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The Science of Better Living: Designing Kitchens Around People, Not Products | Harshal Mundhe

Q. The modern kitchen has evolved from a functional workspace into one of the most lived-in spaces within the home. How has this transformation influenced your understanding of kitchen design?

Over the past decade, our understanding of the modern Indian kitchen has evolved from delivering functional solutions to creating spaces that reflect changing lifestyles and aspirations. The kitchen is no longer a secluded utility area; it has become an interactive space where families connect, cook and spend meaningful time together.

Today’s consumers are far more informed and design-conscious. They expect kitchens to combine convenience, durability and aesthetics while responding to the realities of Indian homes and cooking habits. The focus is no longer on adding features but on creating spaces that improve everyday living through thoughtful design and intelligent functionality.

Q. Homeowners today seem to value convenience, longevity and wellbeing as much as aesthetics. What are the biggest shifts you have observed in consumer expectations?

Health, hygiene and conscious living have become central to kitchen design. Consumers are looking for spaces that are easier to maintain, more hygienic and better suited to everyday use.

There is growing interest in materials that are durable, easy to clean and capable of withstanding the demands of Indian kitchens. At the same time, appliances that support healthier cooking, improve indoor air quality and optimise energy consumption are becoming increasingly relevant.

The expectation today is that kitchens should not only look good but also contribute positively to everyday wellbeing.

Q. Technology is becoming increasingly invisible within our homes. How do you ensure innovation enhances the kitchen without making it more complicated?

Technology should simplify everyday life rather than add complexity. The most meaningful innovations are those that integrate naturally into the user’s daily routine without demanding constant attention.

Whether through intuitive hardware, intelligent storage systems or connected appliances, the objective is to make kitchens more efficient, organised and comfortable to use. Good technology is rarely noticed—it simply makes everyday tasks easier.

Q. India presents an extraordinary diversity of homes, from compact city apartments to expansive residences. How should kitchen design respond to such varied lifestyles?

Designing for India requires flexibility. Every home has different spatial constraints and every family has its own way of using the kitchen.

The objective is to maximise the value of available space without compromising functionality. Intelligent storage, efficient drawer systems, adaptable layouts and well-planned organisation allow kitchens to perform efficiently regardless of their size.

Ultimately, good design is about responding to people rather than floor area.

Q. Consumers today increasingly associate quality with durability. Do you believe longevity has become an essential aspect of sustainable design?

Absolutely. A product that performs consistently over many years is inherently more sustainable because it reduces the need for replacement and conserves resources.

Long-term durability, responsible material selection and reliable engineering contribute not only to better user experience but also to more responsible consumption. Sustainability should therefore be viewed as a combination of performance, longevity and thoughtful design.

Q. Sustainability is increasingly influencing manufacturing as much as design. How do you see this shaping the future of the kitchen industry?

Sustainability must be considered across the entire value chain—from sourcing and manufacturing to product performance and lifecycle.

Greater emphasis is being placed on local manufacturing, efficient supply chains and environmentally responsible production practices. These efforts reduce environmental impact while allowing manufacturers to respond more effectively to local market needs.

The industry’s responsibility extends beyond creating better products to creating better systems of production.

Q. As homes become smarter and more connected, what role will the kitchen play in everyday life?

The kitchen will continue evolving as one of the most intelligent spaces within the home.

Connected appliances, intuitive hardware and integrated technologies will work together to simplify daily routines while improving efficiency, convenience and resource management. However, technology should always remain human-centred, supporting the user rather than becoming the focus itself.

The future kitchen will be defined by seamless experiences rather than visible technology.

Q. Looking towards 2030, what do you believe will define the next generation of Indian kitchens?

The kitchens of the future will combine sustainability, intelligent design and local relevance. Greater emphasis will be placed on responsible manufacturing, energy-efficient technologies and solutions that respond to India’s evolving lifestyles.

As homes become increasingly connected and environmentally conscious, kitchens will need to balance innovation with longevity, performance and everyday usability. Ultimately, the future will belong to kitchens that improve people’s lives while supporting a more sustainable way of living.

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