive project, hence it should be planned skillfully for maximum functionality and efficiency. Although modular kitchens are popular because they ensure good ergonomics and convenience, one must ensure that it is customised as per the various needs and requirements of the user. Here are five big mistakes that need to be avoided during the designing and the installation process.

 

  1. Not planning according to your requirements


See to it that your kitchen is planned as per your style of working in the kitchen and not only the recommendations of your designer or the kitchen brand. How?

 

  • Decide the position of the stove, sink and refrigerator (the kitchen work triangle) at a position that is most comfortable to you and shall ensure good workflow within the cooking space. Align the chimney according to the position of the cooktop.
  • Make a list of electrical appliances that you would like to install within the kitchen and plan the power outlets accordingly.
  • Ask for a kitchen island in the layout only if you have a big kitchen with a minimum width of 12 to 15 feet. Anything less than these dimensions will result in a cramped circulation space.

 

  1. Choosing the wrong materials

 

If you are opting to customise and will have a carpenter build your modular kitchen, then it is important to use strong and durable materials for the construction.

 

  • Granite, marble and quartz are the most sturdy, long-lasting and easy-to-maintain options for the countertops. Materials like solid surface look good but are prone to scratches and need periodic maintenance.
  • Go for BWR (boiling water resistant) plywood for cabinets. Avoid materials like MDF or particle board because these materials will require gentle handling while opening or closing the shutters and tend to get damaged in areas prone to moisture.
  • The inside surface of the sink-cabinets should be lined with an inner layer of 1-millimetre-thick aluminium to create a waterproof membrane.
  • All the hardware and modular kitchen accessories should be in SS (stainless steel) so that they are rust-proof.

 

  1. Limited storage


Your modular kitchen should have a well-designed storage that caters to all your requirements.
 

  • If the kitchen is small or compact, it is essential to go for full-height cabinets, like the ones in the kitchen here. Just notice how the overhead storage cabinets make efficient use of the vertical space.
  • Go for differently-sized drawers for deep and shallow storage with plate and cutlery organisers. Do not load the drawers with excess weight.
  • Segregate the storage of your kitchen into everyday ingredients that are stored within the overhead cabinets or shelves and a pantry area for daily and monthly food supplies like dals, rice, flour and so on.
  • Use the area under the sink for keeping cleaning supplies and the trash bin.
  • Designate one area specifically for keeping small electrical appliances such as the toaster, juicer and blender.

 

  1. Poor lighting


The overhead cabinets usually create a shadow effect, hence it is important to provide sufficient lighting for the food preparation zone. Plan a layered lighting arrangement with ceiling lights and task lighting.


 

  • Make provision for recessed under-cabinet lighting with LED strip lights, as in the example above, to illuminate the countertop.
  • Consider internal lighting within the overhead cabinets that can be turned on automatically when the cabinet door opens.

 

  1. Choosing the wrong modular accessories


Make it a point to go through the catalogues and choose modular kitchen accessories that are in sync with your requirements.For example, some homeowners might find it difficult to bend down to reach for everyday ingredients from the bottle rack like the one in this image. In such a scenario, one should opt for wall-mounted accessories, install a pull-out kitchen pantry or use the overhead cabinets for everyday ingredients.

 

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