What You Need to Know About Modular Kitchens
These investments can help you solve your cooking area problems
As the heart of the home, we spend a great deal of time in the kitchen—experimenting with recipes, secretly enjoying midnight snacks, and simply hanging out to pass the time with a drink in hand. During these sweet sojourns in the cooking area, why don’t you give it a good look? Are the cabinets still in mint condition? Is it time for a retiling job? You might spot a room for improvement that will finally motivate you to invest in a kitchen makeover.
If a regular cooking space doesn’t cut it anymore, maybe it’s time to level up and look into the possibility of having a modular kitchen. You’ve seen these beauties many times before—in cooking shows, in showrooms, and even in the kitchen photos on our website. What exactly are modular kitchens and what sets them apart from the regular ones? We asked interior designers Catherine Cena-Yambao and Peaches de Guzman-Grey for a brief 101 to help you:
What is a modular kitchen?
“Modular kitchens are kitchens with pre-made cabinets and fittings that can be easily joined together to fit a given space. The floor and wall cabinets facilitate the effective use of space, especially the corner units. They can be easily dismantled and reinstalled,” shares Peaches. According to Cathy, these kitchen systems also highlight standardized drawers, racks, shelves, and hardware that you can buy from specialized kitchen and closet suppliers. “These are usually systems that maximize the efficiency of your kitchen in terms of layout and functionality. They are available in different styles that fit your interior space,” she adds.
Modular kitchens are sleek, streamlined, and feature a polished look that will instantly take your cooking area from plain and boring to modern and functional.
What differentiates modular kitchens from regular kitchens?
“Modular kitchens are usually assembled in a shop and can be quickly installed in your space so there is less construction mess onsite,” says Cathy. She shares that these have standard finishes so homeowners are assured that the quality is consistent.
Since modular kitchens are factory-made with precise dimensions, they can provide optimum space management. “They have excellent finishes, especially on the edges and trims—leaving no open edges, meaning bacteria and pests won’t be able to enter the cabinets,” adds Peaches.
The best thing about modular kitchens? It can help you deal with common kitchen problems like storage, space, and maintenance. If you’re on the fence about investing in one, here’s a list of pros that may just convince you:
Maintenance can be a breeze.
You don’t need to worry about damages costing a lot. “Since modular kitchens are made of several modules put together to form a single kitchen system, if one module gets damaged, you only have to replace one,” says Cathy. Peaches also adds the components like cabinet doors and shelves can be easily replaced.
You can customize it according to your needs.
“You may choose the type of material to be used based on your personal style, needs, requirements, and budget. There is a wide array of materials to choose from like wood, plywood, marine plywood, laminates, fibreboard or MDF (Medium-density fibreboard), stainless steel, aluminum, synthetic, or natural stone. Make sure you do your research on the perfect material that best suits your needs,” says Peaches. Since it can be customized, modular kitchens are ideal for compact spaces and tiny units, too.
It helps you achieve a contemporary space that’s sleek and modern.
Peaches shares that a modular kitchen can help you maintain a spic-and-span cooking area. “It helps keep the kitchen clutter-free by providing ample storage,” she shares. Meanwhile, Cathy credits the workmanship and skill of the specialists who make these systems. “They are standardized, meaning, the finishes are the same all throughout and is not dependent on the skill level of your carpenter,” she explains.
Ready to inquire about your future dream kitchen? Before you visit suppliers, it’s important that you have an idea about what to look for in a modular kitchen. Aside from the style, finishes, and taking into consideration your requirements, you need to pick a material and research on the hardware. “You can choose from laminated MDF or plywood. [If you have the budget,] you can go for the more expensive lacquered solid wood cabinets or those with glass and aluminum doors,” explains Cathy.
When it comes to hardware, check if you’re okay with concealed hinges or if you want the cabinets to open upward with hydraulic hinges. “Do you want the cabinet doors and drawers to have a soft-close mechanism? These are all important things you may want to discuss with your kitchen specialist. You can also ask them if they can make sure that the blind corners of your cabinet will still be useful. Most kitchen suppliers have specialized hardware that maximizes the use of these usually dead spaces,” she suggests.
Looking for a reliable supplier you can work with? Give these brands a ring:
Siematic (Focus Global)
- 12th Floor, Twenty-four Seven McKinley Building, 24th Street corner 7th Avenue, McKinley Parkway, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
- Tel. no. (02) 705-9999
- focusglobalinc.com
Scavolini
- Shops 9, 10 & 11 The Peninsula Manila corner of Ayala Avenue and Makati Avenue, Makati City
- Tel. no. (02) 710-0771
- facebook.com/scavolinimanila
Poliform
- 219 Nicanor Garcia Street (formerly Reposo), Bel-Air 2, Makati City
- Tel. no. (02) 804-2776
Luxacraft Philippines
- 168 Haig, Mandaluyong City
- luxacraft.com
Rolin Panel Products
- Kitchen Gallery 5th Floor, SM Megamall, EDSA, Mandaluyong City
- Tel. no. (02) 636-7438
- rolinpanel.com
iMaverick International Corporation
- Ilaya St., Niog II, Bacoor, Cavite
- Tel. no. (02) 741-8016
- imaverickph.com
For inquiries and additional questions, you can get in touch with interior designer Peaches de Guzman-Grey through e-mail at designsgrey[at]gmail.com or mobile at (0920) 928-0508. You can also e-mail interior designer Cathy Cena-Yambao at catherinecena[at]gmail.com or contact her mobile number (0917) 861-6011.
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