In India, kitchens were never about aesthetics, they were functional, period. Most of us who grew up before the 2010s remember the dark-coloured cupboards, steel trolleys and ceramic crockery that only made guest appearances on birthdays or festivals or when guests would come over, while the OG steel plates ran the daily show.
It was never an issue, really, this system. But as Pinterest boards, Instagram kitchens, and the dopamine rush of pretty cutlery entered our lives, our aesthetics began to shift. And why not? Kitchens are the heartbeat of a home, a space where Sunday breakfasts become rituals, experimental recipes turn into triumphs (or disasters), and coffee brews inspiration. IKEA leaned into the moment at their annual IKEA IKONIC event, unveiling the year of cooking and eating, a celebration of kitchens, dining spaces, and the culture of gathering that makes a house a home. And what better way to get started on your dream kitchen than to visit IKEA?
Yes, yes, we know, creating a kitchen that’s both functional and beautiful can feel a little overwhelming. Whether you’re starting fresh or giving your space a facelift, here’s how to build the kitchen of your dreams with steps, tips, and a few IKEA hacks for good measure.
To conceptualise a space in your house, you need to ask yourself, how much do you use it and in what capacity. “Who cooks at home? How often? Do you host friends, work from the kitchen table, or need extra dining space? Your kitchen should fit your life, not the other way around. Once you understand your routines, you can plan a layout where the fridge, hob and sink work together seamlessly, with storage and counter space placed where you need them most,” says Shailly Mandiwal, Country Home Furnishing Direction Leader, IKEA India.
Step 1: Aesthetics
Once you’ve decided that, then come the broader aesthetics. Do you want a rustic kitchen with open brick walls? Maybe a nice butter yellow wallpaper with sky blue crockery and wooden cabinets. Or you’d like a contemporary kitchen with industrial lighting and black accents. Whatever vibe you’re gravitating towards, start with creating a moodboard so you have the colours, decor and accents all in front of you.
Step 2: Design
Gone are the days when kitchens were walled off as a separate room. Now open plan kitchens are all the rage. They’re not just currently dominating the trends but opening up the kitchen to the dining and living areas also makes the kitchen feel more light and airy and creates space for conversation.
Step 3: Balancing Function and Beauty
Then comes balancing beauty with functionality. When designing, think of the flow: your stove, sink, and fridge should be positioned to make cooking easier, without lots of back-and-forth. “Don’t complicate the design. Keep it efficient so everything you need is within reach, making everyday cooking quicker, easier, and more fun,” says Mandiwal.
Step 4: Storage
Indian kitchens usually need a lot of storage. But you can add personality to that too making sure it looks pretty but does away with clutter. Adding a kitchen island could help save up space on a large dining table and also doubles up as a classy area for food prep and storage. Pick modular colorful storage units that complement the colours of the wall and are a great way to bring a pop of colour if you don’t want to commit to a bold hue on the walls.
“Think about mixing textures and finishes, like warm wood with sleek metal to create balance. Open shelving or glass-front cabinets can add personality by displaying pieces you love, while closed storage keeps the everyday clutter tucked away as well,” explains Mandiwal.
Step 5: Finding The Right Cookwear
“Indian cooking involves a lot of tadkas, oil-heavy dishes, and spice-intensive meals. Invest in non-stick, easy-to-clean surfaces, and proper ventilation solutions,” she says. There’s a few non-negotiables that more or less are enough to cover the large spectrum that is Indian cooking. Whether you’re a first timer or decluttering your kitchen, items like a frying pan, a deep kadai, a pressure cooker and a saucepan with a lid will have you covered from tadkas and curries to boiling, steaming, and stir-frying.
When it comes to materials, invest in what feels convenient to you. Stainless steel is tough, long-lasting, and great for everything from boiling to curries. Non-stick pans are perfect for everyday cooking, they make stirring, frying, and cleaning up quick and simple. Cast iron holds heat beautifully, making it ideal for slow-cooked dishes or tadkas, though it’s heavier and needs a bit more care. Remember to season cast iron regularly to keep it non- stick and rust-free.
Step 6: Locking in Crockery
You’ve seen those floral teacups in pastel colours and serving bowls that look like they jumped straight out the kitchens of our favourite childhood cartoons. Well who said you have to just stick to plain old neutrals? You can mix and match timeless classics like white or neutral dinnerware, stainless steel cutlery, and clear or lightly tinted glassware with accent pieces in pops of colour that are an extension of your personality. Mandiwal suggests focusing on durability, ease of handling, stackability and pieces that can handle the daily rhythm of cooking and cleaning for everyday use.
On days when you want to turn into a host, bring out accent pieces and statement items to elevate the aesthetic of your dining table. It could be anything, from place mats to pretty vases to plates in unique shapes, but they give you a versatile collection that’s ready for both casual meals and special occasions.
You don’t even need to invest in multiple options. “For a small family, a basic set could include 4–6 dinner plates, bowls, side plates, forks, knives and spoons. The modular and stackable sets from IKEA allow you to scale up gradually as your family or hosting needs grow, offering flexibility without overcrowding your kitchen,” explains Mandiwal.
Planning your dream kitchen may seem overwhelming but it could be a very fun process provided you nail the basics, make checklists and don’t let your pinterest moodboard dominate all the decisions. Also remember it’s okay to pivot if something isn’t translating into practical solutions, keep your convenience and comfort as priority because a kitchen that’s easy to navigate will be the kitchen of your dreams.
