The kitchen is often seen as the beating heart of the home, a place for gathering, sharing and creating memories by the fire. As urban Indians move to compact homes, modular kitchen setups have become popular, with a plethora of foreign and Indian brands entering the kitchen market: Godrej Interio, Sleek by Asian Paints, and Livspace, while imported alternatives include German and Italian legacy brands like Häcker Kitchens and Veneta Cucine.
As per a Mordor Intelligence Report in 2026, the Indian modular kitchen market size is expected to increase from ₹6,266 crore in 2025 to ₹7,615.6 crore in 2026 and approximately ₹20,051.2 crore by 2031, growing at a robust compounded annual growth rate of 21.16% over five years — with rising disposable income across Tier2 and Tier 3 cities and an increase in average spend on kitchen interiors across middle class homes.
As urbanisation compresses living spaces, modular solutions optimise every square foot while maintaining aesthetic appeal. Apartments in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities typically encompass 1,500-2,000 square feet with compact open kitchens and an adjacent balcony space used for laundry units. Given kitchens have to optimally utilise every square inch of counter space for appliances and storage up to the ceiling, modular storage solutions offer flexibility and cost efficiency.
In terms of compliance, India’s modular kitchen market has BIS storage-unit certification under IS 17634:2022 moving to full enforcement over the course of 2026. This is proof that the unit has passed tests for tipping over, drawer strength, and structural load capacity, and made of materials that are durable and safe for everyday home use.
Digital configurations (online 3D visualisation and software tools that let designers customise layouts, finishes, and storage in real time) bridge physical retail gaps, allowing remote shoppers in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities to design and plan their kitchens before manufacturing.
In conversation with Shreyans Bohra, Founder, Artiform, an interior design studio in Chennai. Edited excerpts:
Why do customised kitchens score over regular cookie cutter modular kitchens in the market?
While modular solutions are popular, interior stylists design kitchen solutions keeping in mind the aesthetic and functionality. In terms of design, fluted wood on the inside of a cabinet or lacquered back panels with glass on the front are popular for cabinetry. In terms of core materials, high density high moisture resistance boards (HDHMR) offer termite and water proof versatility. In high humidity areas like Chennai, a special D3 glue (a professional-grade, water-resistant polyvinyl alcohol adhesive ideal for kitchen and bathroom cabinets, it offers bonding strength, sets quickly, and dries to a transparent or natural wood finish) is also used with cold press machines, so that the materials remain firmly tethered without bending. Especially in places along the coastline, it ensures strong cabinets that do not sag or warp during monsoon.
What level of customisation can be provided within a kitchen, keeping in mind electrical and safety codes?
In terms of material for the platform or island tops, granite or quartz provides the most durability. Based on the interiors, we recommend a darker colour for easy maintenance. For homeowners with both a dry (smoke-free, sans daily cooking) and wet (daily cooking) kitchen, granite for the wet kitchen and ceramic stones for the dry kitchen/ breakfast bar are ideal. Ceramic is more delicate but comes in pastel colours suited to the breakfast/ coffee area and is more aesthetically pleasing.
For cabinetry, it’s important to consider ease of maintenance and whether parts can be swapped or easily replaced. For low maintenance, we recommend lacquered or glass shutters, or even acrylic surfaces with soft-close doors and drawers. For those who want their small appliances like mixers and grinders out of sight, you can set up an appliance garage with plug points on the wall. A pocket door allows you to open and pull the appliance out on a rolling platform, use it and then push it back into the recessed garage.
In terms of customisation of cabinet doors, you can have opening shutters, oblique doors that open and go above the cabinet, vertical doors or the Ribalta flip-up door. There are digitally printed glass panes that allow artwork to adorn the cabinet as well. We offer traditional carving on wooden cabinetry for those who want a traditional exterior and a modular interior. For these, mango and oak wood shutters are the best material.
What are customers looking for in terms of complete customisation?
Some people love traditional kitchens while others want an international feel. On the East Coast Road in Chennai, a family was bored with looking at straight lines, so they opted for a Moroccan kitchen. This style prioritises tiles in geometric designs and jewel tones, terracotta, raw timber, stone countertops, and smooth plaster walls. We have printed an image of the Shore Temple, Mamallapuram, on the reverse of a glass shutter to adorn a home as well. Designer fabric from Sabyasachi has been integrated into the shutter with glass for protection.
In terms of hobs, a combination of a built-in induction and a single burner hob works best. You can swap a microwave and use a warmer drawer instead (a 30 cm deep drawer that keeps hot food warm instead of reheating individual plates).
Fixed islands are immensely popular, especially with stone tops and storage. You do need a minimum of 3.5 feet on each side around an island to comfortably move around.
Breakfast bar is for those with space constraints. This can replace a dining table, as the stools can be tucked in under the counter, and one can engage with those inside the open kitchen.
Benefits of modular kitchens over traditional ones
Space and storage: Pull-out trays, corner units, and tall units use every inch
Better flow: Follows the work triangle rule for an easy cooking path. The three main work areas — sink, stove, and refrigerator — are connected in a triangle design. This format keeps the distance between these spaces short and clear
No clutter: Built-in organisers keep counters clean. Appliance garages save counter space
Factory precision: Machine-cut and finished parts offer strict quality control
Faster setup: Pre-made modules take minimal time to assemble compared to carpenter work
Portability: You can easily disassemble, move, and reinstall modular units if you relocate
The freelance writer is based in Chennai.
Published – August 22, 2026 07:19 am IST
