Kitchen couture: here are five unique new-age designs

The Hindu

17 hours ago

It is often said that the kitchen is the heart of a home. And in recent years, the designs of Indian kitchens have undergone a sea change.
'Kitchens have evolved from purely functional areas to dynamic spaces that blend style, technology and practicality in their design approach. Kitchens are also becoming a critical part of the overall immersive experience in Indian households, wherein the idea is not only to cook but to gather as a family and spend more time together,' says Rahul Mistri, founder and principal designer, Open Atelier, Mumbai.
He adds that while closed kitchens have not disappeared entirely, the new-age clientele has a growing preference for open layouts that seamlessly integrate the kitchen with spaces like the dining room and living areas to create a more connected home environment.
Curating small, impactful additions like breakfast counters enhances social interaction and optimises space, addressing the need for efficient living in urban homes.
Sophisticated materials, U-shaped and L-shaped layouts that offer natural workflow and maximise space, ceramic, quartz and marble-finished countertops, along with smart storage, are some of the key trends in kitchen designs.
'Material palettes have evolved to include natural stones like granite, engineered quartz, and warm-toned veneers. Two-tone cabinetry, neutral uppers with bold base units, is on trend, as are jewel tones like emerald, deep blue, and wine. Brass and gold hardware, layered lighting, smart appliances and touch-to-open systems are also seeing increasing adoption,' says Nayan Shah, founder and principal architect, Palindrome Spaces.
Matte finishes and handleless cabinets are also in vogue. 'Muted shades like charcoal, beige, deep green, and walnut brown are increasingly being preferred. Smart storage solutions like tall pull-out units, pantry systems, hydraulic overheads, and corner carousels are commonly used to reduce clutter,' says Neha Garg, founder and principal designer, Studio Jane Designs.
There is little doubt that Indian cooking is rich, layered and often complex. Hence, it is critical to balance aesthetics with practicality , given the intensity of cooking styles and the high foot traffic these spaces often endure.
'While global trends offer a great foundation in terms of clean forms and modern finishes, they need to be adapted to the way an Indian kitchen is used every day. We often incorporate high-suction chimneys, heat- and stain-resistant surfaces, and durable storage options that can handle elaborate cookware,' says Siddhina Sakla, founder and principal architect, The Arch Studio.
Materiality, durability, and ease of maintenance are critical.
'Pull-out spice racks and oil drawers on either side for convenience, oversized sinks to handle heavy cookware and reduce splashing, anti-fingerprint laminates to help minimise smudges, and low-porosity quartz, which prevents turmeric staining, are ideal for Indian kitchens. For ergonomic tweaks, we include slightly lower island sections for chapati rolling and toe-kick drawers that use plinth space without stealing cabinet volume,' says Komal Mittal, co-founder and principal architect, Alkove-Design.
Here is a look at five uniquely designed modern kitchens.
Sassy Bow by Studio Jane Designs | Mumbai
This kitchen reflects the home's overall theme, which is rooted in modernist principles and material contrasts. The 250 sq.ft. space is open to the living and dining areas and is deliberately minimal yet striking. 'The layout is linear with a central wooden island that doubles as a dining counter and workspace. Black statement stools contrast sharply with the wood, reinforcing the moody palette seen across the home. The colour scheme is subtle but bold: deep browns for the cabinetry, a light wood-tone island, and large-format marble with dramatic veining across the walls and backsplash. These choices give the space an elegant, sculptural vibe,' says Garg. Built-in storage units are paired with a palette of charcoal grey, beige, and peach, offering both function and restraint. Matte black handmade stools sit against a warm wood island, highlighting the blend of textures across the space. The layout is open, fluid, and deeply functional. The marble-clad walls with bold veining add visual weight, while the black tapware, matte cabinetry, and fluted wood panels above the cooktop keep the space grounded in a clean, structured design. The cabinetry is handleless and flush, and the custom-made cabinets built deep into the wall contribute to clean visual lines. The black sink and minimalist hob blend into the counter, which further reduces visual clutter.
Jade by The Arch Studio | Mumbai
This charming 120-foot kitchen feels like an oasis with the space bathed in calming hues of green. It evokes a sense of tranquillity while symbolising growth and harmony. 'Mint green cabinetry is paired with a deep green tiled backsplash, which complements the soft beige flooring. This functional U-shaped layout has ample storage in the form of closed overhead and base cabinetry. Pull-out wicker baskets add rustic charm and work well for dry storage, while the open wooden shelves lend a sense of warmth and are used to store items that are used daily,' says Sakla. Sleek, contemporary cabinetry offers generous storage solutions while maintaining a minimalist, uncluttered aesthetic. Every element has been carefully considered to balance beauty and utility. A sleek, high-performance chimney; granite countertops; the seamless integration of practical storage; and a cohesive colour palette rooted in nature make this kitchen a cozy meeting place for the family to get together at the end of the day.
Casa Tao by Alkove-Design | Pune
This 240-sq.ft. kitchen has an open layout and is a lesson in thoughtful detailing. 'The design encourages flow, comfort, and expression. The curved breakfast counter serves both as a prep and serving area and its soft form adds fluidity to movement and interaction in the space. It is designed with a fluted white ply base. This added texture allowed us to soften the overall geometry of the space through the curve. The deep blue duco-painted cabinets inject energy and personality and create a striking contrast against the white fluted base and the neutral tones of the marble countertop,' says Ninada Kashyap, co-founder and principal architect, Alkove-Design. The marble countertop provides a clean, expansive surface ideal for both everyday meals and experimental cooking. This controlled palette brings in a sense of drama and calm, making the kitchen feel fresh, welcoming and layered.
Slice of Amalfi by Palindrome Spaces | Mumbai
Designed for a millennial couple who enjoy entertaining, this compact yet stylish kitchen-dining-bar area features an open-concept layout and flows effortlessly into the lounge. Overhead cabinets blend seamlessly with the grey walls, creating a subtle backdrop for the space's standout details. The striking combination of waterstone granite countertops with mother-of-pearl detailing, brass hardware, and bespoke emerald green cabinetry completes the regal look. Further, the brass-finish backsplash, marine ply cabinetry with laminate finish and a separate crockery unit incorporate vintage charm and chic touches, mirroring the couple's refined taste. 'Lighting includes recessed ceiling lights for ambient illumination, under-cabinet LEDs for task lighting, and vintage-style pendant lights near the dining area for accent. Fully modular storage with deep drawers, corner units, a tall pantry cabinet, integrated appliances, and a concealed chimney system eliminates visual clutter,' says Shah. A 6-seater marble-top dining table anchors the open layout of this kitchen, which is just under 100 feet.
Sweven by Open Atelier | Mumbai
Inspired by 90s French interiors, this almost 200 sq.ft. kitchen space, which balances modern functionality with classic elegance, is a functional yet aesthetically refined space. A palette of white marble and ivory cabinets adorns the space, evoking a sense of timeless elegance. Natural light is carefully integrated through large windows,enhancing the sense of openness and connection to the outdoors and reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. A fluted wood finish to the island adds a sense of depth. 'We addressed storage through concealed solutions to ensure a clutter-free, clean environment without compromising on style. Practicality and durability extend to material choices, with the flooring and panelling meticulously planned to minimise waste and ensure longevity, reflecting our commitment towards creating sustainable spaces,' says Mistri.
The Bengaluru-based freelance writer is passionate about all things design, travel, food, art and culture.