Last updated on September 20th, 2022
In our previous post, we talked about what exactly a Modular unit is, what makes it a better choice for your home décor, and what you could expect in terms of basic costs for modular kitchens and wardrobes.
In this module, we’ll shed light on different kitchen layouts, and how they will affect your spend.
Let’s start by talking about the various design layouts you could adopt in your kitchen.
Ergonomic Kitchen Layouts
There are six different layouts that you could follow, and you can make your choice based on the size of your kitchen, the position of the doors and windows, and the utility you are expecting out of each space.
As the image indicates, straight and parallel kitchen layouts are the simplest, and they are also the most functional as there are no awkward corners. The parallel layout, with counters on two opposite sides, is also called a Galley as it resembles the kitchen on a ship.
L-shaped and U-shaped kitchens come with one and two corners each, and you will need to put some thought into how you can make the best use of these corner spaces. Smart corner accessories such as the Magic Corner, Lemans Corner, and so on can help you easily access those hard-to-reach corners and make efficient use of available space.
A G-shaped kitchen has a small peninsula at the entrance which works well as a breakfast counter, in case you wish to grab a quick cup of coffee or a snack before heading out to work!
Island kitchens combine all other kinds of kitchens with an island in the middle, that could be used as additional counter space, a dining nook, or as the cooktop itself. Island kitchens typically require more space than all the other layout types, and most city apartments do not come with this kind of square footage.
When finalizing the floor plan, always check to see whether the cooktop, refrigerator, and sink are at the three corners of an acute-angled triangle. Ergonomics experts believe that when these three work areas are located thus, the work efficiency in your kitchen is the highest.
What are the costs for different layouts for a kitchen?
More than the layout, it is the size of the kitchen, the materials used, and the accessories that you choose that will determine the costs.
A kitchen made using pre-laminated particle board as the core material will be the most cost-effective, but it is not as durable or moisture resistant as MDF or plywood. Boiling waterproof boards are the most expensive core material, but the extra expense is worth it for those who wish to have a kitchen that will last for decades.
When it comes to shutter finishes, laminates are on the lower end of the price range, while solid wood, acrylic, or PU-coated shutters weigh in on the higher end.
If you’re comparing kitchen shapes, a U-shaped or an L-shaped kitchen will be more expensive than a straight or parallel (galley) kitchen, simply because of the additional length of storage and counter space involved. Do keep in mind that every high-end accessory you choose will add to your budget as well, so make your decisions based on utility, not just aesthetics! The advantage of a modular kitchen is that you can start with the core, and keep adding accessories as and when your budget eases up a little.
Your modular kitchen designer will be able to give you an approximate ballpark estimate, just by knowing the size of your kitchen and the kind of finishes, appliances, and accessories you are looking for.
Have any questions? Do comment in the space below. We’d love to help!
