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Designing Kitchen For Rental Homes
September 16, 2023
Mrinmoy Dey
Designing a kitchen for a rental property requires a thoughtful and practical approach that balances functionality and style, writes Mrinmoy Dey.
Rapid urbanisation and migration due to the transient nature of modern lifestyles and career opportunities have given rise to rental homes. As more individuals and families are opting to rent, there is a surge of demand for well-designed rental spaces that offer comfort, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. The kitchen is often called the heart of the home and it isn’t any different in the case of rental homes too!
A property with a carefully designed kitchen is likely to be chosen faster by the tenants and thus avoiding void periods. However, tenants are unlikely to pay a premium just for the kitchen if the rental value is not aligned with the market rate. Hence, it’s important to not go overboard and maintain a balance. While these kitchens are also intended for residential use, they have an entirely different connotation in terms of intended users, aesthetics and functionality and will vary from kitchens designed for personal use by the homeowner. Hence, designers need to adopt a thoughtful approach that combines practicality, cost-effectiveness, and stylish elements to cater to the needs of various tenants.
Outlining the Requirements
Often, kitchen design is customised to suit the tastes, preferences, requirements and lifestyles of the users. However, designing kitchens in rental properties is an entirely different proposition with the potential users being unknown to the designer.
“Rental homes attract individuals from different walks of life, such as working professionals, students, and families. In most cases, there is a floating population that occupies these rental homes. The frequency of changes can be as low as two years. Therefore, the kitchen design must be adaptable and versatile to suit varying preferences and requirements,” shares Amaresh Anand, Principal Architect, Khosla Associates.
He further adds, “Designing a kitchen for those specific apartments or holiday homes needs to account for all those aspects and should be generic in nature. The idea is to fulfil the needs of a diverse set of people that will use the space. Of course, the basic amenities will be there, for example, dishwashers, ovens, microwave ovens, refrigerators, etc. However, the layout and the positioning of the appliances have to be planned in such a way that they will be comfortable to use for any user.”
Functionality, safety, and ease of maintenance should take precedence while incorporating a touch of elegance. However, the location and type of the property can be a giveaway to the kind of tenants that is expected to occupy these rental homes. For example, if it’s located near corporate offices, IT parks or industrial zones, working professionals and families are expected. Similarly, properties near university campuses or coaching centres or education hubs are expected to attract students. The average rental value of the properties near the vicinity can be another guideline.
"Rental homes attract individuals from different walks of life, such as working professionals, students, and families. In most cases, there is a floating population that occupies these rental homes. The frequency of changes can be as low as two years. Therefore, the kitchen design must be adaptable and versatile to suit varying preferences and requirements."
Amaresh Anand
Principal Architect,
Khosla Associates
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Space Planning
Often, kitchens in rental homes come in compact sizes making optimisation of space allocation a critical aspect of kitchen design. The kitchen layout needs to be planned, keeping in mind this factor. The use of modular cabinets and open shelving can maximise storage capacity while maintaining an organised appearance. Additionally, wall-mounted storage solutions, such as pot racks and hooks, can further free up countertop space.
Anshul Chodha, Principal Architect, Sanctuary Architects suggests keeping the kitchen generic. “There are few things in a kitchen that won’t change irrespective of who it is designed for i.e., 1) Four burner stove and chimney, 2) Oven, 3) Microwave, 4) Kitchen Sink and 5) Storage.”
He further adds, “I would suggest to split the volume of storage required proportionately for groceries, vessels, crockery, cutlery and seasonings. Also, one can go for a mix of pull-out drawers, especially below the counter, for easy access and cabinet storage.”
"Keep the kitchen generic. There are a few things in a kitchen that won’t change irrespective of who it is designed for i.e., 1) Four burner stove and chimney, 2) Oven, 3) Microwave, 4) Kitchen Sink and 5) Storage. Neutral and light colour palette and contemporary kitchen would be the safest bet."
Anshul Chodha
Principal Architect,
Sanctuary Architects
Appliances and Fixtures
When selecting appliances and fixtures, it is wise to opt for reputed brands that offer a balance between quality and affordability. Essential appliances, such as a refrigerator, gas stove, and microwave, should be included in the kitchen setup.
Chodha shares, “Other than the basic appliances, depending on the price point of the apartment/ home, one can decide on a dishwasher and dish warmer. Value for money and serviceability are the two most important factors I look at while selecting appliances for a kitchen.”
However, the placement of the appliances has to be planned in such a way that it would be convenient for most users. “Additionally, one should keep modules of dimensions that can fit most equipment,” adds Chodha.
Selection of Materials and Finishes
In a kitchen designed for a rental property, ease of maintenance and durability are key concerns. And, this becomes a crucial factor for designers while selecting the materials and finishes for various components like flooring, walls, countertop, backsplashes etc.
Designers usually go for high-quality, low-maintenance materials that can withstand regular wear and tear. For example, granite or quartz countertops are not only aesthetically pleasing but also durable and easy to clean. Similarly, using water-resistant and easy-to-clean tiles for the backsplash can help maintain the kitchen's appearance over time.
Designers usually go for high-quality, low-maintenance materials that can withstand regular wear and tear. Photo Courtesy: Facilis
Talking about the materials he would prefer in a kitchen for a rental property, Chodha shares, “For the floor, one can opt for Porcelain tiles, ideally in matt finishes as they are less slippery. For countertops, Quartzite or man-made stones could work well as they are less porous and have lesser joints.”
As far as the colour palette is concerned, a neutral colour palette is widely preferred for rental properties. Neutral tones, such as whites, creams, or light greys, create a versatile backdrop that complements a wide range of tenant preferences. Neutral colours also help create an illusion of spaciousness, making the kitchen appear more inviting and comfortable. “Neutral and light colour palette and contemporary kitchen would be the safest bet,” opines Chodha.
Lighting
Proper lighting is crucial in any kitchen, and it becomes even more critical in a rental home where tenants may have varying lighting preferences. A combination of task lighting, such as under-cabinet lights and overhead fixtures, and ambient lighting can be employed to ensure adequate illumination. Additionally, the design should also include adjustable light fixtures so that the users can customise the brightness according to their preferences.
Although a kitchen for a rental home has to be designed with a broad appeal in mind, incorporating a few elements that add a personal touch can make the space feel warm and inviting. Simple additions like decorative plants, tasteful artwork, or colourful kitchen accessories can infuse character without overwhelming the design.
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