Modular Kitchens – Everything You Need To Know About Them
Modular kitchen has become more popular in many urban homes. There are modular kitchen cabinets and modular kitchen storage that can fit well with the modular kitchen design that you want to have. The modular kitchen can provide everything that a regular kitchen can give. It is a flexible type of kitchen that allows you to install purely modular units or a combination of modular and semi-modular units.
What is Modular Kitchen?
A modular kitchen is a type of kitchen that you can assemble using a selection of modules or units that fit together to form a fully functional, practical kitchen. Each module or unit serves a definite purpose. These modular units come together to create a working space that provides excellent workflow and maximized functionality.
It is up to you to only have modular units in your kitchen or include semi-modular units. But before anything else, you should have a modular kitchen design in mind and already planned the kind of modular kitchen storage and modular kitchen cabinets to use. Venace offers an excellent lineup of kitchen essentials and accessories that can make your modular units and entire kitchen more efficient.
Today, many manufacturers offer different modular kitchens. A lot has changed when you look back 40 years ago when kitchens were customized to suit the preference of the homeowner at the time. The homeowner has no other choice but to renovate the entire kitchen when she gets tired of it or has a sudden change of heart about her kitchen preference. When the house gets a new owner, in case the current owner decides to sell it, the new owner may have a different kitchen in mind and tear the whole kitchen down.
When it comes to modular kitchens, there is a stunning kitchen design that will surely fit a person’s preference. You don’t need to bother hiring a specialist cabinet maker, who may be costly to hire, to create the perfect cabinets for the kitchen design that you want to follow. You can also eliminate the costly renovations in case you grew tired of your current kitchen.
What are the Pros/Cons of Modular Kitchens?
Like most things, modular kitchens have their fair share of advantages and disadvantages. Take a look at them and see if a modular kitchen is really the one that fits your requirements.
Pros
– The appliances are created to fit the modular kitchen.
The majority of modern kitchen appliances are made to fit in the modular kitchen of standard sizes. It means that when you want to replace your old built-in oven and buy a new one, there is a good chance that you will find something that fits in perfectly.
– It is quick to install the modular units of the kitchen.
Once you assembled the modular cabinets, modular kitchen storage, and other modular units, you can install them quickly into the kitchen space where you intend to put them. You don’t need to worry even when you change your mind later about the arrangement of the modular units. You can simply them out and re-arrange them. You don’t need to tear down anything just to accommodate your new kitchen design.
– It is easier for designers to create a design for a modular kitchen.
Designers find it much easier to design modular kitchens than to create a design for regular kitchens. The reason for this is because the design can be altered by rearranging the modular units until you are satisfied with the layout of your kitchen. It gives you the freedom to refine the design. You may also choose to have it changed every six months or whenever you feeling like changing the design of your kitchen. You simply swap out the modular units, and you don’t need to renovate the entire kitchen area.
– A modular kitchen is much cheaper than a customized kitchen.
Most customized kitchen cabinets and units need ample time to finish. You need cabinet makers that are highly skilled to make sure that you will get the cabinets that you want for your kitchen. Highly skilled cabinet makers cost more, but you can be certain that you will get your money’s worth. However, you can still get the kitchen that you want at a fraction of a cost when you decide to have a modular kitchen.
Cons
– The sizes of the modular units are predetermined.
Most modular units come in predetermined or standard sizes, although some modular units come in different size options that you can choose from. Some companies offer customized sizes, but they usually come at higher prices that make them quite impractical to choose.
– The modular units lack uniqueness.
Even though you try your best to make your modular kitchen look unique, the modular cabinets may look the same as the modular cabinets of friends, family, or acquaintances. Don’t expect the modular units to be unique. If you are looking for something that no one else owns already, you need the expertise of a highly skilled cabinet maker.
Modular Kitchen Layouts
The modular kitchen offers 5 standard layouts to choose from, and they are as follows:
– L-shaped
The L-shaped kitchen layout is ideal for smaller homes, although you can also find this type of layout in bigger homes. The L-shaped kitchen layout allows you to gain maximum use of the open floor space in your kitchen. You can use it to add another modular kitchen storage or small table to create ease while working in the kitchen. You can remove the item once you’re done. You may also choose to leave it open to have ample space to move around.
– U-shaped
If your home has a large kitchen space, you can use the U-shaped kitchen layout, which offers the most efficient work triangle. It also provides ample storage space where you can choose to fit in cabinets and even tall units. You can also have a lot of counter space to do your work or even invite some workers to help out in the kitchen when preparing a lot of dishes at a time. Just make sure that everyone working in the kitchen will still be able to move with ease.
– Straight
This type of kitchen layout is ideal for a loft or studio-type apartment. Compared to other kitchen layouts, the straight layout does not make use of a work triangle. The workflow usually follows a straight line. Even if you have a limited kitchen space, you can still maintain optimum efficiency if you have this type of kitchen layout.
– Rectangular
The rectangular kitchen layout has been the most typical in most kitchen designs. It is commonly the choice out of necessity, although some prefer to have a rectangular kitchen layout. The two longer sides of the kitchen offer versatility and practicality.
When choosing the most suitable kitchen layout to follow, you need to consider the following:
– Things that you want to do and achieve for having such a kitchen
– The needs of your family
– The available space in your kitchen
Don’t forget to apply the principle of the golden triangle when applicable and make sure to arrange your stovetop, sink, and fridge strategically so you can maximize the efficiency and space of your kitchen.
What are the Latest Trends in Modular Kitchens?
In the past few years, new kitchen designs have become the latest trend that hit the market. Check them out and see if something ignites your imagination when you create your modular kitchen.
Open Plan
The way people use their kitchens has evolved. Before, a kitchen used to occupy a separate room. Now, kitchens are at the heart of many homes. In an open plan format, you can place your kitchen next to your dining room or lounge without walls that separate the rooms or sections apart. A modular kitchen suits an open format plan.
Industrial Look and Feel
During the last few years, homeowners are leaning toward minimalist modern designs. This includes the kitchen. The industrial design originated from the minimalist design for the kitchen. Many homeowners welcome the industrial look with open arms.
Handleless
This type of trendy modular kitchen design has a well-organized, clutter-free minimalist look. It also makes the small kitchen look bigger than its actual size.
Multi-Texture
A modular kitchen may not give you the unique kitchen that you want, but it is definitely practical and aesthetically appealing. One way of creating a unique kitchen out of a modular one is to play with textures or colors. Changing the color of modular kitchen cabinets should do the trick in creating a look that has never been seen among modular units. Also, using different textures on the wall units and the floor can allow you to incorporate your personality into your kitchen and create a truly unique place of your own.
What are the Different Units of a Modular Kitchen?
The different units of a modular kitchen include drawer units, storage units, pull-out units, and eco bins. Take a look at some of them to give you an idea about your modular kitchen.
Drawer Units
These units offer more convenience and ease of use than ordinary drawer units. They allow you to arrange everything according to your cooking needs and usually glide smoothly when you open them.
Storage Units
The modular kitchen storage units usually have shelves to keep the things that you use in the kitchen well-organized and orderly. You can save time when you don’t need to keep looking for things when you can see them right away since they are stored in an organized fashion.
Pull-Out Units
The pull-out units like the Under Sink Organizer and Pull Out Drawer Basket can make things easier for you. There’s no need to stretch out your arm to reach the item you want to retrieve. You simply pull out the unit and get the item without much trouble.
Eco Bins
These modular units come in various sizes and shapes, and their primary function is to collect waste. However, they can also be used to store things in your kitchen.
The modular kitchen design is a modern and practical way to keep things organized and orderly. You can change the arrangement on a whim and without spending a single cent on renovation.