We will be moving into our new brand new apartment soon. What should I use as kitchen and bathroom counters? What are the best colors to use for kitchen counters considering Indian cooking uses a lot of spices. Would appreciate advice on this. Thank you.

Following are my comments : 1.Buying cheaper branded sanitary fittings is only possible when you buy the same in bulk quantities. But I would like to highlight that these are one of the most important fixtures in the stated space. Don't compromise on the quality of it if you want them to survive the long run.(You can go for the Jaquar continental series or change to Parryware) You can certainly compromise on the WC & the WB since even brands like Somany give good ceramic fixtures at relatively low cost. There you can save your bucks. 2. I haven't worked on PVC vanity but can comment that marine ply cabinets also stand well for the wear and tear. 3. You can go ahead with just the glass partition avoiding the cubicle door. 4. Yes you can but the selection should be on the lighter side of the colour palette so that the bathroom should not look more claustrophobic due to its small size(2 m x 3.5m which is normal in today's real estate market in mumbai). Ar. Amol Bhopi AVB Architecture Mumbai 71.

Thanks for your input Nitin. Much appreciated. If you could help me out with: 1. What material should one use for overhead cabinets & for base cabinets? Anywhere I can look online for colour combinations? 2. What company shelves/ pantry etc to use? Intend using SS. Have heard of Hettich, etc, but which of them is value for money? 3. What chimney would you suggest? Ducted or ductless?? Any recommendations for vendors ? 4. How effective are graphite sinks or are steel ones better? 5. Flooring - glossy to match with dining room as this is an open kitchen or matt finish ceramic tiles? Wud prefer something that dries faster with less mess. Thanks a ton.

We are planning a U shaped kitchen with loft in a 13 ft 6" by 8 ft 10" sized space. Ceiling colour : classic white; Walls : morning glory (sort of white with a hue of very pale pink) in Berger and the floor is vitrified gloss finish sonic ivory tiles. I am looking at a single colour kitchen in pale yellow or light green or powder blue with black granite countertop. I don't want it to overwhelm and I also want the space to look spacious. The natural light is good in this space. Merino laminates I have considered are Jaisalmer and Gladiola. The greens in merino seem too dark The light green laminate is in Asiam brand. I agree with many others that it is hard to visualise a shade in a whole room from a 2 inch chip. Any feedback from completed projects or experience welcome. Please post completed yellow, green and blue kitchens in India, if possible. Thanks.