Simple Yet Distinctive
October 31, 2023
Aishwarya R Khokle
Minimalism and intricate design are hallmarks of this kitchen designed by Prasad Badle Architects in Wadala, Mumbai
The fact that kitchen design has evolved to scale new heights can be seen in Janhavi and Bhushan Khandelwal’s accommodation in Wadala, Mumbai. The apartment for the young couple and their children has been designed by Prasad Badle Architects, a Mumbai-based architectural firm, which also specialises in interior designing, furniture and art and accessories.
“We handle each project on an individual basis, employing problem-solving techniques and in-depth analysis of the client’s brief which consequentially results in each project being both aesthetically pleasing and functionally sound. We are an extremely principled unit having a marvellous team spirit, adhering to the client’s goal, time frame and budget. Our focal emphasis has always been to complete projects ahead of the deadlines. On the client's behalf, we try to obtain the best possible services and products from various contractors, vendors and consultants. We encourage and welcome client’s active involvement in the designing process,” says Prasad Badle, Principal Architect, Prasad Badle Architects.
The earlier kitchen was an enclosed one and looked very compressed and squeezed up. Breaking the existing walls and creating an ‘open kitchen’ worked out very well. Photo Courtesy: Prasad Badle Architects
About lighting
This kitchen is a classic example of how the appropriate use of light can transform the look of a space. An assortment of lights – under-cabinet lights, and those on the ceilings and floors of the space – has been used. Talking about the lighting, Badle says, “Firstly, the preferred light in the kitchen is generally white. The lady of the house would work well under white light, as the objects are then clearly visible. Light fittings on the ceiling are the source of general lightning. Surface-mounted fittings are fixed on the ceiling as no false ceiling is there in the entire apartment to maintain the available room/apartment height.”
“Under cabinet lighting is added to provide task lighting on countertops that is complementary to the general lighting of the area. This also reduces the shadow cast by overhead cabinets on the countertops. Illumination on the backsplash enhances the appearance of the kitchen,” he adds.
Light fittings on the ceiling are the source of general lightning. Surface-mounted fittings are fixed on the ceiling as no false ceiling is there to maintain apartment height. Photo Courtesy: Prasad Badle Architects
Colour coordinates
This kitchen design reflects the innovative use of colour “It is a well-known fact that the white colour can expand a space. In this case, we had a small-sized kitchen. It helped us to make the room look visually larger. White created the impression of brightness and neatness. It also enhances cleanliness and hygiene, making the kitchen look spic and span,” says Badle.
A bold colour scheme for the adjoining dining area offset the subdued colour of the kitchen. “The apartment is owned by a very young couple and their two daughters – the age of two and five years. The colours obviously had to be brighter and cheerful. A playful colour scheme of primary colours is sure to transform any dining area into a fun-loving dining experience. The dining area in this apartment is very centrally located and is almost a focal point of the interior and considering that the family would spend most of their daily time and exchange here, it had been tossed up with brighter primary colours. Neutrals aren’t for everyone and fortunately, we had the clients who were sporting enough to accept the balance between neutral and bold,” explains Badle.
The novel use of colour was extended to other areas too. ” The client needed a dedicated space to conceal the bar-wares and accessories. The onyx countertop is used for the preparation of drinks; it adds a blood-red undercarriage for the stacking of liquor bottles. The onyx adds character not only to the room but also adds a lot of house value and a touch of elegance,” he adds.
Under cabinet lighting is added to provide task lighting on countertops that is complementary to the general lighting of the area. Photo Courtesy: Prasad Badle Architects
Some essentials
As the durability of materials in any kitchen is a given, Badle and his team used non-porous, crack and stain-resistant white quartz for the countertops, which also imparts a captivating look to the space with its sheen and glossy finish. This material also offers ease of maintenance and can be cleaned with a mild detergent and water.
The cabinets are made out of marine plywood and finished in high gloss laminate, while the backsplash is made of white quartz. “Cabinets are the focal point of a kitchen and can be seen from the entrance/ entrance door. Sure, they are boxes with shelves, drawers, and shutters, but they are the kitchen’s furniture and are built to last with a design that represents the personality of the user,” says Badle.
This kitchen design also reflects the efficient use of space The accessories, like the rack and glass holder, are designed to hang on the wall, saving space on the countertop. “The accessories and kitchen organiser help introduce discipline and neatness to the kitchen. It makes cooking easy and the kitchen tidy,” says Badle. “We always want to make sure that one has a space for everything in the kitchen. Keep as much of the counters’ space as free as possible, so the kitchen looks fresh, and clean and is always inviting. Open shelving is a practical way to accomplish this,” says Badle.
White created the impression of brightness and neatness. It also enhances cleanliness and hygiene, making the kitchen look spic and span. Photo Courtesy: Prasad Badle Architects
Design parameters
The idea behind this kitchen’s design was to convert it into an open kitchen and enjoy the undivided space of living, dining and kitchen areas. “The good thing about this is, the lady cooking can get a clear view of all the corners, right from the entrance to the bedroom. Being a Marwari husband and wife, the kitchen had to be completely Vastu compliant. All norms of sun diagrams and vastu have been adopted while designing not only the kitchen but the entire apartment,” says Badle.
Brief and more
Talking about the brief and the idea behind this kitchen’s design, Badle says, “This apartment kitchen being compact, the colours, lighting, ventilation, materials, and anthropometry, effective use of kitchen gadgets and equipment had to be well designed and balanced. The kitchen prior to the renovation of the apartment was enclosed. It also created an offset in the living area. The idea was to convert the Kitchen into an ‘open kitchen’ planning and enjoy the complete uninterrupted/undivided space of living – dining and kitchen areas.”
"This apartment kitchen being compact, the colours, lighting, ventilation, materials, and anthropometry, effective use of kitchen gadgets and equipment had to be well designed and balanced."
Prasad Badle
Principal Architect,
Prasad Badle Architects
About interaction
Badle feels that in order to make sure that the output or design is as per the client’s specifications, constant communication is of utmost importance.
“A continuous exchange between the designer and the client particularly during the making of the kitchen is extremely essential. Also, there are a whole lot of technicalities involved while designing the kitchen. Effective use of kitchen hardware and storage organisers is like what is hand to a glove. Every kitchen is unique and different from another and is often a single calculated design element in an otherwise well-designed space,” he says.
“The earlier kitchen was an enclosed one and looked very compressed and squeezed up. Breaking the existing walls and creating an ‘open kitchen’ worked out very well. However, we generally do not make any major structural changes and abide by the existing structural norms and parameters. It is even more challenging then,” he added.
Badle and his team transformed a closed kitchen into one whose design flowed to merge with the adjacent space, resulting in not just a larger space, but also one with great design.
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