Modular kitchen design trends lean towards sustainability, smart technology integration, minimalist aesthetics and multifunctional spaces, says Rajkumar Kumawat, Founder and Principal Architect, Rajkumar Architects.Noticeable designs“A shift towards warm minimalism, where clean lines are balanced with tactile finishes such as fluted wood, brushed metals and muted stone surfaces, is a noticeable trend,” says Harkaran Singh Boparai, Founder and Principal Architect, Harkaran Boparai Studio. “Also, matte lacquers in deep, earthy tones are replacing gloss finishes, bringing a sense of calm sophistication to the space. There’s also a growing preference for concealed, highly organised storage; modular insert systems from brands like Blum and Häfele are particularly sought after for their seamless integration and refined detailing.”“We’re seeing a shift in modular kitchen design toward softer minimalism, clean lines paired with warm textures, matte finishes and earthy tones,” says Sharmin Wade, Cofounder & Design Principal, Studio SB. “It’s less about glossy perfection and more about tactile comfort.”Curated spaces“The biggest shift we’re seeing is that it’s no longer just about optimisation or modularity but experience design,” says Swathy Sivaraman, CEO & Principal Architect, Storeyboard Design. “Kitchens have become places where identity, rituals and relationships are shaped.”Consequently, she says clients today ask for more than cabinetry; they ask for multiutility islands, concealed smart charging stations, dish warmer drawers, wellness zones like inbuilt juicers or herb gardens, even tactile materials that support neuro-aesthetic wellbeing. Most important, every kitchen feels personal, deeply tied to the client’s cooking style and personality.So, Sivaraman says she often takes the time to customise every element to build a kitchen that is entirely bespoke, rather than confined to a single brand and its framework.In contemporary high-end homes, modular kitchens have evolved into more than just efficient layouts; they are curated lifestyle spaces where aesthetics and performance converge, according to Boparai. “Island kitchens continue to dominate layouts but are now being treated as sculptural elements, often blending mixed materials such as natural stone and timber.”Memory havensModular kitchens now carry memory as much as utility, says Swathy. “One client said: I’m taking my kitchen because it’s where my daughter baked her first cake. That kind of emotional modularity is the real trend. It’s not just furniture; it’s familiarity you can unbolt and rebuild in a new chapter of your life. It speaks to how emotional and adaptable design has become.”CW explored modular kitchens for ease of assemble and dismantling (see box).Trending materials“We’re seeing a resurgence of stone, not just for countertops but also as the primary material for shutters and carcasses,” says Kuntal Vyas Aggarwal, Founder and Design Head, Resaiki Interiors and Architecture Design Studio. “Stone finishes reminiscent of older kitchens, but reimagined with a contemporary edge, are especially in vogue. A popular choice is the use of slim 6-mm stone surfaces affixed to cabinet profiles, resulting in kitchens that are completely rust-free, termite-proof, sealant-free, extremely low maintenance, and meeting high hygiene standards, an imperative shaped by the emphasis on sanitisation during the pandemic. Since the entire surface can be wiped down or even washed, stone offers both practicality and durability.” A brand leading this shift towards stone is Interwood, a company renowned for its full-stone modular kitchen solutions, she adds. “Interwood’s products align with today’s needs for easy cleaning, long-term performance and refined aesthetics.”Relatedly, sustainability is beginning to influence choices. Boparai notes that FSC-certified carcasses, low-VOC finishes and recyclable surfaces are increasingly being specified by discerning homeowners.Smartness quotientToday’s modular kitchens are becoming smarter, thanks to integrated technology, shares Gagandeep Kapila, Cofounder and Director, WMA. “Features like motion-sensor lighting, voice-controlled appliances, and automated cabinetry are no longer futuristic – they’re here. Architects now design kitchens as digital-ready environments where technology enhances function and luxury, especially in urban homes where convenience is king.”According to Kumawat, “Opting for smart features in kitchens is grabbing attention, making spaces workable and efficient.”It’s important for the technology to integrate well with overall design. “We believe the future of kitchens isn’t just smart, it’s sensitively intelligent,” says Sivaraman. “It’s not only about built-in tech, but built-in meaning.” In that context, she cites Valcucine as a brand she deeply admires for not just integrating technology but creating a dialogue between form, function and intelligence. “From carbon-neutral manufacturing to ergonomic features like air-assisted lift-up shutters, it creates a kitchen that evolves with you.”Branded options “Brands like Regalo Kitchens, Livspace, Godrej Interio and Häfele are popular for their innovative designs and focus on customisation, while Hettich and Kutchina are known for their high-quality materials and sleek aesthetics,” says Kumawat.“For luxury clients with a more timeless taste, Turi Kitchens offers an elegant classical vocabulary that still works within the modular framework; perfect for homes that celebrate legacy and lifestyle together,” adds Sivaraman.However, more than a brand, she believes what truly works is a robust, functional design that integrates user requirements by curating from various accessories available across global markets.The appliance frontAppliance brands play a role in enhancing the characteristics of kitchens. In terms of the smartness quotient, Siemens and Bosch are setting the standard with built-in ovens, induction hobs and dishwashers that sync with smart home systems, says Kapila.Gaggenau and Miele are benchmarks for luxury modular setups, not just for performance but for the visual coherence they bring to a kitchen, adds Boparai.Indeed, individual components come together to make perfect modular kitchens. Not every modular kitchen is easy to assemble and dismantle Relocating a kitchen involves dismantling and reassembling parts. One would imagine that all modular kitchens are easy to dismantle – but they aren’t. “I usually caution clients that not all modular systems are designed for mobility,” shares Gagandeep Kapila, Co-founder and Director, WMA. “Lower-end particleboard structures or custom site-fabricated units tend to degrade when dismantled. However, factory-made modular kitchens using marine ply or HDF with clip-on hinges and bolted carcass systems are easier to dismantle and reassemble.” “Brands that offer dry installation systems (minimal gluing or sealing) allow safer reuse,” he suggests. “It’s important to design modularity with future relocation in mind, something many clients only realise in hindsight.” “When dismantling is anticipated, opting for systems with robust carcasses, clip-on hardware and adjustable internal modules becomes essential,” advises Harkaran Singh Boparai, Founder and Principal Architect, Harkaran Boparai Studio. “Thoughtful initial planning – accounting for potential future changes – plays a crucial role in ensuring the longevity and flexibility of a modular kitchen.” “Ease of dismantling is not just based on brand but on how it was originally installed,” says Swathy Sivaraman, CEO & Principal Architect, Storeyboard Design. “We’ve seen Häfele modulars and even budget-friendly Sleek kitchens come off seamlessly, simply because the base design didn’t compromise structure for cost.” Boparai cites kitchens by brands such as Eggrsmann and Regalo Kitchens as amenable to being taken apart and reassembled with minimal compromise to their structural or aesthetic integrity. “Being designed with precision modularity, and incorporating advanced joinery, standardised sizing and high-quality internal fittings, makes such kitchens far more adaptable than bespoke fixed joinery,” he says. Brands that offer precision-engineered hardware and standardised modules, like Sleek by Asian Paints or IKEA, make dismantling and reassembly relatively seamless, says Sharmin Wade, Cofounder & Design Principal, Studio SB. Noting that kitchens built with standardised modules are far easier to dismantle and reassemble, among the easiest, Rajkumar Kumawat, Founder and Principal Architect, Rajkumar Architects, says, “are PU-finish and laminate-based units with aluminium framing or SS channels, as they retain structural integrity without damage.” The key is precision in installation and proper documentation, he adds. “If the modules are treated as a system, the entire kitchen becomes as movable as furniture.” Quotes Island kitchens continue to dominate layouts, but are now being treated as sculptural elements. - Harkaran Singh Boparai, Founder and Principal Architect, Harkaran Boparai Studio Modular kitchens now carry memory as much as utility. – Swathy Sivaraman, CEO & Principal Architect, Storeyboard Design We’re seeing a resurgence of stone. - Kuntal Vyas Aggarwal, Founder and Design Head, Resaiki Interiors and Architecture Design Studio Siemens and Bosch are setting the standard with appliances that sync with smart home systems. - Gagandeep Kapila, Cofounder and Director, WMA Brands like Sleek by Asian Paints or IKEA make dismantling and reassembly relatively seamless. - Sharmin Wade, Cofounder & Design Principal, Studio SB If the modules are treated as a system, the entire kitchen becomes as movable as furniture. - Rajkumar Kumawat, Founder and Principal Architect, Rajkumar Architects Quick Bytes 1. Minimalist design, matte finishes, and earthy tones are in demand. 2. Kitchens now reflect bespoke, lifestyle-centric design. 3. Stone resurfaces as a durable material for shutters and carcasses. 4. FSC-certified, low-VOC and recyclable materials are favoured choices. 5. Tech-enabled kitchens blend function with luxury. 6. Standardised modules allow easy dismantling and reassembly.