Category Archives: Basic
Don’t Be Cheated- A Complete Hettich or Hafele Kitchen doesn’t Exist!
Remember not to get fooled by fancy terminology that some interior designers use.
It is not uncommon for modular kitchen interior designers or modular kitchen stores trying to push you to a Hettich or Hafele Kitchen. Most unwary customers get swayed by the fancy terminology and the brand names and may rush to take their decision. However, it is important to truly understand what is meant by a Hettich or Hafele kitchen. Being in the interior design field for so many years, Bespoke Decor is aware of the tactics that many vendors use on unwilling customers. We believe that our customers must be in a position to make an informed decision.
So, let’s see what is really meant by a Hettich or Hafele kitchen. First of all, let us look at what the contribution of each of them is in the major product categories of a modular kitchen.
This is the wooden part which is the most important aspect of a kitchen as this creates the shell and finish of the kitchen. This is a major cost contributor for a kitchen and the life of the kitchen is determined by the life of this product.
If you have a low-grade material for this, your modular kitchen will fail faster than you think.
2. Hardware and Accessories- 25%
This offers the functional requirement of the kitchen. Basically, this includes your drawers, corner units, lift-ups, pull-outs, hinges, channels, and so on. It is important to note that these materials are mainly provided by Hettich and Hafele in a modular kitchen. They don’t manufacture any of the other materials which eventually become part of your complete modular kitchen space. Hafele may also extend to including modular kitchen appliances but no wood components like main cabinetry or kitchen installations are a part of this.
3. Installation- 6%
The installation of a pre-drilled modular kitchen is done by a trained carpenter team on receiving the parts sent from the factory. These are all made-to-measure and fit your kitchen right to the millimeter.
4. Appliances- 9%
Many modular kitchen appliance brands are available on the market. Yes, Hafele is an option but other vendors like Sleek, Bosch, Siemens, Faber and Elica have been better appreciated by interior designers and clients alike!
So, next time your interior designer tells you that they are giving you a Hettich or Hafele kitchen, you should be aware of the fact that the materials from these two brands represent just 25% of the total modular kitchen. The rest of the materials that become a major part of your completed modular kitchen space are sourced either locally or replaced with non-branded products. Do you really think it deserves to be called a Hettich or Hafele kitchen then?
Only a select handful of reliable companies like Sleek and a few imported European brands give all the products manufactured or sourced by themselves, under their brand name. This ensures that you receive hassle-free end-to-end service right from design to installation and the time that follows.
For a sophisticated modular kitchen, contact Bespoke Decor, the exclusive Sleek modular kitchens dealer located in Kochi and Thrissur, at +91 90 20 10 70 22 | 23
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4 Tips to Make the Most of your Modular Kitchen Wall Cabinets
From the kitchen interior designing experts at Bespoke Décor
When you walk into a kitchen, the first things you see at eye-level are wall cabinets, also referred to as upper cabinets or wall-mounted cabinets. Your intention with a kitchen interior remodel would be to improve storage solutions, functionality, and aesthetics and your wall cabinets hold a lot of potential for all of the above.
Wall cabinets
- Provide efficient storage solutions for your cooking essentials, utensils, and lighter kitchen appliances;
- Allow for ergonomic functionality when curated thoughtfully as one needn’t have to bend to access its contents as in the case of base cabinets;
- Can have their shutter designs easily modified to appear more aesthetic and to suit the tone of your kitchen interiors.
Given their incredible versatility, wall cabinets are, without a doubt, the key to unlocking a major transformation for the better version of your kitchen.
Let’s explore 4 top tips and hacks that our kitchen interior designing experts at Bespoke Décor suggest doing to make the most of your modular kitchen wall cabinets:
Tip #1
Consider installing a loft space above your wall cabinets
This applies especially to those modular kitchens with higher ceilings along with a considerable gap between the top of the wall cabinet and the kitchen ceiling
The empty space above your kitchen wall cabinets has the reputation of being a little awkward. It poses a design and maintenance dilemma- which can easily be resolved with the installation of loft space to stow away those items which you need not use on a daily basis. More storage space plus a design dilemma solved— win-win!
Tip #2
Made to measure
For any place meant for the storage of items, it is futile if it cannot accommodate what it is meant to house. Interior designers working with modular kitchens are keen to hear their client’s requirements before penning down ideas. For your wall cabinets, work backward. Start off the process by planning what you intend on storing in particular cabinets and make them fit those measurements perfectly. Be it a bottle or a vessel that you need to keep in a specific wall cabinet, your kitchen interior designer can plan the internal measurements and shelving of it to ensure maximum benefit.
Tip #3
A wall cabinet opening and closing mechanism that works for your kitchen style and your family
When it comes to the opening and closing mechanisms of wall cabinets, there is a dizzying array of options that may be confusing to a design novice. Keep in mind the tone of the overall kitchen while zeroing in on a particular mechanism. We have all seen the conventional single or double shutter style for wall cabinets, but the market today is flooded with several newer and more interesting ideas for opening and closing mechanisms.
For instance, the magnetic push-latch style is one that works with glass and suits a kitchen of a more sophisticated style. Many modular kitchens nowadays employ the awning style for wall cabinets as they prevent the hazard of hitting your head with the door of your cabinet while also being easier to use. Even sliding doors have the same benefits as the awning style in addition to being space-saving.
Tip #4
Give your wall cabinet an upgrade with customised plate racks
For the sake of practicality, it doesn’t make sense for you to stock your regularly used plates away in a drawer or a shelf stacked one over the other. The plate rack is a theme often spotted in country-themed kitchen remodels which works extremely well in almost every kind of kitchen. They save space, avoid catching dust and lend an overall cleaner appearance to the kitchen.
There is a popular modification wherein the above-sink wall cabinet with a single shutter is installed with a utensil drying tray and custom plate rack with an open lower border. This prevents the mess that drying utensils create and is an amazingly functional and aesthetic solution, particularly helpful in small kitchens.
Wall cabinets can be tweaked to your individual requirements to meet your needs. Do not hesitate to contact our designers at +91 90 20 10 70 22 for more details on customising your wall cabinets and modular kitchen.
What Everybody Ought to Know About Base Cabinets
It’s all about the Base (Cabinet): Base cabinetry can make or break your kitchen remodel plans!
Base Cabinets
Kitchen base cabinets are the backbone of any kitchen, creating efficient storage solutions below your kitchen countertops. While kitchen cabinets are sometimes placed on the ground, experts suggest choosing a design for your modular kitchen cabinets wherein they have a significant amount of space between the floor and its base so that you can ensure thorough cleaning and maintenance of your kitchen.
The Cooking Triangle and its implication on Base Cabinet design
A kitchen needs to be both aesthetic and functional- that’s where the concept of the Cooking Triangle or the Kitchen Work Triangle comes in. When designing a kitchen from scratch, it is this triangle that orchestrates kitchen traffic flow that forms the foundation for your modular kitchen style.
It is a good idea to plan out your base cabinet modules around this to make sure that your kitchen has an efficient workflow. Keep in mind that your kitchen cabinets must be placed appropriately for the purposes they are intended for.
Different Base Cabinet Types
Base cabinets that can be found in basic kitchen designs for good storage, aesthetics, and functionality are listed below with their most common usages. We have also added a few personalisations we could lend to that specific cabinet based on client requirements or a few helpful tips to enhance the modular kitchen style. It is advisable to use a mix of these base cabinets and add a few bespoke cabinets in addition to this, to best suit your tailor-made requirements.
1. Hob Cabinet
Placed below your hob, this base cabinet is specially designed to suit the size of the hob and could measure anywhere between 600 to 900 mm. This cabinet’s design is so made that the cutting of the hob does not interfere with its internal structure. In the less likely event that you don’t have pipeline gas, you may need to consider setting aside a base cabinet adjacent to your modular kitchen’s gas stove wherein a cylinder sized provision can be made.
How can you personalise your hob cabinet with our help?
The interior of the hob cabinet can be transformed into a set of drawers or shelves based on your needs for additional storage. For a gas stove and cylinder setup, it would be wise to design it to be optimised for use- all clients would prefer rolling in the gas cylinder into position instead of having to lift and place it. Don’t break your back (and bank) with our help!
2. Under-Sink Cabinet
In most instances, the cabinets under the sink are underutilised for the potential they possess. Using your under-sink cabinet for either keeping your wastebasket or stocking your cleaning supplies will ensure good use of the space.
A helpful tip for under-sink cabinet
As a client, we take your needs into prime consideration before putting forth our plans. If you intend on keeping your garbage bins in the under-sink cabinet, we would recommend a pull-out set of trash cans. This is more functional, aesthetic, hygienic, and easy to maintain.
However, if you have a separate area of your kitchen dedicated to waste, you could use this cabinet to stock all of your cleaning supplies. Our tip would be to speak to your dedicated expert who can work out stunning inbuilt storage baskets or racks to best suit your needs.
3. Bottle Pull-out Cabinet
In the case of slim storage units to house bottles, brooms, or a step-up larder unit, this type of cabinet is used. Based on its contents, it may have either a single or bifurcated shutter.
4. Corner Base Cabinet Units
Wastage of space is something us interior experts never appreciate, so in L-shaped or U-shaped kitchens, a corner unit is a must-have. You could either opt for an L-shaped storage unit or a blind corner unit coupled with various storage accessories to fit your individual needs.
A few suggestions on how you could modify your corner cabinets
A swinging pullout lower cabinet unit is ideal for corners as they efficiently utilise the space and expand storage solutions for pots and pans. The pullout model will also allow you easier accessibility as compared to your other options. If you don’t want the storage to encroach onto your kitchen floor space, a Lazy Susan type of corner cabinet would suit you better.
5. Drawer System
This is one Pull-Out storage mechanism that even the most basic of kitchen plans incorporate into their designs. Based on the depth of drawers you’d like and depending on what you intend on storing there, you could opt for a 2 or 3-drawer setup.
Here’s how we could take your drawer system up a notch
Drawers may seem like something that everyone knows their way around but one of the design experts on our team could optimise these little spaces for maximum storage with some great organiser options.
6. Shelf Cabinets
Extremely common and very easy to adjust to your desired size and width, the shelf cabinet may have either single or double shutter cabinets and can be versatile in terms of size.
7. High-front Drawers
A high-front drawer is usually a good option to stow away large appliances or storage items (blender, mincer, or those enormous rice storage cans to name a few) which are larger than 400mm. These drawers, in addition to allowing housing these items, can come with an inner drawer for optimum use of the extra space.
8. Cantilever Cabinets
A cantilever cabinet by definition does not have any support on the floor or legs to keep them up but is attached to the wall with a cantilever mechanism. They appear to be floating about the surface with a defined space below the cabinet. This makes it easy to maintain kitchen hygiene and can lend an instant edge and give oomph to your kitchen immediately.
With an idea of these base cabinets in mind, you’ll be able to make a more informed decision regarding your kitchen remodel. Any aspect can be tailored to best suit your individual needs and the experts on our team with ample cabinetry knowledge can lead you onto the path of manifesting your dream kitchen.
Must-have Modular Kitchen Accessories
You cannot do without these kitchen accessories making your modular kitchen more functional.
A well-organised kitchen is every home cook’s dream. A messy or disorderly kitchen says a lot about a person’s personality. A well-organised kitchen speaks volumes about the owner being meticulous with their tasks and their life in general. Not to mention, any orderly space is a pleasing sight to the eyes. A lot of kitchen accessories in the market help you achieve high standards within your kitchen space.
Here are some of the must-have kitchen accessories categorised based on its area of usage:
1. Cooking Area
- Cutlery Trays
To organise your cutlery like spoons, forks, and knives, there are no better accessories than a tray that has panels where your cutlery fits in perfectly into your drawer or cabinet.
Another option is the hanging style of organisers which have different areas to hang different types of cutlery. These organisers can be rotated to retrieve the desired cutlery. This type of organiser works better when placed on the countertop or in a crockery unit.
- Below-hob Drawers
One of the two drawers must be of a smaller height to store pans, skillets, and the like while a bigger one should be installed to store the frequently used grains, rice powder, flours, and so on.
Such an arrangement saves energy that would otherwise be spent in getting the concerned items from different areas of the kitchen by running around the entire space. Instead, all items that will be required one after the other are placed nearby.
- A Bottle/Spices Pull-Out Unit
This is typically placed to the right or left-hand side of the hob cabinet, depending upon the user. This is used to keep oils, spices, and condiments which are required very frequently while cooking and they can also be arranged in an aesthetic manner.
- Wicker Basket or Alum Basket for Vegetables-
These are also part of the cooking zone and keep the vegetables safe from contamination while also being concealed from an outsider’s eye. They prove to be extremely durable, easy to use, and are easy to clean. In other areas, these baskets could serve different purposes too.
2. Washing Area
- GTPT
Generally referred to as a glass tray and a plate tray, it is kept just above the sink inside the wall cabinet. The use of the accessory is to keep the utensils like plates & glasses right after washing them and the water will be collected on the drain tray underneath. This helps to keep the rest of the areas dry. They are sold in different sizes and are varied in terms of functionality. GTPTs are also available in different brands.
- Plain Basket / Cup and Saucer or Plate Basket
Once the utensils are dried in the GTPT, they will be placed inside the cabinet. Plain baskets can be used to place general sized utensils. Cup & saucer and plate baskets, as their names suggest, can be used for cup & saucer and plates respectively. These baskets come in a variety of colours and designs and should be chosen in accordance with the colour scheme of the kitchen.
- Bin Holder & Detergent Pull-Out
These are generally placed under the sink. Detergents and dishwashing soaps are stored here and this area is also used to place wastebaskets. There are fixed types and pull-outs available, depending on the usage and brand.
3. Storage Area
This is the place where weekly stock and the dry items are kept in storage.
Half-tall and full-tall units are available and can be selected depending upon your usage. They are mainly used to keep dry items like biscuits, noodles, sauces and so on.
- Tambour Units
These accessories are used to keep the frequently used small appliances like juicer, coffee-maker, airfryer, toaster and mixer. This prevents less cluttering since they are often concealed and also prevents the misplacement of these appliances.
These can be used to store items that don’t get used very frequently in the kitchen. Examples of what could be stored here are large pots and pans, infrequently used cutlery and appliances too. These units help to utilise space more efficiently by using the otherwise untapped potential of corners. Install a carousel in your corner unit to allow ease of access. Depending upon the budget and usage, different types of corner units are available.
4. Midway Accessories
These are small and effective accessories placed on the kitchen’s Dado space. This leaves you with more countertop space to work on while storing frequently used items like teacups, salt, sugar, spices, washcloths and some basic cutlery on a rack fitted onto the wall. With easy access and more countertop space, there’s no reason to dislike midway accessories!
Bonus:
Feel-good and Creative Accessories
These tiny additions to your kitchen space, while not absolutely essential, are recommended as they make it a happier place to be in. Wooden shelves can be used to display your ornate and expensive cutlery while the rest are hidden away in cabinets. Drawers can be labelled and tasteful stickers can be put to know where the various items are. You could even make some space for a herb garden and have some potted plants on a stand, near the window.
There is no limit to accessorize any given space. Make your kitchen into a dynamic space for a happy and convenient cooking experience with the use of some nifty kitchen accessories.
Hacks to Unlimited Kitchen Storage
Little spaces with lots of storage for your modular kitchen!
In an age of smart TVs, smartphones, and smartwatches, it is only natural to want smart kitchen storage integrated within the very fiber of the existence of your kitchen interiors. In a space that is most likely to collect clutter like the kitchen, smart storage solutions are the only way to ensure maximum functional and ergonomic utilisation of your space. It is imperative that you do not allow any space to go to waste.
You may feel your senses tickled by Kim Karadashian’s kitchen interior tours boasting her expansive cabinetry plush with foodstuff and unaffordable kitchen equipment & accessories. You may be restricted by space, but fret not, you could get unlimited kitchen storage in your modular kitchen with just a little bit of effort and by following these 2 hacks!
Hack #1: Make the most of vertical storage by installing tall pantry cabinets
Make use of the kitchen’s higher ceilings by installing floor-to-ceiling length tall cabinets. In addition to giving you a lot of extra storage space, these tall pantry cabinets also lend a very classy look to your kitchen. Tall cabinets are a win-win in terms of both aesthetics and limitless storage!
Functionality: A tall cabinet in your kitchen will change the way you store your pantry items! Invest in good ergonomically-friendly hardware within these cabinets- pull-out drawers or wire shelves work really well. You could store perishable items closer to eye level, pantry staples on the lower shelves and long-lasting canned goods on the top-most shelves. In some cases, tall cabinets are even large enough to hold a few of your kitchen appliances that you’d like to keep out of sight. Discuss your individual preferences and needs with our experts to curate a tall cabinet that works best for your kitchen.
Aesthetics: Your interior designer would be able to use the tall façade of the tall cabinet to play with texture and colour, to transform your kitchen into a modern stylish space.
Hack #2: Don’t cut corners- good corner units are the way to go!
The so-called kitchen black hole, kitchen corners can be so much more! To get a lot more storage than you already have, invest in a good corner unit which can quadruple your kitchen storage.
Functionality: : No longer a kitchen black hole, a corner unit can be the perfect place to store your pots and pans. Based on your storage requirement, you could opt for either a carouselstyle unit, a pair of S-shaped shelves, V-shaped corner drawers or plain old L-shaped shelves. Out of the above, the carousel unit ensures best functionality and ergonomic storage potential. While these could work well for both upper and base cabinets, open Lshaped shelves on the upper corner units make your kitchen appear more spacious.
Aesthetics: There are so many ways you could design your corner units. Base corner cabinet units come in so many different styles, so find what suits your requirements best. For the upper corner units, shelving allows you to create a styling opportunity or additional storage for any items you may like to keep on display
Are you ready to unlock the unlimited storage potential of your kitchen? Give us a call at +91 90 20 10 70 22 to schedule an appointment!
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Material for your Kitchen Cabinets
Discussing material matters because materials matter!
Whether you’re at the brink of redecorating your current kitchen or building a new one from scratch, you must not overlook investing in materials used in your kitchen which would be durable, easy to maintain, and long-lasting, given India’s oscillating weather conditions.
Hence, the discussion around modular kitchens and material used in its construction and redecor is pivotal to the long term success of a happy kitchen space. It is important to choose a material that works for you, your house as well as the country you live in. At the end of the day, your modular kitchen’s price must be justified in terms of functionality, durability, and aesthetics. Achieving this balance is only possible when you reach out to an expert who can find the best fit for your personal needs with an understanding of different materials that would actually work for your kitchen. The base materials used are critical in determining the longevity of your kitchen.
You may rope in the best modular kitchen experts like us in the country, but it doesn’t hurt to know what materials can survive (and thrive) over the life of your modular kitchen. There’s an ongoing debate regarding the usage of MDF vs ply vs particle boards to replace the conventional wood used in the kitchen for your wardrobes and cupboards. Let’s examine the different core material options available and the factors which could lead you to make an informed decision.
Working Out Your Core (Material)
The following are the different core material options available and we have listed out the pros and cons of using them in a modular kitchen space.
1. Solid Wood
Natural higher-priced woods like Teak or Sheesham fall into the solid wood category. They lend an antique look to your kitchen and are more popular across South India.
Technicalities:
- Solid wood tends to have a higher coefficient of expansion. This simply means that it expands in colder seasons and contracts in summer- not exactly the most desirable feature for wood used in one’s kitchen .
Pros:
- Strong & durable- can hold together screws without trouble
- Lends a stunning and warm vintage ambiance to your kitchen
- No additional covering needed
Cons:
- Seasonal warping
- Termite sensitivity
- Heavy in weight
- Not cost-effective
- Maintaining its finish may possess challenges
Takeaway:
- If you have the budget and can adjust with seasonal warping, go for natural wood as it can lend your kitchen a spectacular royal appearance.
2. Plywood – Recommended
Simply put, plywood is layers of wooden sheets pressed together to create a sturdier material. They come in a range of sizes, finishes, and are of different grades, each of which boasts different properties. Plywood happens to be one of the materials of choice in kitchen settings.
Technicalities:
Available in a wide range of grades, the most suitable for household use is BWR (Boiling Water Resistance) Plywood which is treated with urea-formaldehyde as the adhesive. While a BWP (Boiling Water Proof) type would be stronger and can support fitting loads, its phenol formaldehyde-based adhesive is not eco-friendly and suitable for household use. Other than BWR and BWP plywood, MR PLY also exists which is not recommended for kitchen use as it possesses the lowest water resistance levels.
Pros:
- Different types suit different purposes- IS710 (BWP) works great for exteriors while IS303 (BWR) can be used for interiors
- Reasonable strength
- Does not warp with seasonal variations
- Budget-friendly
Cons:
- Challenges regarding picking the suitable grade for your purpose
- Bending may be seen in longer plywood sheets
Takeaway:
Make sure you get the right type of plywood for your needs. If this is assured, plywood is without a doubt a great pick for kitchen use.
3. HDF (High-Density Fiberboard) & MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard)
When softwood or hardwood are broken down into smaller particles to be compressed into sheets using adhesives and resins, HDFs and MDFs are produced. They come in several different sizes. Their use is preferred in areas with low moisture exposure.
Technicalities:
HDF has the reputation of being the strongest of all engineered wood. MDF isn’t far behind, though it is less strong and water-resistant than the former and plywood.
Pros:
- HDF & MDF work well for wardrobes
- Strong & durable- can hold together screws without trouble
- Low bending related problems
- Easy finishing and different shapes available
Cons:
- Moisture contamination produces irreversible damage
- Termite sensitivity
Takeaway:
- Consider opting for HDF & MDF for your wardrobes and keep them away from kitchens as the latter is a high moisture zone!
4. Particle Board (Chipboard)
Unfortunately, the particle board is believed to be the lowest quality engineered wood meant to be used to create furniture that is far away from a water source.
Pros:
- Particleboards work well for wardrobes
- Strong & durable- can hold together screws without trouble
- Low bending related problems
- Easy finishing and different shapes available
Cons:
- Moisture contamination produces irreversible damage
- Termite sensitivity
Takeaway:
- Restrict the use of particle boards to your wardrobes and keep them away from kitchens, a high moisture zone!
5. PVC Board (Multiwood)
Lastly, we have PVC Boards which are commonly seen as a core material in interior spaces. PVC Boards have proven to be effective in coastal areas with high moisture.
Technicalities:
This is a plastic composite material. While it isn’t environmentally friendly, they are extremely resistant to moisture.
Pros:
- Good for high moisture zones
- Easy finishing and different shapes available
- Not as vulnerable as other options to termite infestations
Cons:
- Low strength to support screws
- Prone to bending
- Not an eco-friendly option
Takeaway:
- While PVC Boards show obvious advantages over the other options regarding their termite sensitivity and moisture resistance, they are not the most eco-friendly option. Consider all other options before you narrow in on PVC Boards as your core material.
It is very obvious that the most popular choice of material for kitchens, after weighing the pros and cons, is Plywood which is of the right grade with a good-quality finish. Be sure to make an informed decision to create an aesthetically-pleasing and durable kitchen to last a lifetime!
The ultimate guide on Modular Kitchens
The elements that make the heart of your home come alive!
The kitchen is one of the most important spaces when it comes to home interior work and whether you intend on just remodeling it or creating it from scratch, there are a few elements that you must look into to ensure an organised and optimised kitchen layout and plan. Kitchen design isn’t rocket science, but it isn’t a piece of cake either (but you could very well bake a cake there)!
Interior designers in Kochi have seen exponential growth in the popularity of modular kitchens in recent times. In Kerala, kitchen design has seen a seismic shift from traditional interiors in the kitchen to a more modern modular kitchen approach
Let’s dive right in and get a more detailed understanding of the basics of the modular kitchen interiors- you’ll learn about what it includes and what each module consists of. A cohesive balance between all these elements helps create a kitchen that is aesthetic as well as functional. No matter the style, every module has the following:
THE BASICS:
1. Countertop
These large horizontal workspaces are mandatory in every kitchen space. They’re also one of the most functional areas of a kitchen. It is crucial that you get your countertops fixed properly to prevent water seepage into the base cabinets. Reach out to an expert to avoid unfortunate circumstances in the future, which are preventable with good planning and work.
Depending on your budget, you could opt for premium marble countertops or the more budget-friendly tile or laminate versions. Keep in mind that this is one of the first things that draws your eyes to the kitchen and do not hesitate to invest in the best.
2. Cabinets
These expansive storage spaces make your kitchen space appear clutter-free and organised. Individual cabinets can be customised to a client’s individual preferences and needs.
Cabinets may be of several types-
- Base cabinets flank the bottom half of the kitchen below the countertops,
- Wall cabinets supplement the storage opportunities that base cabinets offer with more accessible options,
- Tall cabinets can be used in larger spaces, and
- Corner units ensure minimal wastage of space and maximum storage solutions
3. Shutters
The outer portion of the aforementioned cabinet is the shutter. They conceal the content of the cabinets with shutters of the clients’ preferred finish and colors. They play a major role in making a kitchen more visually appealing. Be sure to carefully consider the material, finish, and color of your shutters, keeping in mind your area’s weather conditions and your personal preferences.
4. Kitchen Accessories/ Hardware
To make your kitchen space a more accessible and convenient one, your accessories or hardware are important. This encompasses what comes inside the cabinet and they may be either functional or storage based in nature.
5. Appliances
What is a kitchen without appliances? Just another room! Appliances, in addition to completing a kitchen, offer a sleek appearance to the kitchen. Whether you intend on keeping freestanding appliances or are looking to install in-built appliances, do discuss your kitchen interior design idea with experts like us for a bespoke space! There are also heating area appliances in every kitchen space.
THE FINAL TOUCHES
6. Handles
Once all other aspects of your module has been decided on and your dream kitchen is inching its way closer to reality, stunning handles lend the air of magic along with their obvious functional benefits. They could be the conventional projected handle type or you could even opt for a more sleek inbuilt profile handle instead.
7. Lighting
A well-lit kitchen appears more welcoming and airy than a dark dingy one. When it comes to lighting, it is important to remember the three aspects of kitchen lighting- ambient lighting which acts as space’s main light source, task-based lighting illuminating specific work surfaces or insides of cabinets, and finally, accent lighting to make your favorite kitchen elements come to life!
8. Backsplash
And finally, the infamous kitchen backsplash. Considering the high intensity, water-extensive, work-ridden zone that a kitchen is, it would be unwise to not invest in a backsplash against your countertop to protect those surfaces. These could offer that splash of color that your kitchen needs to tie all its elements together!
Modular Kitchens vs Carpenter Kitchens: Which One Wins?
The ultimate battle of modular kitchens and carpenter kitchens!
Until a few years ago, if you had to get your kitchen designed or remodeled, you would approach a carpenter who specialises in kitchen interiors. We’ve come a long way from that—now, just step into the office of the best interior designers in Kerala and you have a multitude of modular kitchen designs at your fingertips.
A question begs to be asked at this juncture- which one is better? Who wins in the ultimate battle of carpenter kitchens vs modular kitchens? Let’s look at a few aspects and compare how carpenter kitchens fare against modular kitchens and understand why modular kitchen designs are now the new norm!
Ease of Finding an Expert
Let’s start at the very beginning. Usually, recommendations for carpenters travel via word-of-mouth whereas for modular kitchens, it is a combination of word-of-mouth and an online presence, already making it a lot easier to gain trust. Finding a good carpenter may potentially be a lot more challenging and the experience would often be extremely subjective.
🏆: Modular Kitchens
Professionalism
One look at the online reviews and the varied catalogue of a modular kitchen specialist like Bespoke Decor, and you can be assured of top-notch quality. The experience of working with multiple homes of varied styles requiring personalised elements is one that interior designers working on modular kitchens designs are well-versed with. They may even offer a 3D rendering of your final space allowing for better visualisation of the completed product. A carpenter may have worked on a limited number and style of kitchens in comparison and quality assurance is not a given. It is apparent that there is a better flow of events and more professionalism right from the first consultation with a modular kitchen expert than with a carpenter.
🏆: Modular Kitchens
Price
Modular kitchens prices on the catalog may be marginally higher as compared to the traditional carpenter’s initial quotes for kitchen designs. Owing to hidden costs and subsequent fluctuations, the final value of a carpenter kitchen may, in fact, surpass a modular one. Therefore, believe that a modular kitchen wins this one! The difference, if any at all, is justified due to the attention to detail in the process of creation, dealing with more professional staff, superior functionality, customisation, and aesthetics.
🏆: Modular Kitchens
Installation
Quicker and easier installation process is granted with modular kitchen designs, especially in comparison to carpenter kitchens. The high-quality factory-made modules can be easily taken apart and reassembled at the site. You won’t have to keep worrying about having workers milling in and out of your house for a prolonged period of time as would be the case for a carpenter kitchen. No mess, no stress!
🏆: Modular Kitchens
Quality & Durability
Good modular kitchen companies usually use plywood proven to last over the long run owing to its superb durability. The quality of modular kitchen products is known to adhere to a high standard as they are manufactured in a factory. On the other hand, carpenters prefer to use solid wood, local plywood or MDF which is not as durable and the final product may be of a lower quality because everything is prepared by hand.
🏆: Modular Kitchens
Customisations
When it comes to storage-related customisations, modular kitchens always win. From the first consultation, all the client’s recommendations are taken into consideration and fine-tuned to ensure maximum functionality and aesthetics. However, some people may argue that in a carpenter kitchen, it is easier to overlook and suggest alterations once the process is ongoing, allowing for a certain degree of customisation there too.
🏆: It’s a tie between Modular and Carpenter Kitchens!
Aesthetics
When it comes to following a modern style, there are no questions asked on the dominance of modular kitchens over carpenter kitchens. While carpenter kitchens are very restricted when it comes to experimenting with style, modular kitchens tend to get it right. Many of the modular kitchen designs can be tailored into a traditional look too if that’s what a client requests. The sleek construction of modular kitchen elements trumps carpenter kitchens any day!
🏆: Modular Kitchens
So, it is clear that modular kitchens finally win. For the modular kitchen of your dreams, contact us on +91 90 20 10 70 22 | 23
No, the Price of your Modular Kitchen does not only Depend on its Area!
Looks can be deceiving, even when it comes to your modular kitchen price.
Every home cook for whom their kitchen is a paradise wants an affordable one too. There is a huge misconception that the cost of a modular kitchen is ONLY dependent on the square footage of your kitchen. The reality is actually far from this. Yes, the kitchen’s area is a factor but there are many other factors influencing modular kitchen prices. A kitchen may look similar to another one from the outside, but may in fact cost exorbitantly higher owing to the other factors that have contributed to the spend.
In this article, we guide you through the different factors influencing modular kitchen prices and offer our input on where you can cut costs and where you must refuse to compromise.
Some factors that determine the cost of your kitchen are:
Size of your kitchen
The size layout of your modular kitchen does matter. A larger square-footage gives you the gift of space, where you can add more kitchen modules and have a layout of your choice. The addition of modules depends on your needs, which means, if you want to try out all the recipes in the magazine and spend hours together in the kitchen, you need a more advanced module. For someone who doesn’t believe in spending too much time in their kitchen, the bare minimum Straight-Line Layout would work for them. More modules will, quite naturally, translate to a higher price.
Material Used
The cabinet materials you will find in the market range from those that can burn a hole in your pocket to the pocket-friendly ones. Plywood is the material of choice for those looking for practicality and remaining on a budget. Some of the materials available and used for cabinets in the market are MDF, HDF, solid wood, and ply.
Shutter Finish Used
With regards to shutter finishes, most carpenters give quotes based on laminates (mica) only but there are several options when it comes to finishes. While the use of other finishes may increase the cost, if you want to preserve superior aesthetics, it is a great choice to make.
Cabinet Modules
Pick the right type of cabinets, tailored to your space and needs and ones that you will use frequently, to get a budget-effective kitchen.
Drawer systems, tall units, pull-outs, cutlery trays, and space-saving corner and loft units are a few of the options. While the installation of these may cost you a little more, it will increase the utility and functionality of your space and is an investment you must consider.
Countertop & Backsplash
Some of the materials commonly used for countertops are quartz, Corian, natural wood, or polished granite. Depending on your aesthetic requirements, your countertop budget may change.
When it comes to the backsplash, a few people prefer metals as they offer an industrial look and are easier to clean whereas others play it safe with stone or glass. Refrain from using stone with a lot of texture as it may make it challenging to clean and maintain. The cost varies highly depending on the size and material used.
Appliances
Your modular kitchen could include built-in appliances like hobs, chimneys, and so on. Choose the most essential ones and enjoy your affordable and colorful little heaven or splurge on creating the kitchen out of your dreams.
Now you can easily understand how a kitchen that may look just like another can vary in price from one another. It is important to not just judge a kitchen and estimate its budget on its size and first appearance as there are many factors that influence the final cost of your kitchen.
Six Little-known Ways to “Lift Up” Your Upper Kitchen Cabinets
Lift ups– the trending open-close mechanisms that Indians are loving now.
A sophisticated and functional kitchen is every homeowner’s dream. They may spend weeks researching and trying to pick the perfect kitchen shutter, invest in the best in-built oven they can, and splurge on the most expensive countertop that money can buy. However, there is one aspect of the modular kitchen that lends an air of sophistication and class like no other—the lift-up mechanism which can be used for your upper kitchen cabinets.
Until a few years ago, the norm for the conventional upper kitchen cabinet was the swing door shutter using traditional hinges. Thanks to the advances in hinges and slides of upper kitchen cabinets, people began embracing the more aesthetic and functional soft-close and push-to-open mechanisms.
One variety of this is the lift up, a rather trending opening and closing mechanism becoming a more popular choice for Indian kitchen cabinets. This is a form of intelligent engineering which is transforming how kitchen cabinets are viewed. To put it simply, uplift your kitchen cabinets with lift ups!
Invest in lift ups from reputed brands like Kesseböhmer, who have an extensive range of lift ups called FREElift as part of their catalog, guaranteeing long-term success. There are six varieties of lift ups available in the market today, each one boasting unique features of their own. Let’s look at the details:
1. Upward opening basic variety (FREElight)
What:
This is the base model when it comes to lifting ups.
Where:
Ideal for use in most upper kitchen cabinet setups, wall units, and high units positioned anywhere.
Why:
It can support and open front panels of up to 5.5 kg weight and 40 cm height. If you want a basic lift-up mechanism, this is the one for you as it is the most affordable option of the lot.
2. Upward flap mini variety (FREEflap)
What:
An efficient lift up option that is small but packs a punch- this compact lift up can generate force to hold fronts of up to 27 kgs with ease at either 90° or 107° angles!
Where:
Ideal for use in spaces with a limited installation depth
Why:
It uses multi-position STOPP technology to keep it steady in any position suitable for use even in installation depths as little as 11.8 cms.
3. Upward folding variety (FREEfold)
What:
A contemporary lift-up option that folds upwards to form an acute angle, with the top half parallel to the floor in its open position.
Where:
Ideal for smaller spaces or rooms with low ceilings, staggered wall units, and large panels and looks particularly great with glass front-illuminated units.
Why:
Employs multi-position STOPP technology to keep it steady in any position. They can also be fitted with eTouch for an open and close mechanism which is easily electronically controlled.
4. Parallel lifting variety (FREEslide)
What:
A suave lift up option moves to an open position parallel to the cabinet.
Where:
Ideal for use in stacked units, tall cabinets and cupboards holding kitchen appliances.
Why:
An easier way to reach for the items in the cabinets as well as uses multi-position STOPP technology to keep it steady in any position. They can also be fitted with eTouch for an open and close mechanism which is easily electronically controlled.
5. Upward swinging variety (FREEswing)
What:
A practical space-saving lift up option which swings to an upward position at an incline.
Where:
Ideal for use in medium and large front kitchen cabinets.
Why:
This type maximizes how much storage space remains in the cabinet and uses multi-position STOPP technology to remain steady in any position. They can also be fitted with eTouch for an open and close mechanism which is easily electronically controlled.
6. eTouch
What:
A futuristic electronic lift up option ensuring ultimate user convenience, activated by the user’s gentle touch. The closure is by touching a sensor switch on the inside of the cabinet.
Where:
eTouch can be used in FREEfold, FREEslide, and FREEswing lift ups.
Why:
Easy activation with minimal manual effort, works as a regular cabinet during a power outage, can be programmed to the client’s liking, and can also recognize obstacles.
The pros and cons of lift ups are as follows:
Pros
- Space-saving as the cabinets open in an upwards direction and need lesser space than a swing door shutter
- Handle-less design
- Several varieties to choose from
- Superior aesthetics with a minimalistic touch
- Better safety ensured without risk of jamming fingers
- Harmonious and fluid movement during opening and closing
- Smooth and noiseless closing of cabinets
- Prevents damage in the long-term resulting for harsh opening and closing of cabinet doors
Cons
- Slightly more expensive than the conventional options
The future is now here with lift up mechanisms for upper kitchen cabinets and it is apparent that the pros outweigh the cons! Speak to Bespoke Decor today and upgrade to a modular kitchen with these functional and aesthetic lift ups.
