Modular kitchens that are a statement of style, make cooking convenient

Sleek designs and clever storage options of modular kitchens help to stretch space utility, while enhancing the visual appeal of your space

Whether you have a straight kitchen or one with parallel, L or U-shaped counters, your modular kitchen is meticulously crafted to optimise storage, work surfaces, and overall functionality—all this, while offering great aesthetics and perfect finishes.

Today’s luxury homebuyers, including Gen-Z, Millennials, HNIs, and NRIs, are seeking kitchens that reflect their global lifestyles and culinary aspirations. According to the HomeScapes study by Godrej Interio, 25% of respondents use their kitchens and dining rooms as hubs for culinary experimentation. This trend has transformed high-end kitchens from mere functional spaces into sophisticated culinary havens. Interestingly, the study also reveals that 54% of Indians prefer an open kitchen concept, believing it makes the cooking and dining experience more participative. However, there’s a contrasting preference as well, with 59% of Indians favouring a separate kitchen to keep their dining and living rooms presentable for guests. This dichotomy highlights the diverse needs and preferences in modern Indian homes, where functionality, social interaction, and aesthetics all play crucial roles in kitchen design choices.

What all is included in complete kitchen solutions? According to Vaishali Shah, General Deputy Manager, Design (Kitchen & Home Furniture) – Interio, a leading home and office furniture business entity of Godrej & Boyce, part of the Godrej Enterprises Group, “Complete kitchen solutions offer a comprehensive approach to designing and equipping your culinary space. This includes custom cabinetry tailored to the kitchen’s layout and storage needs, paired with durable and stylish countertops. High-quality appliances, plumbing fixtures like sinks and faucets are seamlessly integrated, while thoughtful lighting solutions illuminate work areas and create ambiance for a complete kitchen solution. Flooring options and complementary backsplashes add aesthetic appeal and practicality. Beyond these essentials, Complete solutions often incorporate clever storage accessories, ergonomic hardware, and specialized zones for food preparation, cooking, and cleaning. Godrej Interio, one of India’s leading furniture brands, part of Godrej Enterprises Group, offers modular kitchen solutions encompassing a wide range of offerings designed to meet various customer needs. These include modular kitchen units, cabinetry, and innovative storage solutions. The solutions also extend to personalized design consultation, installation services, and post-installation support to ensure a seamless experience. The cost of these modular kitchen solutions can range from Rs. 1.25 lakhs, depending on the selection of materials and other kitchen components.”

What’s trending in modern Indian homes. “Invisible kitchens” have gained popularity, featuring cleverly concealed appliances and storage solutions behind elegant panels, providing flexibility in interior design. These kitchens showcase premium, sustainable materials like exotic woods and rare marbles for countertops and backsplashes, creating aesthetically pleasing focal points that enhance lifestyle quality. Smart technology is a cornerstone of these designs, with voice-activated appliances, touchless faucets, and advanced climate control systems offering both convenience and energy efficiency.

Top Brands

When it comes to kitchen brands in India, there are several top names that are known for their quality, innovation, and comprehensive product offerings. German brand Häfele offers a wide range of kitchen fittings, hardware, and appliances. Godrej Interio, a part of the larger Godrej Group, offers a range of kitchen furniture and modular kitchens that are known for their durability and sleek designs. Sleek (by Asian Paints) specialize in providing modular kitchen components like cabinets, baskets, and hardware. Another German brand, Hettich is well-regarded for its high-quality hardware, fittings, and accessories for kitchens. Kutchina is known not only for its kitchen appliances but also for its modular kitchen designs. Known primarily for its appliances, IFB also offers modular kitchens. A part of the H&R Johnson Company, Johnson Kitchens offers a variety of modular kitchens that include both Indian and imported designs. Then there are two Indian luxury kitchen brands, Arttdinox and Magppie.

Today a lot of people like to use a complete stainless-steel kitchen. According to Deepika Jindal, Creative Head and Managing Director, Jindal Lifestyle Limited, “We are a bespoke luxury kitchen brand. Arttdinox is committed towards creating a healthy stainless-steel culture for Indian Homes. Ours has been a quest for creating art for every home. The percentage of people preferring this material likely falls between 10% and 12 %. This shift in preference is driven by its features, such as being termite-free, fire-resistant, and eco-friendly. Additionally, stainless steel’s resilience in all weather conditions makes it particularly suitable for India’s diverse climate.”

The durability and appearance of the kitchen largely depend on the materials used. According to Vinod Jain, director, Magppie, “Your kitchens need to be 100 percent washable much like the bathrooms. Today people keep bathrooms hygienic while kitchens are far from clean as they tend to use industrial materials like MDF HDF, particle board and wood ply which are the cheapest and the worst materials to be used for a kitchen.” The brand has patented a certain stone lookalike material for the kitchens which is actually “compressed clay technology with nanoparticles of silver and copper” and gives 25 years warranty and says its hundred percent washable kitchen. Says Jain, “If we trace our tradition, Kitchen has always been the spiritual heart of an Indian home. But over time, and with the industrialization, this kitchen has moved away from being the heart of the home to a modular kitchen which started getting produced in the factory. The extensive use of wood not only increases deforestation but also it is put together by glue which has a formaldehyde chemical that releases harmful fumes even leading to cancer.” He shares that when they did research on the best material for the kitchen, it turned out to be silver and copper as traditionally we have always been advised to eat in silver and drink in copper vessels, as per the science of ayurveda. But they got scientists to work on a technology that can make it most affordable, and they created a template with compressed clay (like traditional chulha) mixed with nanoparticles of silver and copper. Over time, they have brought down the cost from say a 10 by 10 sq ft kitchen costing Rs 40-50 lakhs to Rs 15 lakh to now Rs 8 lakhs. Says Jain- “We read the scriptures and algorithmized our Indian scriptures, gave it to the west but our philosophy can be traced to our roots in the east. The material we use is condensed clay, much like our chulha, it’s not granite or marble though harder than stones and it’s not coming from mining or deforestation. This is how it used to be and we are going back to our roots.” They also have a sunroof product and a 10 by 10 sq ft kitchen sunroof would cost Rs 3 lakhs.

Points to Consider

Here are some important factors to keep in mind when looking for comprehensive kitchen solutions. First is the quality of materials. Look for high-quality materials for cabinets, countertops, and hardware. Second, is design and layout. Choose a design that optimizes the available space and fits your cooking habits. The layout should promote efficiency, with the work triangle (stove, sink, refrigerator) well-planned to minimize unnecessary movement. Third is storage solutions. Adequate storage is crucial in a modular kitchen. Look for designs that offer smart storage solutions, such as pull-out drawers, carousel units for corners, and overhead cabinets, to maximize space utilization. Fourth is functionality. Ensure that the kitchen includes functional features that match your cooking and lifestyle needs, such as efficient waste disposal systems, built-in appliances, and appropriate lighting. Fifth is customization.

“Yes, customisation is a key part of our offerings at Blum,” says Nadeem Patni, Managing Director, Blum India- “We understand that every home and every dream kitchen has its unique requirements. We strive to make our hardware as adaptable as possible, giving interior designers and homeowners the freedom to bring their vision to life. Take our Legrabox free, for example. This drawer system serves as a creative playground, allowing designers to integrate diverse materials like glass, wood, or leather into the sides, crafting a truly personalised piece. And it doesn’t stop there. Our Space Tower larder units also offer exceptional customisation options. Unlike typical larder units, Space Tower can be tailored in nearly any dimension — height, width, or depth matching individual storage needs perfectly.”

A buyer needs to check reviews and ask for customer testimonials. A good after-sales service can address future maintenance needs. A good warranty period and clear service agreements protect your investment and provide peace of mind. Depending on your budget and preferences, consider kitchens with integrated technology, such as built-in appliances, sensor-controlled bins, or soft-closing drawers.

PRICE CHART

If you are thinking of investing in a modern modular kitchen, there are options available starting from Rs 1.5 lakhs to Rs 15 lakhs in the market