Cook up an ambience
“Kitchen has emerged as the nucleus of the
house", say the Chennai-based designer duo,
Varsha and Pradeep. They share helpful hints
in achieving a wholesome ambience in a
kitchen with HEMA VIJAY
A
kitchen could be open with a
breakfast counter from the din-
ing side. A small table could
otherwise be placed in the
kitchen which children love to use
for homework while their parents
put together a meal. It is the counter
length of a kitchen which tells us
how space effective a kitchen is.
Hence, a longer kitchen even though
just 6’ wide has more counter length
than a square shaped kitchen of the
same area. The work triangle or the
distance between the three essen-
tials of a kitchen - refrigerator, sink
and cooking range forms the basis of
any good kitchen design. These
should be within a couple of steps of
each other. Do not go by convention-
al heights of counters. See what
works best for you.
Pre-planning
If you are building your own kitch-
en, pre-planning is a must. The floor
must be sunk to accommodate a floor
drain if you usually wash your kitch-
en. Window placements must allow
for good overhead storage. Counter
can be done in concrete or in ply-
wood later on. All electrical points
must be planned and located so that
they look good on the walls with the
tiles. Dry walls of the kitchen can
also be panelled instead of the con-
ventional ceramic tiles. If you are
buying a kitchen as part of an apart-
ment, plan it with the builder at an
early stage where you can get the
counter layout, height, and electrical
points done as per you requirement.
Carpentered or modular?
Kitchens can be made at site by
carpenters. There are also factory-
made kitchens (modular kitchens)
that can be fitted at the site. Modular
kitchens are rapidly gaining popular-
ity and there are many players in the
market - both Indian and imported.
There are pros and cons of both
types of kitchens. While creativity
and freedom of expression has no
limit in a carpentered kitchen, it gets
curtailed in a modular one. However,
the end result of a carpentered kitch- COMPLETE LOOK: A modern kitchen with all accessories.
en will be good if only thorough de-
tailing is done. Also keep in mind geyser, dishwasher, garbage bin, Al Linen in the kitchen storage units to light up the dark
that most imported modular kitch- foil dispenser, disposable kitchen If your kitchen is large enough to corners. Add an accent light on the
ens have a long delivery time. towel dispenser. Incorporate storage accommodate washing chores as wall where a wall mural or a picture
space for provisions, spices, cooking well, house the washing machine, is fixed.
Counter space accessories, cooking utensils, cut- dirty and clean linen under the coun-
Finishes and colours
Counter space, space for equip- lery, serving dishes. Do not forget to ter by raising the height of the coun-
ment/appliances, furniture, storage plan space for all those cookery ter by 6". Polished granite counters work
space for cooking utensils, serving books. A reading (inclined) tray fixed well; however remember that light
dishes comprise the basic compo- onto the wall is really convenient to Floors and walls colour granites are softer than the
nents of the kitchen. Plan for a coun- cook reading recipes. A TV mounted Opt against soft stones like kotah dark ones. These soft ones may stain.
ter space that can accommodate on the wall can also be done. or marble floors as they tend to ab- Synthetic stone may also be used.
preparation, cooking and post-cook- Keeping the dust factor and ease sorb substances and stain. Granite This is inert, can be buffed and is
ing purposes, and to keep daily use of maintenance in mind, plan all ap- floors are inert but will prove slip- available in many plain colours.
equipment like microwave, mixie, pliances inside storage spaces in- pery when wet. Ceramic tiles with Wood-based storage components
coffee maker, etc. Be sure to include stead of placing over the counter. A epoxy grouting, rustic tiles or vit- need to be waterproof and may be
several plug points, as many as the cooking range can house an oven be- rified tiles can be used. Use small 1" x finished with laminates or veneer.
number of electronic appliances you low, mixies etc. in ‘over the counter 1" wall tiles on the wall to create Good well-seasoned wood planks
plan to use. swivel trays’ concealed by shutters, interesting murals and light them by may also be used if the budget per-
ovens as part of the overhead stor- lights provided under the overhead mits.
Kitchen equipment age, and garbage bins as part of sink storage. If all this seems like too much of an
This includes the refrigerator, unit fixed onto the shutter. An online effort, just remember, whipping up
sink, cooking range/hob, chimney, water filtration unit may also be Lighting healthy salads, fresh fruit juices,
mixies, food processor, kettle, con- fixed below the sink. A small instant The counter surface should be yummy pizzas or spicy soups - be-
vection oven, microwave oven, toast- geyser is very useful in dish washing. well lit. Shadow of the person work- comes easy and cooking becomes a
er, sandwich maker, grinder, rice Wet grinder can be placed on a low ing should not fall on the counter. pleasure rather than a chore in a well
cooker, online water filter, instant counter for convenience. Lights can be fixed below overhead designed kitchen.