Modular Kitchens are literally one of the best things that have happened to the world since sliced bread. From maximising storage space to ensuring that all your essentials are always within arm’s reach, a modular kitchen works as good as it looks. However, designing a modular kitchen can be quite tricky. Unlike a few other things that you install in your home, a modular kitchen has to look good and be super functional as well.
There is very little room for error; after all, we’re talking about the part of your home where playing with knives and fire is acceptable. Perhaps the most important details of designing and building a modular kitchen are the core materials used in the final product. Without the right core materials, your modular kitchen becomes highly susceptible to the elements like heat, moisture, and grease. Let’s take a look at the different options that are available to you in the market.
Cabinets & Carcass
The cabinet and carcass make up the crux of your modular kitchen. If your internal structure is built from long-lasting and high-quality materials, your kitchen is bound to stay in good condition for years to come. Many kitchen makers may use particle board to build their cabinets but this is highly not recommended as it is not meant to handle moisture or heat and can easily warp, snap or get damaged with regular use. Here are some materials that are a good choice for your internal structure.
- BWP Ply — Boiling waterproof ply is a special type of Plywood which can withstand high temperatures and direct exposure to boiling water. This is one of the most widely used and universally accepted raw materials for modular kitchens across the world.
- BWR Ply — Boiling water-resistant ply is similar to BWP but it offers less protection against heat and moisture. While BWP can take a fair amount of punishment, the threshold for BWR ply is significantly lower. While this is still a much better choice than MDF(medium density fibreboard) or particle board, try to opt for BWP wherever possible.
- Stainless Steel — Earlier used only for commercial purposes, stainless steel has emerged as a strong competitor to BWP ply in residential kitchens as well. Out of all the materials mentioned here so far, stainless steel is by far the safest and longest lasting. They’re also becoming increasingly popular as they offer a very classy, industrial look that can elevate the aesthetic of any kitchen.
Hardware -
When it comes to kitchen hardware, always opt for branded and well-known names. Why? Because good quality, reliable hardware makes all the difference to the life of your kitchen. If you’re in India, Hafele, Hettich, and Blum are good brands to choose from. Here are some of the hardware options commonly available in the market for your modular kitchen
- Soft Close Hinges and Channels — Noisy, clunky cabinets are no longer acceptable. Soft close mechanisms ensure that no matter how hard you close a drawer or a cabinet, they always close, you guessed it, softly.
- Minifix Screws — The most elementary piece of any modular furniture is the minifix screw system. These screws are reinforced by an ingenious dowel mechanism which stays locked in place and prevents the material from being damaged. Häfele, Hettich, and Blum make great minifix systems that are perfect for daily use in most Indian households.
External Finishes -
Your shutters, doors, and external accessories are probably the one part of your modular kitchen that you’re most interested in knowing about. There are a number of different textures and materials that you can use to enhance and improve the look and feel of your kitchen.
Laminates — These are available in a wide variety of colours, textures, and styles and are the most popular choice amongst homeowners in Bangalore. Laminates allow you to get a premium look for your kitchen at a fairly reasonable price.
Veneers — Veneers are thin sheets of high quality natural wood which are placed on top of your core material. For people looking for a natural, rustic look for their home interiors, veneers are a great option to go for.
Paint Finishes — High quality nitrocellulose (Duco) paints which are moisture resistant and quick drying are all the rage these days. While paint may not be the preferred choice for many, it is a great option for when you may be looking for a very particular shade to add to your decor. Polyurethane (PU) finishes are also quite popular and can achieve the same high gloss finish that high-end laminates offer.
Acrylic — Acrylic kitchens have also caught the eye of many homeowners in 2023. Apart from the slick high gloss look that elevates the look and feel of your kitchen, acrylic kitchens are also reliable and fairly easy to clean. However, these kitchens are more susceptible to fingerprints and smudges.
Steel — Predominantly used in commercial kitchens, steel is considered one of the best kitchen materials to use. There’s a reason that commercial kitchens are built primarily from steel; it’s extremely durable and very easy to maintain. Plus, there’s nothing else which can give your kitchen that smooth, industrial feel like steel does.
Glass — Glass kitchens are often considered more premium primarily because of the look that they give. Glass shutters can come in a variety of shades and textures and are a great way to give your kitchen a very clean and sophisticated look. Like acrylic, glass is easy to clean and maintain, however, it is not the best suited for rough use.
Designing your kitchen is a very wholesome and satisfying experience. And if you’re looking for an interior designer in Bengaluru or an interior designer in Bhubaneswar, Houzlook is there to turn your house into your dream home. DM us on our Instagram by clicking here.
