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The Making of Studio Kitchens
November 15, 2023
Remona Divekar
Studio kitchen spaces can be tough to keep organised, but not impossible. Connoisseur interior designers share with Remona Divekar their design expertise to maximise the limitation of a given space and create a functional, purposeful, and operational kitchen.
While small apartments and homes often offer plenty in the charm and cosiness department, they tend to be lacking when it comes to kitchen space. A small, one-wall kitchen does not need to be the focal point of the space. In the limited space, thoughtful planning creates multifunctional and aesthetically appealing kitchens. Uninterrupted worktops help create the illusion of more space while providing a practical area for cooking.
Ketan Sheth, Founder, Goldmine Project Consultants says, “When the space is small it is ideal to have a straight platform. The better option is to have an L-shaped kitchen pantry. I do not really call it a studio kitchen but it is a studio pantry kind of thing, so L-shaped is the better option where you can accommodate many things.”
He further adds that the overall look and appeal have to be user-friendly, stylish, and equipped for easy functionality as it is part of the living area. “It is all about working with the layout of the space, even if the kitchens are confined to a single wall, U-shaped, or tucked in a corner.”
In the limited space, thoughtful planning creates multifunctional and aesthetically appealing kitchens.
Optimum utilisation of space
It is challenging to fulfil all the requirements, yet, Anish Motwani, Interior Designer, Anish Motwani Associates has an optimistic view. “Careful placement of kitchen appliances improves the flow of small kitchens making it a unique style statement with a signature touch. Having fewer walls makes the space bigger. A good option is when you have guests as a movement it becomes easier and friendly. Choosing minimal-styled models reduces visual distractions and maintains a streamlined look.”
Furniture and flooring
The material used in the kitchen has to be easy to maintain. Sheth says, “Indian kitchens are full of spices and piquant food therefore for a healthy and hearty kitchen, it is important to design it in a compact, easy-to-work manner with modular furniture, drawers, pullout trays, storage systems, cabinets etc. Irrespective of its size, big or small, it is important to make it run smoothly to become liveable and likeable by not only properly arranging the equipment but also with innovative furniture arrangement, lighting, proper plumbing techniques, and organised space-saving cabinets.”
Studio kitchens are an integral part of the living area, it should be designed matching the standards of living area in terms of colours and aesthetics
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Inside drawers made of stainless steel are easier to maintain than wood; add to the illusion of space with light-coloured or glass surfaces. Chimney plays an essential role in designing studio kitchens as an alternative in homes, which do not have windows as natural ventilation. “For the windows, honeycomb shutters, aluminium honeycomb with stainless steel body is strongly recommended where white ants and leakage are kept at bay. The best option is a natural stone for the counter. It is futile to plan for a mass of appliances that are never used or occasionally used. Limit to a minimum of essentials,” opines Sheth. A clutter-free floor space maintains a clear walking space within the kitchen.
Having lesser walls makes the space bigger.
Lightings and more
Allowing natural light to enter the kitchen as much as possible during the day is crucial as bright light adds to the warmth and beauty of the small kitchen design. The use of white or other cool colours provides a feeling of spaciousness in the kitchen. Good lighting inside all the overhead cabinets, corners, and walls works well. Tidy and planned lighting at the ceiling works well.
Pendant lighting gives the dining area a perkier look. Incandescent lighting with a yellowish colour under the upper cabinets helps to accentuate the countertop areas. In addition, kitchens with large windows provide enough ventilation and brightness. All these factors play an important role in making the kitchen with a smaller area look superior.
"Careful placement of kitchen appliances improves the flow of small kitchens making it a unique style statement with a signature touch. Having fewer walls makes the space bigger. Choosing minimal-styled models reduces visual distractions and maintains a streamlined look."
Anish Motwani
Interior Designer, Anish Motwani Associates
Both Motwani and Sheth are of the opinion that studio kitchens should ensure only the essentials available on the counter surfaces where storage is the key factor. Wall cabinets encroach on space; hence open shelving makes a huge impact in small kitchens, creating an airy feel.
Motwani says, “Studio kitchens are an integral part of the living area, it should be designed to match the standards of living area in terms of colours and aesthetics. Materials in usage have to be such that they can be easily cleaned fitting the requirement of the space so that it should not look cramped. The studio kitchen has to be well designed where equipment should fit in properly. Space should be utilised to the fullest and should not look cramped.”
"When the space is small it is ideal to have a straight platform. The better option is to have an L-shaped kitchen pantry. I do not really call it a studio kitchen but it is a studio pantry kind of thing, so L-shaped is the better option where you can accommodate many things."
Ketan Sheth
Founder, Goldmine Project Consultants
The word studio kitchen in itself is a smaller size kitchen. The functionality is the key part of the studio kitchen, so much emphasis has to be given to the kind of gadgets to use. Switch point, number of sockets available, convenient access to socket, lighting and the electrical point is important.
As much as most people would love a large multifunctional kitchen, the reality is that many work with a room, which is less than spacious. There is no need to feel restricted by a small kitchen. The secret to success in a small kitchen is imagination. Whatever size or shape the kitchen is the trick is to create the illusion of more space with a smart layout and clever storage solutions.
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