Kitchen setting ideas: 37+ designs to plan & setup your modular kitchen

The kitchen is a crucial room in the house, and its setting is very personal. From a small kitchen setup to a big one, everything needs careful planning and attention before beginning the setting process. Moreover, skipping any one step could have long-term repercussions on the overall kitchen setting and design. Modern cabinets and furniture that meet all of your expectations are part of a well-thought-out modular kitchen setting.

A challenging yet interesting task is setting up a modular kitchen that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. The ideal layout is entirely dependent on your lifestyle, work habits, and preferences because it is the first and most crucial phase in the kitchen design process. You can select the cabinets as soon as you’ve decided on the kitchen setup and layout.

Analyze your current kitchen setup to determine what functions well for you and what does not, such as whether an island is truly necessary. The next crucial step is to fit everything into your cooking area after you’ve finalized all of your kitchen components. You need precise measurements of the kitchen’s dimensions, cabinetry, appliances, etc. for this. Moreover, if measurements aren’t exact, a functional plan and sufficient storage units won’t work.

This article includes some ideas, dos and don’ts, and tips on how to create the ideal setting while keeping up with current trends and designs. So, stay with this article till the end if you intend to renovate your outdated kitchen setup or construct a brand-new one.

Kitchen setting principles and ergonomics

Before diving into kitchen setup ideas and design tips, it’s essential to understand the fundamental principles of kitchen setting and ergonomics. These principles ensure that your kitchen not only looks great but also functions efficiently, making everyday tasks smoother and more comfortable.

Zone allocation for optimal workflow

To create a kitchen that works seamlessly, it’s important to divide the space into functional zones. This approach not only maximizes efficiency but also ensures that everything you need is within easy reach.

Image Source: Blum South East Asia on facebook

The kitchen is typically divided into four main zones: prepping, cooking, cleaning, and storing.

1. Prepping zone: The prep zone should have maximum counter space, and it should be close to both the refrigerator and the storage to allow easy access to everything you need while preparing meals. Also, have your trash can close to this area to throw away waste instantly.
2. Cooking zone: The cooking zone should include your cooktop and some storage space to house your spices and basic cooking utensils. Keep in mind that you will be moving around a lot in this area, so plan for space accordingly.
3. Cleaning zone: This zone comprises the sink and storage space to keep washed dishes. It’s essential to maintain hygiene in this area as it is vulnerable to grime and mould build-up.
4. Storing zone: The kitchen storage includes space for consumables and non-consumables. The storage zone should ideally be located near the entrance to the kitchen. This area includes the fridge, countertops, and cabinets.

The work triangle

Image Source: vectorstock.com

The work triangle creates a distinct space for cooking, cleaning, and storing. It creates a clear path between the cooktop, the sink, and the refrigerator. This concept results in a kitchen setup that has a practical and visually appealing design. Some basic rules to follow here are that each leg of the triangle should be between 1.2 to 2.7 metres and the combined length should be between 4 to 7.9 metres. Furthermore, no appliances or cabinets should intersect any of the legs in the triangle.

How to organise and set up your kitchen?

Planning and setting up your modular kitchen can be an exciting process, but it can also be overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. A well-designed kitchen can make cooking and meal preparation easier and increase your home’s overall functionality and value. Here are some tips for organizing your kitchen:

Begin with the essentials

To make clean-up easy, keep your silverware in an upper small drawer near your dishwasher or sink. If you don’t have either, this may not be helpful. If you have an island, consider placing the drawer there. For an existing kitchen, buy a silverware organiser and use a nice-looking container to keep things tidy. The right spot is a small drawer to the right of the sink, rather than the left, which can be hard to access when the dishwasher is open.

Organise the everyday dishes

If you have multiple cabinets for dishes and glasses, consider placing your everyday dishes close to the dishwasher but not blocking its open door. Position them to the left of the sink if the dishwasher is to the right. If you have a limited wall or tall cabinet space, use a pantry cabinet or a tall hutch-style cabinet to store your dishes. Drawer inserts are also a great option. Alternatively, remove the doors from an existing kitchen cabinet to create easy access and a decorative design.

Cookbooks, wine, and oversized bowls

If you have a cabinet above your refrigerator, you could remove the doors and utilize the space by adding a wine rack, an extra shelf for your cookbooks, or some cool-looking serving bowls. Usually, this area is just filled with items that you seldom use and occupy valuable space. By transforming it into a beautiful display, you can make the most out of this deep and neglected space.

Utensils, knives, and everyday spices

To keep your kitchen organised, explore the numerous adjustable organisers on the market, such as wall rail systems for utensils and spices, silverware organisers, pot racks, or spice drawer inserts that fit various cabinet sizes. Appliances, mixing, and salad bowls can be placed on open shelves under islands or on a baker’s rack. Magnetic knife bars mounted on walls provide easy access and free up drawer and counter space. Drawer organisers are ideal for standard-sized spices and can be adjusted to fit different drawer sizes.

Oils, vinegars, and taller spices

When cooking in your kitchen, it’s practical to store oils, vinegars, and taller spice jars, as well as salt, condiments, and sauces, in a cabinet next to your stove for easy access. Instead of walking to the pantry for these items every time you need them, keep them within reach. If you have cabinets between your sink and stove, consider using the furthest wall cabinet on the right to store tall spices, oils, and vinegars.

Pots and pans

For convenient access, store your pots and pans near your stove or cooktop. Roll-out shelves are preferable to drawers, and having a dedicated lid drawer is even better. Roll-outs are shallower, making it easier to find the pots you need. If you have a cooktop, place them underneath and beside the stove if you have a range. If there’s limited space, an island near the stove or a cabinet perpendicular to you is a viable option. Pot racks are also useful, whether ceiling-mounted, wall-mounted, or shelf-style. They can save storage in your kitchen, especially in smaller ones.

Casserole dishes and small appliances

To ensure easy access, store your casserole dishes and small appliances in cabinets with roll-outs. As for Tupperware, it’s best to keep them in drawers. If you have a lazy susan or blind corner cabinet, use it for heavier items like small appliances, as lightweight items tend to get stuck and fall. Avoid the risk of having a wall cabinet topple on your head by opting for drawers to store Tupperware.

Dry goods and the food pantry

To avoid the frustration of looking for things you can’t find, store all your dry goods in the pantry if you have one. Don’t spread them out in wall cabinets just because you have empty ones. Put the items you use more often close to the stove, and less-used spices and sauces can go into the pantry. If you love baking, consider carving out a spot just for baking items like sugar, flour, etc. You could even create a sprinkle drawer if you have the space!

Kitchen setting ideas

Kitchen setting idea #1 – Decide on the layout

Image Source: wrenkitchens.com

When it comes to kitchen setup, the layout is the first thing to take into account. So, it should be ideally tailored according to your lifestyle and the cooking space. Depending on the shape of your cooking space, you can have a U-shaped, L-shaped, parallel, or straight layout.

DOs: Plan the space between the work triangle and the kitchen setting beforehand.

DON’Ts: Avoid U-shaped or L-shaped layouts if you have a narrow space.

Pro Tip: If your space is limited, open-plan layouts can be your best choice. Since the cooking space is visible, keep it clean to keep away the mess.

Kitchen setting idea #2 – Don’t forget the island

Image Source: Tom Howley

If you have enough room in an open-concept cooking space, the island becomes a statement addition. It can function as a cooktop, a space for the sink, or a prep area. Moreover, always consider how you want to use the kitchen island before choosing a design because of its incredibly flexible use.

DOs: Install electrical outlets on the island to use your countertop appliances whenever you need them.

DON’Ts: Avoid placing the stove on the island.

Pro Tip: Allow at least 1 meter of space around the island when installing it or more if you want a wide walkway or seating area surrounding the island.

Kitchen setting idea #3 – Allocate zones

Image Source: owen-williams.co.uk

The kitchen can be divided into 5 zones: consumables, non-consumables, cleaning, preparation, and cooking. The majority of cooking spaces can be divided into these regions. A fridge (consumables zone), cupboards (non-consumables zone), a sink (cleaning zone), a small area for countertop space (preparation zone), and a stove (cooking zone) are likely the only necessities you should allocate to these zones.

DOs: Keep the consumables, preparation, and cooking zones as close as possible.

DON’Ts: Avoid allocating the non-consumables or cleaning zone near the consumables zone.

Pro Tip: Ensure adequate counter space close to the stove to chop vegetables or mix ingredients.

Kitchen setting idea #4 – Arrange your essentials as per the zones

Image Source: polishedkitchendesigns.co.uk

The purpose of creating zones in your cooking space is to allow you to organize items for better accessibility. The consumable zone is for keeping the majority of your food supplies, whereas your everyday utensils like plates, bowls, glasses, and cutlery belong to the non-consumable zone. Keep the trash, dishwasher, and washbasin in the cleaning zone. The region where the hob, stove, and microwave are located in your cooking zone.

DOs: Divide the consumable zone into two areas: one for your refrigerator (fresh food) and the other for your pantry or food cabinets (dry goods, oils, etc.).

DON’Ts: Don’t neglect the work triangle concept.

×

Pro Tip: Keep the kitchen utilities as close as possible, as per the relevant zone.

Kitchen setting idea #5 – Glam up your area

Image Source: medium.com

The ceilings, floors, cabinets, and window treatments of a kitchen are all great places to use colour and decor. So, if you want your cooking space to serve as a background for various décor objects with varying colours, patterns, and personalities: white, cream, off-white, and pale grey are excellent colour choices. Also, in order to make an impression in a place as neutral as a kitchen, you may also use high-gloss paint or vibrant wallpaper for the ceilings.

DOs: For the windows, go for colourful window treatments to establish a focal point.

DON’Ts: Avoid painting your cooking space with dark colours as it can make it appear smaller and less welcoming.

Pro Tip: Add a statement rug to inject a happy dose of colour and pattern.

Kitchen setting idea #6 – Deck up with bold cabinets

Image Source: herringbonekitchens.com

The design of the cabinets should match the functional aspects of your modular kitchen setting without competing with the architectural elements of your house. So, you can incorporate traditional, modern, or freestanding cabinet styles into your contemporary or vintage house. For a traditional-style cooking space, you can choose hardwood or plywood; fiberboards have a stylish, minimalist appearance. Contrarily, choose hardware finishes like polished brass, antique brass, satin nickel, chrome, and matte black, depending on your kitchen style.

DOs: Go for glass-front wall cabinets to have both visual balance and storage space.

DON’Ts: Don’t overcrowd the walls with huge wall cabinets.

Pro Tip: Install cabinet lighting to find your kitchen utilities easily.

Kitchen setting idea #7 – Hang chic lighting fixtures

Image Source: gallagherkitchens.ie

Kitchens with stylish and adaptable lighting create a positive atmosphere and enhance the room’s overall appearance. So, installing LED accent lighting allows you to highlight your dinnerware while also providing task lighting for cooking. While strip lights installed beneath the cabinetry are essential for downlighting, you can also go for cove lights or chandeliers to balance the mood. Since the lighting system unifies the entire kitchen design, it should be planned early in the setting process.

DOs: Make different ways to allow natural lighting.

DON’Ts: Avoid warm lights if you have a vibrant cooking space.

Pro Tip: Go for decorative pendant lights if you have a small kitchen space.

Kitchen setting idea #8 – Go for practical shelving

Image Source: Trends wood finishing

For simple organization and accessibility, it is always a plus to have a modular kitchen setup with lots of storage space. However, the cabinets can occasionally look excessively hefty. Therefore, to achieve the much-needed aesthetic harmony in the kitchen, break up large blocks of doors and drawers and introduce attractive open shelves. Also, you can use these shelves to arrange your wine collection or showcase your dinnerware which will further enhance the beauty of your cooking area.

DOs: Keep kitchen items you don’t use frequently on the shelves.

DON’Ts: Avoid cluttering up the shelves with too many kitchen items.

Pro Tip: Keep rolling carts to maximize storage if you are ditching the bulky wall cabinets.

Kitchen setting idea #9 – Ensure proper flooring

Image Source: diy-kitchens.com

The flooring is a crucial component of the kitchen setup process since it frequently experiences high levels of condensation and water splashes. For your flooring, you must select durable materials with an anti-slip finish, such as tiles, wood, laminate, vinyl, rubber, or concrete. However, before choosing a flooring material, always take durability, cleaning convenience, and simplicity into account in addition to style and appearance.

DOs: Keep the flooring colour and pattern in sync with the kitchen walls and ceiling.

DON’Ts: Avoid dark shades for kitchen tiles or slabs in small areas.

Pro Tip: Natural stone is the best option for kitchen flooring. If budget is an issue, vitrified tiles are the next best option.

Kitchen setting idea #10 – Place the appliances correctly

Image Source: owen-williams.co.uk

The kitchen area is usually occupied by large cooking appliances, which are utilized for a variety of tasks. These appliances include built-in ovens, chimneys, refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, and other devices. So, while setting up, plan where these appliances will be placed, their proximity to each other, ease of access to them, and their size. This is important to avoid a protruding refrigerator or oven disturbing the workflow.  Hence, choose all of your appliances before installing the cabinet units.

DOs: Add multiple electrical outlets along the backsplash to use your countertop appliances whenever you need them.

DON’Ts: Avoid keeping all small appliances, like the mixer, coffee maker, etc., on the countertops.

Pro Tip: If you have a small area, keep the refrigerator in the lobby or the living room.

Types of modular kitchen layouts

Kitchen setting layout #11 – U-shaped

Image Source: Arwa M Moustafa on Behance

In this layout, the counters are positioned around the three kitchen walls, which resemble the letter “U.” This setup is adaptable and suited for both large and small kitchens. Compared to other layouts, it offers greater room for installing cabinets. This kitchen setup is ideal for cooking if there are multiple people cooking at the same time because it has plenty of counter space.

Kitchen setting layout #12 – L-shaped

Image Source: wefitqualitykitchens.co.uk

In this well-known kitchen setup, the countertops are placed at right angles, which form an “L” shape. This layout is perfect for compact kitchen designs. This layout works well in homes with square kitchen plans and for small kitchens. The L shape format efficiently uses the corner space, which provides additional storage options.

Kitchen setting layout #13 – Island

Image Source: Rarchitecture_Melbourne on Unsplash

The island kitchen is a sought-after setup in open-plan houses because it offers a spacious work surface and storage area in the centre of the kitchen. The customisable island may include a cooking area, prep area, bar, and wine refrigerator. Furthermore, these can also be used for enjoying meals with family.

Kitchen setting layout #14 – Straight

Image Source: telkitchens.in

This basic setup is typically seen in smaller kitchens because it saves space without sacrificing efficiency. The straight kitchen layout consists of cabinets mounted against a single wall. It can include cabinet space at the top and bottom of the kitchen to create a sleek design.

Kitchen setting layout #15 – Parallel or Galley

Image Source: mport.in

This is one of the most efficient kitchen layouts because it can be conveniently divided into two independent units when needed. The countertops in this type of kitchen are arranged along two walls that are parallel to each other. Small homes with narrow kitchens benefit most from parallel layouts.

Kitchen setting layout #16 – Peninsula

Image Source: Chipper Hatter

The peninsula layout features a kitchen counter that extends from a wall or cabinetry and is similar in appearance to an island kitchen. This type of kitchen design is opted for when there isn’t enough room for a standalone island.

Cost of modular kitchen

Based on material

Based on layout

How to organise your small kitchen to improve efficiency?

20+ Unique modular kitchen settings (image gallery)

Conclusion

The kitchen is the centre of activity in your house, so it must be both attractive and functional. This is dependent totally on your modular kitchen setting, which you do by choosing the right plan, design, furnishings, cabinets, materials, and finishes. Setting up a modular cooking area requires selecting the right utilities because it calls for optimal functionality in an environment of intense heat and moisture.

Your kitchen setup is influenced by many things, including how much time you spend in the kitchen and the size of your family. Also, never forget that a well-planned kitchen with the appropriate functionality, storage options, and accessories will enhance your cooking experience regardless of the amount of time spent and the number of people you serve.

Your modular kitchen design and setup should reflect your personal preferences. You may want to have a minimalist kitchen or a rustic one, and for this, you need to budget carefully. Hence, to stay within your budget, go for proper materials and finishes that guarantee the longevity of your kitchen’s most frequently used areas.

You are now prepared to rethink your kitchen setup using the best quality materials. So, use some of our above-mentioned tips and make your cooking space a reflection of your individuality.

FAQs

What colour suits a small kitchen?

Light colours are ideal for small kitchens because light will naturally reflect off the surfaces painted in light colours, preventing the space from feeling confined and dark. The most popular choice is bright white or cream, but there are many more neutral hues you can choose, like pale yellow, light green, beige, and grey.

What should be the minimum distance between the sink and the stove?

The ideal distance between the sink and the stove is around 4 to 9 feet. If spaced correctly, this distance should allow you enough room to walk around and navigate conveniently within the space.

Where should a refrigerator be placed in the kitchen?

The southwest corner is the ideal location for the refrigerator. Also, don’t place the refrigerator in the north or the east direction. When placing the fridge, make sure it is not close to a corner or attached to a wall.

What is the most functional kitchen layout?

The most popular setting is the L-shaped design, which is quite practical and can be adjusted to fit practically any kitchen size. An L-shaped arrangement, as the name suggests, has appliances and cabinets along two adjacent walls, forming a clear triangular path between work zones.

What should be the minimum distance between the fridge and the stove?

To move around easily, you need at least 4 feet of distance between the sink and the stove. However, this distance should not exceed 9 feet. This creates a seamless flow as it’s easy to take out food from the fridge and bring it to the prepping area.

Which is the best kitchen position, as per vastu?

According to Vastu, your home’s southeast or northwest corner is the ideal location for your kitchen setup. This is because the winds blowing from the south to the west and the north to the east will not cause harm by fire.

What are the best modular kitchen brands in India?

The following are the best modular kitchen brands –

1. Sleek by Asian Paints
2. Wurfel Kuchen
3. Haecker Kuchen
4. REHAU Kitchen
5. Godrej Interio
6. Anchor by Panasonic
7. Johnson Kitchens
8. Spacewood
9. Nolte Kuchen
10. Arancia Kuchen

*The featured image used in this article is from Behance.net

Must Read

Designing a kitchen: Unraveling 23+ tips to upgrade your kitchen

The kitchen is a fundamental part of the house, and designing it is extremely subjective. From storage space to kitchen tiles