India’s kitchens are designed to integrate function, durability and aesthetics by considering various cooking styles and limited space available for cooking appliances. Selecting kitchen doors is a part of the kitchen’s overall layout and form as the kitchen’s shutters will establish how the kitchen functions as well as defining the kitchen’s style. A kitchen’s door design should be developed with considerations for daily usage, maintenance and longevity, so that there is a seamless connection between the kitchen’s overall design and the kitchen’s door design.
Key Operational Considerations Before Selecting Kitchen Doors
Before making a final decision regarding door styles, it is important to consider the following operational features of Indian kitchens:
- Daily exposure to heat and humidity and oil spray
- Frequency of usage of kitchen cabinets, both wall and base
- Availability of both natural and artificial light to the kitchen
- Size and design of kitchen (L-shape, parallel, U-shape, etc.)
Considering the above features of the kitchen will help to ensure that the kitchen doors selected for Indian kitchens can operate effectively over time and will remain visually appealing.
Popular Kitchen Door Styles for Indian Modular Kitchens
Laminated Doors
Laminate finished doors are a popular choice for modular kitchens. Laminate veneers provide durability and ease of maintenance along with a variety of finishes (matte, textured, wood-look and subtle gloss). Laminated shutters work well in both contemporary and traditional kitchen designs.
Handleless Kitchen Doors
Handleless kitchen doors exemplify contemporary home designs. The integration of grooves or push/soft close mechanisms allows for a smoother line of sight and less clutter in kitchens where space is limited, and contributes to the overall elegant design of the kitchen.
High-Gloss Shutter Doors
High-gloss shutter doors use reflections to make the kitchen appear larger and more spacious. These styles of shutters are commonly found in urban apartments where there is not much floor area available for cooking equipment.
Wood Looking Doors
Wood looking finishes provide a warm and inviting effect along with providing the same performance benefits of laminate doors. The ideal style for a wood finish looking door is one that blends traditional charm with modern practicality.
Kitchen Layout Considerations for Door Design Selection
- Light tone finishes for parallel kitchen layouts maintain the feeling of openness within the kitchen
- Different door tone colours for L-shape kitchen layouts visually define zones
- Uniform tone finishes for U-shape kitchen layouts create a sense of continuous visual flow
The layout of the kitchen will determine the appropriate matching of your selection of kitchen door styles and maintain a proportional look and effective use in the kitchen.
Design Tips for Creating Long-Lasting Kitchen Doors
- Use dark colours on base cabinets and light colours on overhead cabinets
- Limit the variety of finishes to two or three coordinated options
- Use matte or textured surfaces in high-traffic areas
- Ensure kitchen door finishes are compatible with countertops and backsplashes
Royale Touche manufactures premium laminate collection products that have been designed to be used in a variety of ways and meet the various qualities of the Indian kitchen.
Conclusion
When designing a modular kitchen, the design of the door is an essential part of the overall layout and colour scheme. Kitchen doors should be selected to create an integrated functional and visual aesthetic for the modular kitchen. With thoughtful planning, homeowners can design a kitchen door system that enhances everyday cooking, remains durable over time, and delivers lasting style suited to Indian households.
