Which kitchen layout is best for a small flat?

In a narrow room a parallel (galley) layout usually gives the most counter, and in a corner room an L-shape. The right answer depends on where the door, window and plumbing are, so we measure the room before suggesting a layout.

Which plywood should be used for a modular kitchen?

Moisture-resistant plywood or HDHMR for the cabinets, and boiling-water-proof (BWP) plywood for the sink cabinet, which sees the most water. Ask for the brand and grade to be written on the quote.

Do you make modular kitchens in Pocharam, Ghatkesar and Uppal?

Yes. Our studio is at Surya Bala Galaxy Towers in Pocharam, and we build kitchens across East Hyderabad and Secunderabad, the rest of Hyderabad, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

Is the first consultation free?

Yes. Visit the studio, or call or WhatsApp +91 99489 98481 to book a time.

Modular kitchen planning for Hyderabad homes: a step-by-step guide

By Hansi Interiors, Pocharam, Secunderabad · 17 October 2026 · 4 min read

L-shaped modular kitchen in pastel blue with granite backsplash — An L-shaped modular kitchen in pastel blue, built by our own carpenters.

A modular kitchen is the most used piece of joinery in a home, and the hardest to change later. This guide walks through the decisions in the order we take them with clients at our studio in Pocharam, Secunderabad, so nothing that should come first gets decided last.

1. Pick the layout that fits the room

Most Hyderabad flats give you one of four shapes. An L-shape suits the common corner kitchen and keeps the cook in one place. A parallel (galley) kitchen works well in narrow rooms with a door at one end. A U-shape gives the most counter and storage where the room is wide enough. A straight kitchen suits studios and small flats. Islands need generous clearance on every side, so they are usually for villas and larger apartments.

Whatever the shape, keep the hob, the sink and the fridge close enough that daily cooking does not mean walking back and forth, and keep a clear stretch of counter between the hob and the sink for chopping.

2. Fix plumbing and electrical points before anything is ordered

Point positions decide the cabinet layout, so they come first. List every appliance you have and plan to buy, and give each one its point:

Hob and gas line, or a dedicated socket for induction
Chimney, with a short and direct duct to an outside wall
Sink, plus water purifier and dishwasher if you use them
Microwave, OTG and mixer sockets at counter height
Fridge socket, with space for the door to open fully
Washing machine, if it sits in the utility area beside the kitchen

Moving a point after the cabinets are made means cutting finished panels. We mark every point on the drawing and confirm it on site with the electrician and plumber.

3. Choose materials for a working Indian kitchen

Indian cooking means heat, steam, oil and frequent washing, so the materials matter more than the colour.

Cabinets: moisture-resistant plywood or HDHMR board, with boiling-water-proof (BWP) plywood for the sink cabinet
Shutters: laminate is hard-wearing and economical; acrylic and PU give a high-gloss finish; glass works for wall units
Countertop: granite and quartz both take heat and daily scrubbing well
Hardware: soft-close hinges and full-extension drawer channels from a known brand, because this is what you touch every day

Ask for each of these to be named on the quote, with brand and grade. At Hansi every material is named and priced on one page before work starts, so you can compare quotes line by line.

4. Plan storage around what you actually cook

Drawers are easier to use than deep shelves for pots, pans and daily utensils, because everything is visible from above. Common additions are a cutlery and spice drawer near the hob, a bottle pull-out, a corner fitting so the corner cabinet is not dead space, a tall unit for groceries, and lofts up to the ceiling for things used once a season.

White L-shaped kitchen with marble-look backsplash — A white L-shaped kitchen by our team, with lofts and under-cabinet lighting.

5. Get the chimney and ventilation right

Tadka and deep frying produce oil and smoke. Place the chimney directly above the hob, keep the duct as short and straight as possible, and match the chimney size to the hob. A window or exhaust fan near the cooking area keeps the rest of the house free of smells.

6. Light the counter, not just the room

A single ceiling light leaves the counter in your own shadow. Strip lights under the wall cabinets, a light inside tall or glass units, and a brighter light over the hob make the kitchen safer and easier to keep clean.

7. See it in 3D, then check the details

Before anything is cut, look at the kitchen in 3D with your own measurements. Check that drawers and the dishwasher open fully, that the fridge door clears the wall, and that everyone in the house can reach the wall units. We show clients 3D visuals of their own kitchen before anything is ordered.

Who builds it matters

A modular kitchen is only as good as its fitting. Ask whether the studio has its own carpenters and site team, how you will get updates, and what the written warranty covers. Our own carpenters and site team build every Hansi kitchen, we send site photos on WhatsApp every week, and you get a written warranty at handover. See finished kitchens on our work page.