Modern Indian Kitchen: How global and local trends are redefining Indian kitchen design |

Whether one is a food lover and lives to eat or a frugal eater who eats to live, food is an important aspect of life. Thus kitchen takes centre space in any house, and must be functional yet aesthetic. Traditionally women were burdened with the job of cooking food for the entire family, whereas modern times have changed this mindset and most couples take equal responsibility. Thus the kitchen is being designed for the modern Indian family, blending in global aesthetics as well as traditions.
It is done so by incorporating sleek, minimalist designs in accordance with global trends while accommodating the functionality required for traditional Indian cooking. While modular kitchens are popular, there is always a dedicated space for a tandoor, dosa tawa, or spice box storage. Global influences on Indian cuisine Preparation is also seen as we now create space for appliances like sous-vide machines or air fryers into kitchens. Hybrid cooking methods blending Indian spices with global recipes are also becoming popular, though traditional tools like pressure cookers are still prioritized.

As the cooking essentials denote, cooking is being done for different generations. While the grandparents prefer simple Indian meals, the young children prefer continental cuisine and the parents enjoy both. Thus kitchens are being designed that cater to the needs of multigenerational households, blending modern layouts with traditional utility features like a grinding stone space. There are open kitchens with dedicated nooks for pooja or spice grinding. While open kitchens have been quite popular in recent times, Indian kitchens need separate cooking spaces to manage aromas and heat. Hence, semi-open kitchens are gaining popularity for their balance between aesthetics and practicality. The fusion of open closed layouts is perfect for kitchen concepts inspired by global designs integrated with traditional Indian style.
Talking about color palettes and décor, combining earthy tones and bright accents inspired by Indian culture with neutral global palettes for a balanced aesthetic will lead to a welcoming kitchen. Adding handcrafted tiles or motifs for a local touch while keeping overall decor contemporary can really help your kitchen standout of the crowd.

Indian kitchens also need good ventilation and air circulation as there is a lot of frying, shallow frying involved. High-tech chimneys and hoods, along with large windows, keep the kitchen airy without compromising on the design. Also Indian kitchens use materials like marble or granite, which withstand high heat. We also see smart storage solutions to accommodate bulk staples like rice, lentils, and spices, ensuring there is a pantry as well as ample storage space for all the household essentials. Smart kitchens with a local twist are often seen in kitchens. Adoption of IoT-enabled kitchen appliances tailored to Indian cooking needs, such as smart pressure cookers or roti-making machines will slowly catch on and become a part of everyday life as we cook our favourite meal every day.

For that ethnic Indian touch to the house, local artisans can surely help. Use of locally sourced, handcrafted utensils, cookware, and décor items that bring authenticity to the kitchen are a must have. It helps in supporting indigenous crafts through kitchen elements like handwoven mats, wooden spice boxes, or brass pots. As we speak of promoting locally sourced kitchen ware, we must have sustainability at the back of our mind and buy eco-friendly materials. Integration of energy-efficient appliances along with traditional methods like clay or stone cookware increases the sustainability factor of your kitchen. One can also use sustainable materials like bamboo, reclaimed wood, or eco-friendly for countertops.

Even as you blend global aesthetics with a very Indian kitchen, customization is the key trend. You can draw inspiration from Scandinavian, Japanese, or Mediterranean kitchens. These cultures fit seamlessly together and one can tailor designs to fit Indian cooking styles while emphasis should be on personalization to reflect both modern aspirations and cultural heritage.
Contributed by: Mr. Selvakumar Rajulu , Managing Director , Nolte FZE Dubai
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