Architect & Interior Designer Shantanu Garg
Architect & Interior Designer Shantanu Garg discusses the latest trends in kitchen design, fittings, and materials

With changes in the cooking pattern and availability of good hardware system, kitchen systems for most people have modularised for better functioning and comfortable cooking. People are opting for modern kitchens that are well equipped with electronic gadgets like built-in microwave ovens, coffee machines, barbeque stations, dishwashers, and warming drawers. With lifestyles becoming busier, the need for quick solutions in the kitchen has increased. In India, people are exploring different styles and are being inspired by international trends. Open kitchens and kitchenettes are marking their entry as one of the hottest trends in kitchens.

Stosa Cucine Jaipur Showroom designed by Shantanu Garg

Design & Layout
The kitchenette is a way is a better means of utilisation of space as opposed to creating a designated room to accommodate the kitchen. As compared to a closeted kitchen, accessibility plays an important role when it comes to an open kitchen. An open kitchen if designed aesthetically lengthens the area of the entire space. It translates into a social space that is conducive to interaction and is better for entertaining. Open kitchens are better lit as they are an extension of either a living room or a dining room.
Kitchens require equal attention as the other rooms in the house, where design plays an equivalent and imperative role

Kitchenette designed by Shantanu Garg

Island kitchens have a free loose counter usually placed in the centre of the kitchen, free from all four sides. It has an aesthetic appeal and a multi-functional utility. This versatile kitchen style can be used as a cook-top, chopping counter, washbowl or even as a breakfast counter.

Depending upon the availability of space, one can also opt for peninsular kitchens. Peninsular kitchen is a style similar to that of an island counter but attached on a smaller side to another platform or to the wall.

Garden kitchens are more prevalent in farmhouses. These kitchens ususally overlook plantations and fields. This style is highly preferred due to its involvement with nature.
Open kitchens and kitchenettes are marking their entry as one of the hottest trends in kitchens

Materials for countertops and cabinets
Cabinet Downlights
Materials set the tone for the entire kitchen, so countertops can be the basis of choice for the rest of your finishes and colour palette for the kitchen.

Granite offers a high-end look that adds to the kitchen’s value while providing a durable prep surface. It isn’t just aesthetically pleasing, it also helps to disguise wear and hide light stains.

Caesar Stone is truly unique and proves to be a gorgeous focal point in any kitchen, giving a chic, modern look.

Corian countertops are attractive and work for their longevity. The colour and pattern are consistent throughout the countertop, so it will not change its appearance with wear and tear that naturally occur over time.

Ceramic tiles come in a variety of colours and styles like laminam, and their properties remain unchanged even after intensive use and frequent cleaning. They meet all lifestyle and aesthetic prerequisites.

Fittings
Stosa Cucine Jaipur Showroom designed by Shantanu Garg
A lot of emphasis is laid on the design aspect of the kitchen, and adapting homes to the newer trends is essential as they not only offer functionality but finesse too. The latest innovations that have recently come up are use of metals in kitchen carcasses, shutters and counters. Stainless steel is the new one in the Indian market. It is a sturdy material, perfect for Indian kitchens and maintains the desired level of hygiene.

Colours
Colours play a very vital role while designing any space and an amalgamation of base colours with contrasts in trend. Use solid colours in high gloss lamination for top units such as lift-ups, etc. For the under-counter shutters and drawers, one can opt for wood finish in materials like veneer. Wood gives an earthy feel and the horizontal grains make the space feel bigger and less cluttered. Processed and manufactured wood, plywood and veneer are extensively used in making kitchen furnishings around the world.

Backsplash
Backsplash selection enhances overall characteristics of a kitchen as it complements the countertop, therefore, equal emphasis to the walls and dado should be given. Choose a backsplash colour that visually contrasts with your countertop and cabinetry.

Ceramic tiles warm up the feel in the kitchen and working in bright patterned tiles with solid colour could break the routine.

Metal wall finish to the backdrop is the best way to bring some metallic creative accents into the kitchen setting.

Coloured and lacquered Glass makes for a good choice for contemporary kitchen interior design mainly because of its ease in cleaning/maintaining, innovative use and classy looks.

Having a Stone backsplash renders the kitchen a high end look, radiating opulence.
Attractive interplay of materials and finishes determines the look and feel of a kitchen

Flooring and Walls
Attractive interplay of materials and finishes determines the look and feel of a kitchen. The choices made in material selection for kitchen must not only be aesthetically pleasing and persuasive, but also functional with a minimal need for maintenance. Exploring different species is important but equally important is to make sure that the choice of material reflects your style and the appearance sought after. Choice of material can also maximise the sense of a space if a single unifying material is used throughout.