THE KITCHEN EVOLUTION

KITCHENS ARE EVOLVING TO BECOME SPACES WHERE SOCIAL LIFE IS COMING TO THE FOREFRONT EVEN AS IT SHEDS ITS IMAGE OF JUST A SPACE TO COOK.

BINDU GOPAL RAO

Designing kitchens as functional spaces going beyond the conventional realm while balancing practicality and aesthetics is what is piquing the interests of architects and designers.

DESIGN DETAILS

Kitchen spaces these days are becoming modern and minimalist with optimum functionality. Kitchen renovation is now one of the top priorities on the list of every household. “Space organization, quality material and finishes, superior surface finishes, all are paramount to the consumer now. In terms of design, the focus has now shifted from more space to well organized space. Consumers have become acceptable to removing the clutter and focusing on storing the essentials. More than creating lofts all around the kitchen, the need has changed to decreasing the claustrophobic effect,” says Abhineet Seth, Founder, Abodekraftz. Today, a kitchen is used as a place for socialising, as an office for working from home, and as a hub for families to come together. In addition, with rapid urbanisation, kitchens have also evolved into more than just modular utility and convenience rooms, and cooking is no longer seen as a chore but as an experience. “Cuttingedge developments in kitchen equipment and appliances have allowed for homeowners to have a wider range of choices. People are gravitating toward bold and rich colours and experimenting heavily with colour contrasts and manufacturers are also offering more options for panelready appliance fronts to make the transition from living spaces to a kitchen seem seamless and cohesive,” explains Architect Ekta Ahuja, Founder, Tejomaya Designs.

SPACE STYLE