10 Useful tips to maintain a modular kitchen

Indian kitchens are home to a number of fast paced activities making it the busiest place in the home. In our busy schedules when we are running around to get the things done we long for speed and convenience, and that convenience is being provided to us today through the invention of modular kitchens. If we look at the trend today, we can observe that modular kitchens are slowly taking over all over India. Modular kitchens offer you the luxury of convenience and along with that also help you to add a certain style quotient to your house. We see today that modular kitchens have redefined modern homes. Modular kitchens definitely make your work a whole lot easier, but it might be a task to maintain a modular kitchen. Since a modular kitchen is more expensive than a regular one, you want it to last longer owing to the increased expenditure. Reference 

We have got a collection of 10 useful tips which will help you maintain a modular kitchen beautifully.

1. Get Cleaning:

It is important that you clean up your kitchen on a regular basis. To clean the different drawers and racks of the modular kitchen fittings you should use a mild cleanser with a soft cloth to achieve that shiny and long lasting look.  Remember that if you clean regularly you will be able to prevent any deposition of dust or dirt on your cabinets. Further avoid using a harsh ingredient since it will make your surface rough in the long run.

#Tip: If you want to be chemical free while cleaning your kitchen you can do that as well. Easily whip up a cleaner with the existing materials in your kitchen. Simply mix half a cup of vinegar or baking soda in two gallon of water and scrub this mix with a soft cloth to keep your kitchen spic and span.

2. Close the cabinets:

An Indian kitchen is a place which is busy with a lot of activity, with oil being spilled all over the place if you are not careful. To prevent this oil spill while cooking close the shutters, racks, drawers and cabinets of your modular kitchen. It will also help to prevent any steam from the cooking to enter the cabinets or cause stickiness on the surface. In case something falls down while working in the kitchen, clean it immediately with a cloth to prevent any permanent stains or marks.

3. Check the hinges:

We often have the habit of pulling out a drawer or opening up a cabinet very quickly especially if you are in a hurry. If this opening and closing of the drawers happens quite frequently in the kitchen then there is a chance of the drawers to get unhinged over a period of time. Another case where this may take place is if you put a lot of weight on the drawers which may cause the fittings to come out. Therefore, the first measure which you need to adopt is to get high quality hinges installed in all the cabinets of your modular kitchen. Secondly, keep a regular check on your drawers to check whether there is any noise made by the hinges. This will help you keep a regular check on your kitchen and also help you get the necessary repairs done before it is too late.

4. Go soft on the cloth:

If you want the finish of your kitchen to last longer never use a piece of rough cloth or a sharp object to clean the surface. The better alternative is to use a piece of soft cloth for cleaning and wiping all the parts of the modular kitchen.

5. Wall and tile care:

It is important to not just keep the cabinets and racks clean, but also have a regular cleanup of the walls and tiles to render that sparkling look to your kitchen. Clean the walls and tiles on a regular basis, at least on a weekly basis to avoid any kind of permanent staining on them. For this you may make use of a mild detergent or disinfectant spray to keep the walls and tiles clean and hygienic.

#Tip: If you want to be chemical free while cleaning your kitchen you can do that as well. Easily whip up a cleaner with the existing materials in your kitchen. Simply mix half a cup of vinegar or baking soda in two gallon of water and scrub this mix with a soft cloth to keep your kitchen spic and span.

6. Deep clean once in a while:

The kitchen, just like any other room in the house also requires regular cleaning. This cleaning effort will help to make your kitchen more hygienic and make it easier to handle the kitchen space. A little discipline will go a long way in keeping your kitchen new and shiny.

So, go ahead, put on that cleaning cap and get ready for a session of deep cleaning kitchen weekend!

7. Let some air in:

Cooking an Indian meal involves a lot of cooking on the stove which results in smells, oil stains and humidity due to the tropical conditions. Let in some fresh air which will provide some good ventilation to your modular kitchen and save it from deteriorating.

8. Make intelligent use of space:

One of the most wonderful things about a modular kitchen is the ample amount of space which is available. Since a kitchen is used multiple times in a day it is bound to get cluttered. If you adopt the strategy of grouping the utensils and then having a separate area for those groups it will help to keep your kitchen space more organized. For example: A separate area for all your baking related items, separate area for the utensils you use on a daily basis to cook, etc.

9. Paper it down:

By laying down a sheet of paper in your cabinets can prevent the dust from accumulating and getting into the difficult corners. This is truly a life-saving tip. However, keep in mind to change the paper once a month to keep your storage spaces dust-free!

10. Get a pest control done:

Installing a modular kitchen is an easy task; however to maintain it might not always be one of the best things. Make sure to get a regular anti-termite and roach treatment conducted to protect your kitchen from getting infested by insects which will create a major health hazard. You may also spray an insecticide from time to time to keep your kitchen pest-free at all times. Also, remember to clear out the dustbin daily before sleeping and spray it with an insecticide for a further precaution.

The 21st Century Kitchen – Modular kitchen!

Kitchen is an indispensable and probably the warmest part of every house. No matter how big or small a home is, kitchen is one space which needs to be demarcated clearly. Most of the time, and especially in Indian homes, kitchen is a buzzing hub of activity throughout the day. Therefore, the design and decor of kitchen assumes substantial significance. With shrinking home spaces and growing modernization, modular kitchens have become a basic ne    cessity in almost all homes. The ease of storage and the good looks that modular kitchens offer have made them a preferred choice among customers.

Modular kitchen makes it easy for you to stay organised and as a result, efficient each day. Modular kitchens are extremely popular due to their stunning designs and accessories. For your modular kitchen, you can choose a color and finish that compliments your home interiors. Whether you are renovating your kitchen or building a new home, there are some major points to consider before zeroing in on a modular kitchen.

Space It Out

The kind of space you have available will play a significant role in determining the type of modular kitchen. The common types of modular kitchens are:

Straight: Also the simplest of designs, here the countertop is against one wall. This is a perfect choice for small spaces such as studio apartments.

L-Shape: A popular choice in apartments, this helps utilise available space in the best way and is ideal for small or medium-sized kitchens.

Island: If you have a large space available, then designing the kitchen around an island is aesthetically pleasing. The island can also be used as a breakfast counter.

U-Shape: A good option for medium to large-sized kitchens, the counter top will hug the walls on three sides.

Budget It

There are a lot of design choices and accessories available and it can be overwhelming for a buyer to decide which one to opt for. One simple way of shortlisting your preferred kitchen designs is by setting a budget and sticking to it. This way you will find it easier to choose the most essential features like inbuilt appliances (hobs and chimneys) first and then move on to additional good-to-have features like soft close drawers and doors. Remember here that functionality ought to be your primary consideration.

Choose wisely the material

Modular kitchens can be crafted from a variety of materials like plywood or MDF, covered with laminate or acrylic sheets. They all come in different grades and it is advisable to make an informed decision while taking your pick. For example, if plywood is chosen, pick a boiling water-proof variety. Popular countertops are stone such as marble and granite, Corian (a proprietary product popular all over the world), laminate, and quartz to name a few. Granite is a classic favourite while Corian rates high on durability. Your budget and the rest of your home decor will be crucial in deciding the type of material you choose.

Utilize Corners

There is bound to be at least one corner in most modular kitchen plans, so try to make the best use of it. Go for a corner cabinet that can be pulled out. This makes the best use of the difficult space while enabling easy reach. Also, ease of cleaning the corners should be taken into consideration while choosing corner fittings of modular kitchen.

Cabinet Placement

If you want wall cabinets in your modular kitchen, ensure that it does not end up crowding the space. Choosing to put in cabinets that touch the ceiling will not just make access difficult, it will give your kitchen a boxed-in look. The cabinets need to be spaced evenly or designed to have a mix of vertical and horizontal doors. It is best to get some variety in terms of shelves and other fixtures inside them.

Book Spots for Appliances

If you wish to have inbuilt appliances, these will have to be incorporated into your kitchen design right from the start. The colours and finishes on these appliances will have to complement your modular kitchen suitably.

Keeping these pointers in mind is likely to help you in arriving at the best modular kitchen for your home quickly. However, in case you’re confused due to the numerous options available in the market, then you can very well take help of professional Interior Designers who will not only guide you to decide the right modular kitchen type for you but will also get the design implemented till your dream kitchen becomes a reality.

10 THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND BEFORE INSTALLING MODULAR KITCHEN

The modular kitchens have become the heart and soul of modern homes. Not only do they look beautiful, but they also make it easier to work inside a kitchen. The modular kitchens come with specific space for everything, which makes it easier to keep the kitchens organized. While the traditional cabinet and shelf-based kitchens used to offer simplicity only, the modular kitchens offer utility and smart organization along with simplicity. 

All the kitchen tools, gadgets and appliances have a specific place in the modular kitchens. Many kitchen appliances are wall-mounted as well, such as ovens, coffee machines and dispensers. You can keep the eyesores such as gas cylinders, water purifiers, boxes and containers etc hidden inside the cabinets. In fact, even the cabinets come with movable and pull-out shelves of various types that make it easier to utilize the corner space and clean the same.

Things To Keep In Mind Before Installing Modular Kitchen

With all the above-mentioned and many other advantages, the modular kitchens are a hit among the modern population. We are going to discuss the things that you must keep in your mind before modular kitchen installation. Read them carefully to make sure you get the best value out of every rupee you invest.

• Plan the kitchen design according to space.

One of the biggest advantages offered by a modular kitchen is the flexibility of design. You can plan the cabinets, counters and other storage areas according to the space you have. Even the smallest corners can be put to use and you can adjust pantries, cutlery drawers and cabinets according to the shape and size of your kitchen. By adding wall-mount appliances and kitchen accessories, you can plan your kitchen the way you want. 

• Storage for the need.

You must plan the storage drawers and other options keeping your need and family size in mind. If you have a small family, you don’t have to go for a large kitchen with lots of space, as it is going to increase your maintenance burden and costs. Similarly, if you have a large family, you must plan the storage accordingly. 

• Ventilation is a must.

While most of the people these days opt for closed windows or fixed glass windows, you must keep your kitchens well-ventilated. Ventilation keeps the kitchen fresh, airy and free from fumes. It also proves handy in emergency situations such as gas leaks and fires etc. Further, you must have provision for an exhaust fan even if you have a chimney. This ensures that all the cooking fumes are thrown out of the kitchen.

• Compartmentalizing the space for better organization.

Instead of getting new kitchen and drawer accessories for organizing small things, you must opt for compartmentalizing the available space and drawers. This way you are able to make the most of the available space without having to change the core construction of the drawers and cabinets. Lazy Susan for cabinets, partitions for drawers, hanging accessories for crockery and other such daily essentials are some of the must-consider options.

• Kitchen Material

These days you can find a lot of materials to build modular kitchens. Metal coated contact paper, vinyl sheets, laminates, PVC Sheets, wood, Ply and plastic materials – there are a lot of options to consider. However, you must choose a material that is easy to clean, easy to maintain, is durable and suits your budget. Avoid getting light-coloured ply sheets if you are not going to have a chimney. The light colours will get deposited with the cooking grease and will turn unsightly in a few years.

• Look at all your options

Every person has limited knowledge and understanding of different types of kitchen accessories. This is because kitchen accessories are improved and modernized at a rapid pace. So, when you start with your kitchen, you must check all your options in terms of kitchen accessories and organizers. Fittings, containers, corner storage and fixtures – there are tons of things to choose from.

• Don’t miss the pantry

Many times people go for a renovation instead of building a new kitchen. In such cases, they already have a cement slab in the kitchen, and might not have a space for a pantry. But, a pantry is a must when it comes to modular kitchen installation. So, even if you don’t have a proper space for it, you can cut the cement slab and then proceed with pantry installation. A pantry keeps everything in one place and thus, all your things can stay organized. A pantry also compensates for the lack of drawers and cabinets and makes the smaller kitchens more utilitarian.

• Backsplash Tiling is much more than just being a fancy decoration.

The kitchen backsplash tiles run all around the kitchen work-area. However, this is also where people make the most of the mistakes. They tend to choose tiles with too many intricate patterns, colours or patterns. This results in a poorly lit kitchen that is difficult to clean once the splatters of food and detergent get lodged in the tiles. So, choose the backsplash tiles with proper consideration.

• Kitchen Island reduces space.

While most of the people want to have a central kitchen island, it reduces the moving space in the kitchen. So, if you have a small kitchen, don’t get a modular kitchen with a central island.

 

• Dimensions that suit your preferences.

While your carpenters might argue with you regarding the dimensions, you can modify them as per your preferences. This is the whole idea behind the modular kitchen installation. You can keep the sizes of cabinets and drawers, etc as per your preferences. 

Also Read: 

Modular Kitchen Do’s And Don’ts

When you set-up a modular kitchen to your home certain common mistakes need to be avoided and common practices to make the modular kitchen more suitable for you.

Do’s In Modular Kitchen Installation

You can make use of the below points during modular kitchen installation for your home:-

• Set up a theme by paying attention to flooring, wall, ceilings to match your theme.
• Choose kitchen layout like U-shaped, L-shaped, Parallel, Straight and Island shaped can be installed according to the availability of space.
• Consult a reputed and expert interior designer to get the perfect modular kitchen as per your preferences and budget.
• Keep your cooking preferences and cuisine preferences in mind while choosing the kitchen accessories.

Don’ts In Modular Kitchen Installation

These points should be strictly avoided when installing a modular kitchen.

• Don’t invest in too flashy and fancy items just because they look good. Choose utility overlooks so as to enjoy better returns on your investment. 
• Avoid open shelves instead hide things smartly and try to minimize the modular  kitchen 

Being one of the leading kitchen interior designers in Kerala, Lemon Interior Designers offer the best modular kitchen services to make your kitchen look stylish and functional.

Reasons why you should buy High Quality Glass Pool Fence Fittings

 The key elements here are glass and the fittings used to hold the glass. The glass needs to be thick enough, toughened, while the fittings needs to be of good quality so that your fence is strong, beautiful and appealing for years.

At Elite Glass Limited, we stock high quality glass pool fence fittings, which are made from tough, weather resistant stainless steel. This is important, for preventing the potential to weaken over time, weakening the rest of your pool fencing at the same time. With this in mind, Elite Glass Limited has it in stock, the best pool fencing glass fitting which withstand the African weather.

Here is a short list of reasons why you should always use high quality pool fence fittings from Elite Glass Limited.  They include:

High quality stainless fittings last.

Since stainless steel isn’t susceptible to rust and corrosion like many other metals, High quality stainless steel pool fence fittings from Elite Glass Limited look good when they’re first installed, and also they last well too.

Stainless Steel Fittings Are Secure

Cheap, poor quality fittings break occasionally, reduces the overall quality of your fence. On the other hand, strong stainless steel pool fence fittings supplied by Elite Glass Limited are made to last, which means that your fence will remain secure for years into the future.

High quality stainless fittings look good. This gives a classy overall impact on your home’s appearance.  Our high quality stainless steel fittings will make your fence look great.

Cheap fittings may be expensive in the long run.

Cheap glass pool fence fittings and fastenings may will require regular maintenance and replacement of fittings from time to time, and as a result may lead to significant financial expenses and time consuming repairs for you. In other words, cheaper or poorer quality fittings might be more affordable, but it’s usually obvious when they’ve been used.

glass patch fittings

Peace of mind

Glass pool fences are designed to secure your swimming pool, reducing the drowning risk to children and pets. More so, cheaper materials will corrode, fade and flake over time, losing their quality and reducing the aesthetic appeal of your fence.

Using high quality stainless steel glass fence fittings and other fastenings is essential. Not only do they look great, but they are safe, secure and they will continue to look great for years to come. The best way to make sure that you’re getting the best fittings available is to source your pool fencing materials from a reliable supplier, 

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Glass vestibule door openings and framed door portal design considerations

 The design of all glass vestibule is unique to other glass structures, in that they include integrated walls, door portals, roofs and even canopies. At times, these systems are anchored to the base building structure, but just as often, they need to be designed to be self-supporting. Glass Vestibule door openings, in particular, can require self-supporting design based on surrounding materials and conditions, door types, electronics, and roof load. Reference 

In order to keep the structure as light and visibly transparent as possible, door openings with a simple door header and sidelites are often preferred to framed and clad portal structure. The design of the doors themselves can play a role in which components to choose for the opening:

Frameless glass doors

Frameless doors provide the lightest aesthetic overall, and can usually be anchored with simple patch fittings that attach to the header and sidelites. They do come with some important considerations, however:

• They require a gap of approximately 3/16” on all sides, which can allow air, water and dust inside. Options are limited for door sweeps and weatherproofing with acceptable aesthetics. See more about how to address this issue in our post on all glass vestibule conditioning.
• A frameless door and portal offers limited options for automated openers, typically requiring floor mounted equipment, which is more vulnerable to dirt and water infiltration along with other environmental issues.

Glass patch fittings in doors provide much better options for weatherproofing, but of course they are not as light aesthetically.

The glass doors at the portal on the CD Adapco headquarters building use simple patch fittings attached to the header and sidelites for a light aesthetic.

Floating headers

A floating header, which spans the door opening and anchors to the sidlites, can work with both door types, while providing a lighter look than a fully framed opening, with room for openers and associated electronics.

 A simple header tube was used at this portal within the entrance wall of St. Joseph’s Drexel Library. Wiring for electronic openers, and strike plates for panic handles could be hidden with the header, to keep the opening relatively light and clean looking. The glass lites above the door opening are supported by floor to ceiling glass fins, and not the door opening itself.

Portal structure

The key design consideration in determining whether or not a structural portal is needed, is whether or not the opening must be self-supporting. In other words, when the door opening must support the load of the materials above (wall/framing/roof), a structural portal of one type or another (steel, aluminum, stainless steel, etc.) is needed to prevent loads from above from compromising the operation of the doors. Sizing the appropriate structural members is based on the width of the door opening, the weight of the load being supported, and the locations of where loads are being transferred to.

The framed portal at the Wistar Institute provides a dramatic stainless clad opening. This type of framed structural portal can provide the best weather seal at the doors, while also supporting structural loads above.

Initial design strategy recommendations

All glass vestibules are more about designing a signature look at the entrance than anything. Therefore, Bellwether recommends that the design process begin with conceptual aesthetic requirements, and then followed by an analysis of space, access (door opening size, electronics, etc.) and weatherproofing considerations. Once critical aesthetic and access requirements are set, a structural analysis can be undertaken to determine the options that will place the fewest limitations on each.

Modular kitchen system M-System.

 M-System is a modular kitchen system with a robust, professional look. The modules and devices have the class of Italian design, but are remarkably low-priced. In addition to a lot of modules, M-System also offers a full range of built-in appliances.

Trend towards individual modules

M-System responds to the growing demand for separate modules. With the design modules, refrigerators, rear walls and extractor hoods, everyone can easily put together his or her ideal kitchen.

A nice extra is that the modules are placed separately and can therefore be perfectly taken along with any move.

Once you have decided which modules from the M-System you prefer, it is enough to purchase a few more kitchen cabinets and complete the kitchen. The equipment that is integrated in the M-System is of excellent quality and offers everything the user requires from his or her kitchen equipment. On the website and in its catalog M-System gives some examples of compositions.

Also in existing kitchens

In addition, you can use only one or two modules in a new or an existing kitchen. For example, less stainless steel will be used in the kitchen and the design will change as a result.

The different modules

The modules and elements from which you can choose are as follows:

60 cm modules

Sink unit and work tables with open shelves or drawers (with or without solid wooden top).

70 cm modules

Gas cooker, refrigerator module, oven module, dishwasher module and combi-microwave oven / dishwasher module.

90 cm modules

Hob module on gas or ceramic hob, gas cooker, sink unit and work tables with open shelves or drawers (with or without solid wooden top) and oven module.

120 cm module

Equipped with multifunction oven, 5-burner cooking area and 2 × 30 cm storage cupboards.

Decorative extractor hoods , with or without rear walls; and island hoods .

Accessories such as wall stitching boards (to fill in an empty piece of wall where no wall units are planned, decorative and functional) and luxury taps .

Read more: modular kitchen fittings

WHY BUY A MODULAR KITCHEN?

There are many advantages in opting for a modular kitchen rather than all other options mentioned in my previous post. This post is to list out a few;

After many years of kitchen usage, some units may have more wear and tear (like the sink unit due to water leakage, dampness etc). In a real Modular kitchen, those cabinets or panels can be replaced with minimal disruption. Once it is done, the kitchen might look as good as new.

In a modular kitchen, the raw material which goes into the making will be of excellent quality. Hence most good brands are able to give guarantee of at least 5 years. Also due to good quality material and imported machinery the final finished kitchen will definitely look superior (both inner and exterior).

While customization, the errors are minimized due to the design software used and technical competency of the designer. Optimal storage is planned and the cabinets are pre-drilled at the factory so the fitting of hardware and accessories will be precise. This will give the kitchen perfect lines between cabinets and makes it to stand out. Also the cabinets will be designed and made accessory friendly, which make it possible to add in future.

Today many are opting for built-in appliances in the kitchen. Each appliance is of different sizes and has ventilation, inlet / outlet requirements. All those factors will be taken into account and manufactured accordingly for hassle free installation and durability of the appliances.

Another feedback recently got from a customer is that due to the perfect fixing of each modular kitchen cabinet, there will not be any crevices and it reduces the chances of cockroaches.

Finally the installation time taken is minimal and site does not get untidy. There will not be any dust, noise, debris etc.

Read more: modular kitchen hardware fittings