Design Ideas for a Low-Maintenance Modular Kitchen

Are you planning a new modular kitchen for your home? If yes, then you need to choose from an assortment of designs, patterns, and finishes.  There are a lot of dealers offering the best quality modular kitchens in Kochi. While some of the homeowners prefer style over utility, others pay attention to functionality. Modular kitchens in Ernakulam or any other locality are a harmonious blend of aesthetics and functionality. No matter the layout you choose, the main objective is to create a clean and tidy cooking space. Cleaning up the cooking area and making it look spotless is always a strenuous chore. Even though some enjoy cooking, they hate cleaning up the mess after it. That is why many of us wish for a kitchen that can be maintained with ease. This blog post discusses a few tips that will help you design a kitchen space that can be cleaned and maintained easily. 

Countertops: If you don’t want like scrubbing the dirty grout every often, then it is best to avoid picking the traditional 4-inch by 4-inch ceramic tile for countertops.  Grubby grout also tends to harbor mold and mildew thereby compromising on the health and safety of the family. Hence, go for stainless steel, quartz, Corian or laminates for your kitchen countertops as you don’t have to scrub or seal these surfaces. Granite is also a popular choice among the homeowners due to its ease of maintenance. If you can’t afford the laminates or stainless steel for your modular kitchen, then opt for porcelain tiles of larger size. 

Backsplashes: Installing backsplashes is the best way to enhance the overall appeal and style of your kitchen. However, there are different choices of backsplash materials available in the market which makes it trickier to make a pick. Protecting the kitchen walls from splashes and pills, backsplashes play a key role in maintaining the cleanliness of the kitchen. Back-painted glasses, quartz or stone slabs can be best material choices to consider as they are easy to clean. If you are looking for a cheaper option, then laminate is the best bet. 

Flooring: Your kitchen is the busiest area in your home and it is prone to spills and higher foot traffic. Hence, you need a flooring material that can stand the test of time and are easy to clean. Materials like Marmoleum, linoleum, hardwood or sheet vinyl can be cleaned with damp mopping. If you find it tough to afford these materials, then opt for large-format glazed tiles. 

Cabinets: When choosing a modular kitchen layout, you would be overwhelmed with the choices of cabinet styles available. It is always best to choose a simple cabinet style as it would be easier to clean and maintain. Even though decorative cabinetry is pleasing to eyes, it might be a strenuous task to clean around the nooks and crannies. 

We really hope some of these tips would prove beneficial to you while building or renovating the modular kitchen.

Kitchen Cabinets: How about Stainless Steel?

There is absolutely no doubt about the fact that if one decides to renovate their kitchen, or buy a new one, or just make one from the very scratch - kitchen cabinets play a great role. In addition to thinking of giving a proper framework and a place for every appliance, choosing kitchen cabinets happens to be an important task, as one contemplates to give a thought to their kitchen. The cabinets, especially their surfacing is important, for it is responsible in reflecting the overall look of the kitchen; plus, it also works as an important factor in determining how durable the cabinets would turn out to be.

Also, we’re in a time when the creative energies of designers are on a rise, and we’re all simply spoilt for choices! And it’s not just because people are creating such a variety of things - but also, because they’re all creating different patterns and designs, from a variety of materials.

The ones that we’re interested to talk about today, is metal - specifically, stainless steel.

Available in every kind of budget, the flexibility of stainless steel does not only show in the way it is used but also who uses it, depending on the money one intends to spend. This durable and extremely strong material is one of the favorites amongst the modular kitchens Ernakulam, Ahmedabad, and other major cities across the country.

Especially, if one finds it too expensive, they can use it as doors for their wooden cabinets. People use it a lot with glass, and this eclectic material does not disappoint in helping lighten the look of the space. One can find steel available in various finishes, that is patterned, etched, and brushed. But, most people do prefer using just plain steel. They find it more sophisticated, and more chic.

What else is good about this material?

As every metal does, steel too, without being an exception, boasts of a very unique look. You will always find treated metal to be stain as well as rust resistant, in addition to showing a lot of sturdiness. Again, steel is no different here. This material is not affected by humidity and heat, in the least! You don’t have to work too hard to maintain a clean stainless steel kitchen, because the surfaces will be extremely easy to clean; you won’t have to worry about usine spices in your food that could turn themselves into grime on a steel surface, and so on. Steel is hence, a really good option if you’re looking to happily cook in your kitchen, while being carefree!

What should one be warned about, while using steel?

Colors. The problem is that you won’t find steel in a wide range of colors! If you’re all right with the classy look that steel in its plain form presents, or maybe even with a different finish, then you’re good to go. If not, then stell might not be the right choice for you. The thing about steel that charms one’s socks off, is the shiny surface it has. But, having it for many years tells you how the rust or oxidation takes over after a while. Then comes the problem that almost every metal has - fingerprints and oil smudges showing, too clearly for one’s taste. The stainless steel sheets are also prone to scratching and denting under pressure. And of course, you shouldn’t forget, that metal, especially this one, is bound to make noise, when you open the cabinet drawers or doors.

So, tell us - do you think modular kitchens in Kochi and other places are doing the right thing by choosing this awesome metal over many other enticing choices, such as wood or PVC? Or do you think people who are pro steel, should give it another thought? Enlighten us with your amazing views!

Know Your Finishes: Plywood for Modular Kitchens

Plywood is a term that we all have heard a lot of, but even then, not everyone knows what it actually is. So any modular kitchens in Kochi, Ahmedabad, Ernakulam, and other places have the most beautiful woodwork done, and they sure do come across plywood; but still, people are never sure what exactly it is.

Well, it is nothing but a really thin sheet of wood bonded together, using an adhesive. These wooden sheets used in plywood are also called veneer - another name that people recognize a lot, but don’t know what it means exactly.

Talking of plywood, there are two kinds which are used majorly in modular kitchens. One is Commercial plywood, and the other is Boiling Water Resistant plywood.

Let’s take a look at how these two differ from each other.

Commercial Plywood (MR)

MR is used to tell you, that this plywood is the moisture resistant ind. This is the type of plywood that also goes by the name interior grade plywood. It’s used when you have furniture that doesn’t come in contact with water too much or one that you plan to keep a bit away from any source of water in your kitchen.

BWR Grade Plywood:

This other kind of plywood is boiling water resistant kind - so, that's what BWR stands for. Because this one’s so efficiently water resistant, it’s a popular choice amongst many a modular kitchen owners. But, the only problem is, it tends to be a little more expensive than former kind. Another thing about these two is, that the grade of both these plywood types is just the same.

Indians call BWR grade plywood by the name Marine Ply, while in reality, there’s a huge difference between these two. Marine ply, in actuality, isn’t used for furniture at home, as much as it is used to make more heavy duty things, such as boats, and even the woodwork one finds in ships, amongst other things.

In conclusion…

When it comes to brands, there is a lot to consider. While Choosing one’s brand of choice, it is the durability and strength that should be taken into account, for the most part. These are what define the quality of plywood. It’s been seen how modular kitchens in Kochi, Bangalore, and other such big cities have owners who get cheated when it comes to the quality of plywood. It’s extremely easy to get confused by a fake kind of plywood, which has been stamped a superior brand by its vendor. So, be careful about what you buy, and keep away from substandard finishes for your kitchen.

How Modular Kitchens define your Interiors!

Modular Kitchens in Kochi have a variety of designs and patterns. They give a new look to your kitchen and your home. Kitchen is not just a luxury but a necessity to keep up with the modern and latest style. I mean today nearly every home has a modular kitchen, you cannot ignore the fact that you need to move with the changing times and fashion trends.

Modular Kitchen is the new definition of your Interiors

• They are far better when you compare them to the ordinary ones. 
• They are contemporary and elegant even when there is a space issue. They come in a variety of colors and designs to add spark to your interiors. You can use some unique color in your kitchen furniture to make it stand –out from the others. 
• It uses maximum space of your kitchen. Even if there is a small space you can easily have the fittings done there. The experts design your kitchen based on the design and structure of your kitchen. 
• The modular kitchen is easy to clean and maintain. The material used on the top cleans easily with a soft cloth and you can maintain the shine of your furniture for years. 
• They have options of spectacular designs and patters. These days even a simple modular kitchen is in trend, hence you need not worry about being simple. 
• The modular kitchens Kochi have quick installations, they do not require days to do the fittings. Most of the fittings are ready made and their team needs very little time fix the modular kitchen for you. 
• They come with long durability and sustain for a longer time. If you use good quality materials in the modular kitchen then you won’t have to look at it for years. 

Accessories give it a modern touch

Having a modern kitchen requires a few accessories to make it well-equipped.  Usually to keep the kitchen well-equipped people use accessories, but with modular kitchen they are all included. The most accessories in demand with modular kitchen in Kochi are hobs or cooking range, pull out drawers or units, cooker hoods, adjustable shelves, shutters and more. Let’s discuss a few from these. 

Hobs or cooking range: These days you will find the gas stoves; some even have electric stoves incised in the granite countertops of the kitchen. This leaves you abundant cooking space and your kitchen is clutter free. 

Units: Units are what make the modular kitchen the most favourite and demand among the people. It helps to store and also gives easy access to each item without any hassle. Be it your cutlery, utensils, grocery, etc. all can be stored in safely. 

Chimney: This is an essential for every kitchen to help keep away the smoke. The invention of electric chimneys has made life simple.

Conclusion

There are numerous modular kitchen designs available, hence you don’t need to worry about the choice and selection range. It is affordable and a luxurious part of your kitchen then redefines the interiors of your home. 

3 Styles of Bar Stools That Could Work in Your Island Kitchen!

People all around the country, their picturesque modular kitchens in Kochi, Ahmedabad, and other cities, especially the ones with island kitchens are opting for bar stools instead of regular chairs. If you’re a little confused as to what would a chair do in a kitchen, you should know you can easily make a breakfast table out of the island countertop in your kitchen. And for that table, a chic bar stool does do wonders!

We have here 3 materials that you can make these kitchen stools out of, and help give your kitchen space a brand new look!

Bistro, or Riviera

Here’s a way to give your kitchen a beautifully chic and rustic look. Having bistro-like stools for your breakfast table, waiting for your food everyday will probably feel like sitting in one of those mod French cafes, waiting for your coffee and croissant to arrive! Not only will a bistro-style give a rustic feel to the space, but in an otherwise neutral space, these bar stools will definitely provide for a creative respite.

Wicker

Many consider this to be a vintage material, but wicker makes for a great value addition even when it comes to a modern themed house or kitchen. It adds a casual tone to any theme, while blending easily with its surroundings. As for a breakfast table, you can have your wicker bar stool have a low back on it; this will allow one to have a direct view from the breakfast table to the stove, without a high backed chair or stool hindering their way. Also, a stool without a back could get a little uncomfortable to sit while having food.

You can choose to have your breakfast table installed outside, and the wicker stools will still look and feel great, especially the ones exhibiting whitewashed grey or subtle caramel hues would lend a farmhouse charm to the place. One of the best things about wicker is the way it makes its surroundings look and feel more warm than would without it; and that proves to be a great quality for new kitchen accessory.

Mixed Material, or Industrial 

Industrial bar stool is made from material that you get on combining metal and wood, or when you pair metal with upholstery. This is definitely the way to go to bring quite the warmth in the kitchen. A really interesting way to add just the right amount of drama to the space would be, having black lighting on the top, coupled with these bar stools - all of this in a kitchen space done fully in white!

You will find no problem sliding these stools under the waterfall edge of the island, therefore not taking up much of extra space in the kitchen too. Also, these stools will have industrial finishes that are already a bit distressed; so, you’ll find them easily blending with heavily used kitchen scene.

These are a few of the many style trends that you can follow without worrying about the place you’re in. They would work as good in rustic themed modular kitchens in Kochi, as they would in say, contemporary kitchens of Delhi, and so on.

Refrigerators: How to Make Them a Bit More Environment Friendly?

Modular kitchens in Kochi, and other places have owners who have started thinking in terms of environment friendliness now. They are either opting for more eco-friendly options, or looking for ways to make an eco-friendly option out of what they already have.

One of the most commonly found appliances, which also happens to be an energy hog in itself, is the refrigerator at your home. They account for at least 9 percent and can go upto 15% of the total electricity use at a place. So, how do you make your refrigerator a more energy efficient one?

One, you can look at the Stars!

Not the stars above, but the Energy Stars put on a label on the fridge. These Stars are the government’s way of advising you for or against a fridge, based on the energy standard. While this is an essential step in buying a refrigerator, you should know that not all of the appliance models with same Energy Stars have the exact same efficiency. One is always better than the other, and so on. And so we come to point number…

Two, size plays a role too.

You know how we Indians love to introduce the concept of ‘jugaad’ in everything we do; well, in the case of refrigerator, there are so many people who buy a small one and hog it up with every bit of food they can find. They are pleased at their jugaad which allows them to not let any piece of food go bad, while also not spend on a bigger fridge. But what they don’t realize is, they’re making the fridge work harder than it’s intended to, forcing it to use more energy than needed. Size of the refrigerator, therefore, matters - but it solely depends upon how you’re going to use your fridge. So choose carefully.

Three, you can’t overlook the configuration.

There are a number of refrigerator models available in the market today. Some have the freezer on the top, some have a bottom freezer, and then there are some with side-by-side freezer units. As far as the usable space is concerned in a fridge, the top freezer models give about 80%, the bottom ones 67%, and the third kind 63%. On the top of it, the side-by-side fridge models also consume about 20% more electricity than its counterparts. And again, if your refrigerator is of an even advanced configured model, chances are it will consume more energy. For example, if it has a water and ice dispenser, and the ice maker, and such other features, you will find your fridge using up around 10 to 15% more energy than it normally would.

Other things that you could do to save energy, and therefore some money as well:

➔      Do not place your refrigerator too close to any source of heat; so basically, keep it placed away from the stove or oven.  Otherwise, your fridge will have to work extra hard for no reason at all.

➔      Don’t put any food item that is too hot, directly in the fridge. Let it cool first, and get itself to the room temperature, and then proceed to put it in the fridge.

So, modularkitchens in Kochi, or wherever they might be, we can still make them all a little more conducive to a healthy environment!

How Would a High Tech Solid Surface Make a Low Maintenance Kitchen Countertop?

Everywhere you go, owners of modular kitchens kochi, Delhi, Ahmedabad, and so on, are trying to keep up with the ongoing kitchen trends. And one of the hot trends that has grabbed everyone’s attention is, getting a high tech solid surface countertop for the kitchens.

Now, why would that be? What is this synthetic material being deemed as one of the cutting-edge countertop materials?

To answer these questions, let’s begin with the basics.

How Is It Made?

It is a perfect team up of acrylic or polyester resins, pigments, and powdered fillers that when further heated at 60°C  or more, then cured, and finally cast into various shapes while being sanded on either one or both the sides, makes a solid surface kitchen countertop. To make a countertop worthy of a beautiful modular kitchen though, it would need to be more than just robust. It would have to be design worthy as well. And therefore, an acrylic-modified polyester solid surface can be given different effects, appearances, and be molded into various design figures to embody the perfect look before getting installed in a kitchen.

What Makes It So Special?

Did we tell you how they can be easily injected into a mold of your choice, to give you the design of your choice? The unique shapes and configurations that you can get with this material make it one of a kind amongst the crowd of countertop materials available in the market today.

But of course, the primary reason for choosing this synthetically made countertop is, the durability of the material, and its being non-porous. The latter quality especially helps in the surface being easily maintained; the reason for that is, it doesn’t let any bacteria or mildew in, as well as doesn’t get stained very easily.

Solid surface manufacturers are always quite keen on getting their GreenGuard approval; for that would mean, in an officially certified manner, that their countertops are a healthy and indoor-friendly choice, owing to their non porous nature and emitting chemicals at a lower level. That again makes it a very sustainable choice for any modular kitchen.

Where Could It Go Wrong?

Heat sensitivity is the weak spot for this countertop material. Unless you have the mixture for making the solid surface get heated at about 160°C and immediately cooled thereafter, the heat sensitivity of the material is nowhere better than its counterparts. Also, it is not scratch free. Working in a kitchen, knives and cutting board become your buddies for life; but you would need to keep a check on your buddies, knowing that they could do some irreversible damage to your high tech solid surface countertop.

Also, while there is a way to make solid surfaces more eco-friendly, right now the majority of these are being made from materials that we get from non-renewable resources, such as petroleum, aluminium trihydrate, and so on. The negative impact that it has on the environment is a bit worrisome; but not too much, as it can be taken care of.

Last, But Not the Least: How Easy Is It To Maintain It?

Very easy. You would not need anything more than soap and water to clean the surface on a daily basis. The only thing to take care of, is to dry the surface properly, every time you clean it. Otherwise you would be left with a countertop demonstrating a dull finish. Also, if you have used a darker color for your countertop, you won’t have too many easily seen fingerprints to clean as well.

Modular kitchens Kochi, Ahmedabad, and every other city today is moving towards a more stylish and easily maintainable future. We spend so much time in our kitchens on an everyday basis, that we need it look good and that too, always. That is why we want our kitchens to be as low maintenance as possible.

That’s the reason, with a solid surface countertop, you won’t be disappointed!