Fresh, Vibrant and Welcoming
September 16, 2023
Mrinmoy Dey
Regardless of the space limitation, Studio Osmosis has turned this kitchen into a vibrant, visually appealing and fully functional space through effective space utilisation and selection of materials and colour palate, writes Mrinmoy Dey
This particular kitchen was part of a complete regutting home renovation project. The new kitchen borrowed features from both modern classical and contemporary design – major circulation assessment and functionality. Aesthetically, it had a completely new bright and happy vibe. The designer also used wood-panelled mint green shutters to give it a modern yet very warm, non-gloss look like the rest of the house.
Contemporary kitchen designs are characterised by clean lines, minimalist aesthetics, and a focus on functionality. “They often feature sleek and modern finishes, such as clean surfaces, easy-to-use cabinets, and minimal ornamentation. Contemporary designs can be a suitable choice for state-of-art functional and busy Indian kitchens seeking an uncluttered look with a touch of sophistication and power-packed functionality,” opines Shilpa Jain Balvally, Principal Architect, Studio Osmosis.
Design Brief
Talking about the design brief for the kitchen, she shares, “The client wanted a kitchen that feels vibrant and inviting. Also, cooking being a very important part of their daily lives and social life, they wanted to have a major focus on its functionality, the best equipment and services as well as circulation. Being a renovation, the client knew exactly what was or wasn’t working for them functionally in the previous kitchen and utility spaces.”
Sharing the challenges faced, Sameer Balvally, Principal Architect, Studio Osmosis adds, “As this was a renovation site, most of the surprises unfolded during demolition in terms of structural allowances and other such elements like gas lines for kitchen and plumbing restrictions. And, to turn these into opportunities, we focused on optimising storage through smart cabinetry solutions, utilising vertical space, and incorporating multi-functional elements within the existing structurally available spaces. Efficient space planning and careful selection of appliances and fixtures that fit the available space helped us create a functional kitchen.”
"The elements used with shaker style kitchen help us to balance and neutralise the vibrancy of teal, preventing the space from feeling overwhelming. This contrast created a visually appealing and aesthetically pleasing environment, making the kitchen a focal point of the overall design."
Sameer Balvally
Principal Architect,
Studio Osmosis
The Layout
To create a functional and spacious kitchen that caters to a client who hosts many guests and values food, the designer opted for an open floor plan. “As a space, it connects well to the dining area and the living area. This allows for seamless interaction between the family, help and the guests, making the space feel inviting and social,” shares Sameer.
The designer has chosen a U-shaped layout which is generally associated with larger kitchens. “The U-shaped layout maximizes the available space in a narrow kitchen by utilizing three walls. It provides ample countertop and storage space along each wall, allowing for efficient organization and easy access to kitchen essentials,” reasons Shilpa.
According to her, the U-shaped layout provides a smooth flow between work areas and eliminates corner congestion commonly found in L-shaped kitchens. “This design allows for easy movement within the kitchen, even with multiple people present. It facilitates a logical workflow, from food preparation to cooking to serving, enhancing convenience and functionality.”
Selection of Materials
The kitchen uses Quartz as a countertop material. “Quartz countertops are engineered stone surfaces made from a combination of natural quartz crystals and resin binders. They are highly durable, non-porous, and resistant to stains, scratches, and heat. Quartz countertops offer a wide range of colours and patterns, allowing for customisation and design versatility. In fact, Quartz is a popular choice for kitchen countertops because of its low maintenance,” rationalises the designer.
The backsplash is in White Satvario-looking tiles. “Tiles come in a wide range of colours, patterns, and textures facilitating customisation and creating various design styles. They can be used to add visual interest and texture to the backsplash. Plus, tiles are durable, stain resistant, and easy to clean with regular household cleaners. Grout lines between tiles may require occasional sealing to prevent staining.”
Glass is another popular choice for the backsplash. “Both tiles and glass can enhance the visual appeal of a kitchen backsplash, but they offer different aesthetic effects. Glass backsplashes provide a sleek, modern, and reflective surface that can give the kitchen a clean and contemporary look. Glass backsplashes, while available in various colours, may have fewer options for patterns and textures. However, printed or back-painted glass can provide unique design possibilities,” shares Shilpa.
She further adds, “Glass back-splashes have the advantage of reflecting light, which can help create a brighter and more open feeling in the kitchen. This can be particularly beneficial for kitchens with limited natural light. Since this particular kitchen had ample natural light, it wasn’t that crucial a factor. Ultimately, the choice is based on specific needs and style preferences.” The choice of white tiles for walls and beige flooring in this kitchen design creates a cohesive and harmonious backdrop for the teal cabinets, resulting in a visually appealing and balanced space.
"Contemporary kitchen designs are characterised by clean lines, minimalist aesthetics, and a focus on functionality. They often feature sleek and modern finishes, such as clean surfaces, easy-to-use cabinets, and minimal ornamentation."
Shilpa Jain Balvally
Principal Architect,
Studio Osmosis
Colour Palette
The combination of a subtle pastel teal and white provides a striking visual contrast without being jarring or too out of sync with the rest of the house. “The colour palette has been chosen based on the client's personal taste and preferences. The client wanted a kitchen that feels vibrant and inviting. The pastel teal and white colour combination can achieve that effect. Mint and teal shades are often associated with energy, creativity, and a sense of freshness, while white brings brightness and a clean aesthetic. Combining these colours can create a visually appealing and lively feel,” explains Sameer. He further adds, “The elements used with shaker style kitchen help us to balance and neutralise the vibrancy of teal, preventing the space from feeling overwhelming. This contrast created a visually appealing and aesthetically pleasing environment, making the kitchen a focal point of the overall design.”
Selection of Appliances
The designer has opted for built-in appliances to achieve a neat and clean look. The kitchen has a built-in oven, microwave oven and dishwasher. “Built-in appliances provide a sleek and cohesive look to the kitchen design. They create a seamless integration with the cabinetry, resulting in a clean and polished appearance,” opines Shilpa.
She further adds, “Built-in appliances can be strategically positioned within the kitchen layout to optimise workflow and efficiency. Even in a spacious kitchen, having appliances integrated into the cabinetry ensures that they are conveniently located and create a cohesive work triangle. It also enabled better organisation and utilisation of space. However, the choice of appliance type (built-in or freestanding) ultimately depends on the client's preferences, kitchen layout, and budget. Both options can be viable and offer their own set of advantages.”
Lighting
The kitchen has access to ample natural light through the windows. “Other than this, we have installed artificial lights to ensure adequate illumination and functionality. Task lighting, in particular, plays a crucial role in providing focused and efficient lighting for specific work areas in the kitchen," shared the designer duo. Ambient lighting serves as the primary source of overall illumination in the kitchen. “It provides a general, even distribution of light throughout the space, creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. Further, installing lighting controls, such as switches and dimmers, in convenient locations enables easy and efficient operation of the different lighting elements in the kitchen. White marble-looking tiles enhance the brightness and cleanliness of the kitchen.”
Related Articles
Advertisement
ADVERTISEMENT