Design a modular kitchen that’s practical, clutter-free, and easy to maintain. Here are 12 things to remember while making a modular kitchen—layout, triangle, materials, ventilation, appliances & more.
Designing a kitchen feels exciting… until you realise there are too many choices: L-shaped or U-shaped? Granite or laminate? How many drawers? Where will the chimney go?
And the truth is—modular kitchens aren’t just about “good-looking cabinets.” A modular kitchen should make your daily cooking smoother, keep your kitchen clutter-free, and last for years.
That’s why working with experienced kitchen interior designers in Kolkata can make a real difference. They help you plan smartly, avoid common mistakes, and create a kitchen that works in real life—not just on Pinterest.
So if you’re planning a new kitchen (small kitchen or large kitchen), here are 12 things to remember while making a modular kitchen—super practical, easy to follow, and totally real-life.
Before You Start: 5 Things That Come to Mind (Quick Checklist)
If you’re in a rush, these 5 things will already save you from most mistakes:
- Fix your kitchen layout first (not colours first!)
- Follow the kitchen triangle / work triangle
- Finalise kitchen appliances early (appliance sizes matter)
- Choose low-maintenance materials (your future self will thank you)
- Don’t ignore ventilation (chimney + exhaust planning is everything)
Now let’s go deeper.
1) Modular Kitchen Design Starts With Available Space and Kitchen Layout
The first rule of modular kitchen design: don’t force a layout you saw on Instagram into a flat that doesn’t support it.
Think about:
- available space
- where the window is
- where plumbing lines are
- where the gas line is
- how you move inside the space (traffic flow)
Read more: Say Goodbye to Traditional Kitchen with the Benefits of Modular Design
Popular modular kitchen layout options
- L-shaped kitchen / l-shaped: popular choice for small modular kitchen and medium homes
- U-shaped / u-shaped kitchen: great for more storage + more countertop area
- Parallel kitchen: super efficient for narrow kitchen space
- Island kitchen: only if you have a large kitchen and enough walking area around it
Your layout decides everything – storage, movement, and ease of cooking.
2) Follow the Kitchen Triangle (Your Kitchen Works Better Instantly)
The kitchen triangle is the golden rule in interior design kitchens.
It connects:
- refrigerator
- sink
- stove/hob
When this triangle is planned well, your kitchen works like a smooth workflow – less back-and-forth, less bumping into people, less mess.
Things to remember while making: traffic flow
Keep the triangle free from:
- doors opening into it
- too many people walking through
- dining table blockage
A good work triangle = an ideal kitchen.
3) Plan Kitchen Appliances Early (Appliance Sizes Decide Cabinet Sizes)
One of the biggest “oops” moments while making a modular kitchen is buying appliances later and realising they don’t fit.
Finalise these before cabinet design, keeping standard kitchen appliance dimensions in mind:
- refrigerator size
- microwave/oven (built-in or countertop?)
- dishwasher (if any)
- chimney size + duct line
- water purifier position
This makes installation of a modular kitchen smoother and avoids last-minute jugaad.
4) Countertops: Choose Durability + Easy to Maintain
Your kitchen countertops take the most beating – heat, spills, chopping, masala stains, everything.
Popular materials and finishes
- Granite: strong, classic, high durability
- Laminate: budget-friendly, many designs, but needs careful use with heat
- Other options exist, but always prioritise durability + maintenance.
Tip: Pick a countertop colour that hides daily mess a bit (because daily cooking = reality).
5) Ventilation: Chimney + Exhaust Planning Is Non-Negotiable
A modular kitchen needs good ventilation, especially in Indian cooking.
Plan:
- chimney suction based on your cooking style
- duct route (or ductless if necessary)
- exhaust fan if required
- window usage + airflow
Bad ventilation = oily cabinets, sticky walls, and smells that don’t leave.
6) Cabinets: Don’t Just Count Cabinets – Plan What Goes Inside
Yes, modular kitchen cabinets look pretty. But smart kitchens are designed based on storage needs.
Think:
- how many utensils you actually own
- mixer/grinder space
- thalis, plates, glassware
- daily groceries
- cleaning supplies
Overhead cabinets vs base cabinets
- Overhead cabinets give storage, but don’t make them too deep (easy access matters)
- Base cabinets should be drawer-heavy for convenience
7) Drawers Over Cabinets (Because Bending Daily is Not Fun)
A good modular kitchen layout uses more drawer systems because they’re easier.
Consider:
- cutlery drawer
- utensil drawer
- deep drawers for pots
- pull-out baskets for onions/potatoes
- bottle pull-out near cooking zone
Drawers = faster access + less mess + less bending.
8) Pantry Planning: Make Your Kitchen Clutter-Free
A well-planned pantry is the secret behind “wow, your kitchen is always clean.”
Pantry ideas:
- tall pantry unit if space allows
- pull-out pantry (slim and super useful)
- dedicated shelves for grains + snacks + spices
This is where modular kitchen accessories truly shine.
9) Materials Like MDF, Plywood, Acrylic, Laminate: Choose Smart, Not Just Shiny
A modular kitchen is an excellent investment – so materials matter.
Materials used commonly
- materials like MDF (budget-friendly, but pick the right grade and finish)
- plywood options (often preferred for strength – understanding the difference between MDF and plywood helps here)
- laminate finish (easy to maintain)
- acrylic finish (glossy, modern kitchen look)
Pick based on:
- budget
- durability
- how rough your kitchen usage is
- cleaning effort you’re okay with
And yes – “high-gloss” is not the same as “low-maintenance.”
10) Finish + Aesthetics: Match Design Style With Daily Use
Your kitchen should have aesthetic value, but it should also survive real life.
When choosing finish:
- too much gloss can show fingerprints
- textured laminates can hide smudges better
- matte finishes feel premium but may need careful cleaning
Balance aesthetics with “keep your kitchen easy to maintain.”
11) Open Shelves: Cute, But Use Them Carefully
We get it – open shelves look great in modern modular kitchen designs.
But things to consider:
- dust + oil build-up
- visual clutter if not maintained
- better used for “pretty” items you actually use often (mugs, jars)
Best approach: Mix open shelves with closed cabinets so the kitchen stays practical.
12) Lighting + Under-Cabinet Planning (Small Kitchen Game-Changer)
Lighting is a silent hero in kitchen interior design.
Include:
- bright ceiling light
- task lighting in cooking zone
- under-cabinet light strips (seriously improves visibility and vibe)
Good lighting makes even a small modular kitchen feel bigger and more premium.
Bonus Tips to Help: Designing Your Modular Kitchen Like a Pro
Make the space work for you
- Keep daily-use items near the stove
- Keep plates near the sink/drying zone
- Store heavy items in lower drawers
- Avoid dead corners – use corner units
Keep your kitchen practical
A modular kitchen setup should support your routine: quick breakfast, heavy cooking, or light cooking. Designing one without understanding your habits leads to wasted space.
Think long-term
The latest modular kitchen trends are fun, but practicality wins every day.
Recommended: 21 Space Saving Furniture Ideas Help Maximise Space in 2026
Summary: 12 Things to Remember While Making a Modular Kitchen
Here’s your quick recap of the 12 things to remember:
- available space + kitchen layout first
- kitchen triangle / work triangle
- kitchen appliances planning
- durable countertops
- ventilation: chimney + exhaust
- cabinet planning based on storage
- drawers over cabinets
- pantry planning
- materials and finishes (MDF/ply/acrylic/laminate)
- finish + design style balance
- open shelves (use wisely)
- lighting + under-cabinet lights
Need Help Designing Your Modular Kitchen in Kolkata?
At Custom Design Interiors Pvt Ltd (CDI), as a trusted interior designer in Kolkata, we design modular kitchens that are space-smart, clutter-free, and built for daily Indian cooking – whether it’s a small kitchen in a flat or a full home design.
Want modular kitchen ideas based on your actual kitchen size and budget?
Call/WhatsApp: +91 84203 69659
