Remodelling Kitchen: Balancing Functionality and Aesthetics

May 22, 2021

By Mrinmoy Dey

The key to a successful remodelling project lies in having a clear plan entailing the extent of renovation required to meet the user requirements keeping in mind the budget constraint.

Creating a dream kitchen is by no means an easy feat. It takes a lot of planning and time to get it right. But then again, over a period of time even the most meticulously designed kitchens tend to be predictable and may not be as efficient as it was at the beginning. This might be due to changes in the way the user uses the kitchens, the family composition or a completely new set of people moving in. In such situations, remodelling the kitchen to suit the user requirements works well.

Extent of remodelling

Deciding when to plan the renovation or how much of a makeover is needed can be tricky. Gauri Shah, Principal Architect, Facilis says, “A kitchen that is used for a period of maybe above 5-7 years should be thought of remodelling. As the requirements, family composition, the way of using, the person using it and lastly the trends do change over a period of this time.”

Swanzal Kak Kapoor, Design Principal, Saka Studio explains the process that goes behind selecting a renovation plan. “We are always conscious of how resources are being consumed in a particular kitchen. We would evaluate the space very carefully to decide the optimum renovation. We do not believe in discarding old things just because they are old. If they are functional, then they are usually refurbished. Usually, it is the structural problems that we try to put right. Things like plumbing issues, seepage, electrical problems are given top priority in renovation projects.”

Photo Credit: HP Lakhani Associates, Hyderabad

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Often in renovation projects, clients already have an idea of what they want the end result to be like. However, an architect or designer has to improvise on those briefs and make it not only practical but also better. Gauri explains, “Clients do come with a brief with clarity, as they know exactly what they don’t want according to the previous kitchen that they were using. But many a time they are not aware about the products, finishes, appliances that are available in today’s time. So, I prefer educating the clients by making them visit reputed experience centres of products, finishes and appliances. I insist on choosing the above prior to the starting of my planning/ designing anything because any change in the above may completely change my whole planning. Besides this, the client’s clarity completely transforms into a need and his whole approach towards remodelling changes.”

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