Kitchen Guides
Indian Kitchens: 8 Modern Designs for City Life
Embellished with high-quality materials, storage and finishes, these Indian kitchens show refined design sensibilities
I dare not call myself a Masterchef but I definitely like spending time in the kitchen. I love eating, but more than that, I like to see how food is prepared, plated and served. That’s why I would find myself watching my family cooking, while sitting on the side inside their kitchens. As I think back today and compare the kitchen I cook in with the kind of kitchens my parents and grandparents had, I immediately know there’s a world of difference. So much has changed – in terms of cooking units, chimneys, cabinets and finishes to even the lighting used in the cook room. These once-ignored spaces are now becoming one of the most important rooms when designing a house – I’d say Indian kitchens have come a long way. Here is a list of eight Indian kitchen design styles that reiterate my point.
1. An all-white kitchen may have been an impossible idea a few years back, what with all the elaborate Indian cooking we were used to. In many Tier-1 cities, however, this trend seems to be changing, with the changing food habits of people – a preference for mini meals, less greasy food and lighter snacks is on the rise. This kitchen by SNSofDESIGN is a fine example. The PVC cabinets, white kitchen countertops, above-counter shelves to even the walls, everything is white and bright. Within the storage, the options are varied, with all kinds of designs, too – long drawers for crockery and cutlery, big cabinets and even a wine rack. Plus, open shelves for a curio or two. What adds a bit of traditional zing to this area is the kitchen stone flooring, offering a break from the bleached visual.
2. Petit yet functional, with lots of additions, this small L-shaped kitchen design by Nandita Manwani is able to accommodate a lot of functions – a breakfast counter, bar unit (see the wine rack on the wall) plus storage. I especially like the two wooden units on either side, with the wood-panelled doors. The thin dark strip running across the backsplash and the pendant lights in the foreground create a lasting impression.
These colours complement wood details
These colours complement wood details
3. I’m all for spaces that show a mix of materials and offer extra functionality, and this space by Milind Pai Architects and Interior Designers has both. The sleek storage cabinets meet stainless steel below-the-counter storage, with the smart black granite countertop complementing both. The breakfast counter and chair on the side ensure that the cook room allows the space and possibility for quick meals when someone’s on the go. Also, a place for people to sit and socialise with you during parties while you whip up a feast.
4. The elegance and charm of wood is unmatched – the material has been used aplenty in this L-shaped open kitchen by H.A. Kanitkar & Co. The area below the counter and above, right up to the ceiling, has been used for storage – after all, we Indians need a lot of space to store our spices, pickles, containers, tiffin boxes, bottles and much more. And the presence of so much storage allows for this cook room to be an organised machine. Just so this area doesn’t look too bulky visually, a large section of the wall has been dedicated to a window that brings in lots of natural light. The white countertop, blue backsplash and neutral marble flooring ensure that the room looks airy, light and welcoming.
5. The main bit that caught my attention in this kitchen by Capricoast Home Solutions is the efficient task lighting strips along the ceiling, which ensure that the entire kitchen is well-lit during cooking hours.
Lighting plays an important role in a high-energy, busy and functional space like this, where almost every area of the kitchen is utilised. The next addition that makes this design a success is the slim island counter with a sink and storage – so helpful in a home with lots of members. At any point, if more than two people wish to work, the island can double as an extra work or cleaning station. The black granite countertops are contrasted by the light wood cabinets below. Note the uber-useful U-shaped layout – a perfect work triangle can be seen here between the sink, stove and refrigerator, all easily accessible from each other.
Lighting plays an important role in a high-energy, busy and functional space like this, where almost every area of the kitchen is utilised. The next addition that makes this design a success is the slim island counter with a sink and storage – so helpful in a home with lots of members. At any point, if more than two people wish to work, the island can double as an extra work or cleaning station. The black granite countertops are contrasted by the light wood cabinets below. Note the uber-useful U-shaped layout – a perfect work triangle can be seen here between the sink, stove and refrigerator, all easily accessible from each other.
6. Now that’s a sleek and sophisticated kitchen design. The long cabinets below the counter are all handleless – which means the units are either push-to-open or sliding ones that can be pulled by the subtle grooves on top.
Let’s move to the finishes – white, polished cabinets and counters match the white walls, creating a look that’s visually light. Using wooden flooring was a good call to lend warmth to the scheme. I particularly like the cookstove with the modern-style chimney, plus the microwave and oven on the right, placed inside neat, built-in units that hide them from plain sight.
Check out these 10 modular Indian kitchens with personality
Let’s move to the finishes – white, polished cabinets and counters match the white walls, creating a look that’s visually light. Using wooden flooring was a good call to lend warmth to the scheme. I particularly like the cookstove with the modern-style chimney, plus the microwave and oven on the right, placed inside neat, built-in units that hide them from plain sight.
Check out these 10 modular Indian kitchens with personality
7. Bindya Vasavada Architecture and Interior Design‘s kitchen design looks so whimsical, almost out of a book. Where else would you see powder blue and soft pink take over a cook space? The extensive use of powder blue with white is a smart move as the small square footage of this kitchen gets masked. I’d like to point out the most obviously charming features of the space – the cabinet handles and the wall design, giving a playful vibe to the scene. The wall opposite the counters has both open and closed storage – another important addition. The lower cabinet on the left offers extra counter space that can be used when cooking and preparing meals.
Take a look at these kitchen storage ideas
Take a look at these kitchen storage ideas
8. This kitchen by Abraham John Architects is reflective of a new trend that’s emerging in city homes – of having a wet and a dry kitchen. While the former is a closed space used only for heavy cooking by the owner or the staff, the latter is for only prepping, plating and entertaining. This dry kitchen design features a brushed stainless-steel island and dark-toned storage shelves, along with smart, sleek pendant lights.
Want to take a tour of John Abraham’s Mumbai home?
Read more:
Fresh Design Ideas From 20 Urban Indian Kitchens
Tell us:
Which one of these kitchens appeal to you most? Tell us in Comments below.
Want to take a tour of John Abraham’s Mumbai home?
Read more:
Fresh Design Ideas From 20 Urban Indian Kitchens
Tell us:
Which one of these kitchens appeal to you most? Tell us in Comments below.