Kitchen Goals: How to Nail Both Functionality and Aesthetics

September 18, 2025
By: Sanyukta Baijal
PRODUCTS AND MATERIALS

From sizzling pans to sizzling conversations, the kitchen which was once just a corner for chopping and stirring, has now transformed into lifestyle hubs. It has become the stage where life unfolds, where mornings begin and where food turns into memories. In short the space is a perfect mix of function, flavor, and fun.

Which is why kitchens today are getting a serious style upgrade. Naturally, this shift has made homeowners pay extra attention to how their cooking space. It’s not just about cabinets and countertops anymore, it’s about mood lighting, chic finishes, and aesthetic layouts that wow the homeowners.

So, here we are, ready to help you design a kitchen that’s as luxury as it is functional. From stunning finishes as per the layout to picking the right counter material, we’ll show you how to strike the perfect balance between glamour and practicality to make your kitchen stand out.

Step 1: Find a layout that works for your kitchen

If you understand the dynamics of revamping your kitchen as per its layout, you are already half way there! The shape of your kitchen, whether it’s L-shaped, U-shaped, or island-style sets the base for everything else. Once you have cracked this, planning the perfect design for your space becomes easier.

Let’s break down the different layouts of kitchen which has a personalities of their own.

L-shaped Kitchen: As the name suggests, this layout is in L shape and has two units that covers two adjacent walls. It keeps the movement between the stove, sink and storage easy flowing. If you have an L shaped kitchen the renovation should focus on corner storage solutions like magic corners or deep drawers which don’t apply as much to straight or parallel kitchens.

Parallel Kitchen: This layout has two rows of counters on the opposite walls and are often found in modern day apartments. Since it has an entire wall to itself, parallel kitchens can have tall storage units like a pantry unit. Also, since such layout feels like a corridor, one can add mood lighting on both the sides and a window at the end wall for natural light and ventilation.

Straight Kitchen: This is found in many newage apartments which are small in size. A single wall kitchen. In this case, the renovation must focus on maximum storage in minimum space like floor-to-ceiling cabinets, overhead shelves, and pull-down racks.

U-shaped Kitchen: The U-shaped kitchen layout creates tricky blind corners. Make sure to have smart storage like pull-out trays, or magic corners to make full usage of space. However, don't clutter your space with over storage. Construct open shelving and glass shutters to keep the area look more expansive.

Island Kitchen: Such type of layout is found in villas and relatively larger homes where space is not a constraint. Island kitchen counter should have some space around it to walk easily. Despite so much space, add the storage wisely. Have a dual-sided island with storage under one side of the counter and display on the other. Meanwhile, for decor, ceiling pendants suit perfectly above the island counter.

Step 2: Choose an ideal counter top

Once you're done understanding your kitchen layout, it's time for countertops. Let’s be real, these are the spaces which suffer the most, from curry spills to veggie chopping. Therefore, picking the correct material is important which can handle all the mess, is long lasting and at the same time aesthetically pleasing. Here are a bunch of options and their advantages.

Granite: If you're looking for a durable and pocket-friendly material, granite is your answer. It has been the constant favourite of home owners since years and comes in a wide range of patterns and colours. It requires less care and lasts longer. Choose darker coloured granite if your counter cabinets are light shaded.

Marble: It is by far one of the favourites choices of designers and architects. For its cool temperature, rich and aesthetic look, marble is quite popular in kitchen countertop choices. However, it needs extra care as it can be scratch prone, and sensitive to hot pans and pots. It goes well with any cabinet colour.

Quartz: It is a man made material where the chunks of plastics, pigments and more are put together to build it. It is made especially to last long and has a variety of patterns to pick from. And the best part is that it's cheap and affordable.

Terrazzo: Terrazzo is one of the oldest materials for floor inspiration in Indian homes. Now, it has made its way to the countertops of the kitchens. So, if you're in search for something modern then terrazzo is a good option. It is durable, comes with different designs and is strong as well.

Tiles: People are now opting for tiles for kitchen slabs as well. They are going for different pattered Mediterranean style tiles to add more drama to the kitchen. If you want your cooking space to look vibrant and modern, you can pick tiles for your counter. However, it is not too easy to keep and has tendencies to break easily.

Step 3: Pick the walls mindfully

One of the most important elements to take care of when renovating your kitchen is the walls.In the rush to pick the perfect cabinet shades and countertop finishes, kitchen walls often get neglected. Whereas they deserve their share of love too and can easily elevate the entire vibe of your kitchen. Walls are also important elements in your cooking area in terms of design and functionality as well.

From constantly battling splashes to stains and spills kitchen walls face the most wear and tear. That’s why they deserve a little extra thought and picking the right finish keeps the maintenance easy along with adding the touch of style to your space.

Brick Wall: This never go out of style. Rustic yet elegant, they bring in that warm countryside charm while still fitting seamlessly into a modern kitchen. An exposed brick wall can instantly add character, making your space feel both timeless and trendy

Tiled Wall: Tiles are some of the oldest and most popular choice for kitchen. it is easy to maintain, can be cleaned without any hustle and comes with different shades and patterns.

Painted Wall: If you want to keep it subtle and cost-effective, painting your kitchen walls is a good option. Pick your favourite colour, check the matching and contrast with the other elements like cabinets, kitchen slab and you're good to go.

Panelled Wall: After increasing the beauty of living rooms and bedrooms, wall panels now have made their way to the kitchen. Yes, these can be easily used in the kitchen walls. They are one stop solution, as in they won't require frequent change or maintenance and are highly durable. The best part is you can customise the wall panel's pattern yourself.

Wallpaper Wall: If you were wondering that wall panels are too modern for Indian kitchen, brace yourself as another new age change has entered the cooking area which are the wallpapers. Despite being not-so-easy to clean and highly prone to get spoilt, new home owners are installing wallpapers in their kitchen for the sake of aesthetic appeal. Also, they come with endless colour, pattern and texture options to choose from.