When this Pune homeowner approached us, this wasn’t just about a cosmetic kitchen renovation — it was damage control. Located in an older residential building in NIBM Pune, the kitchen had been facing persistent issues, from pest infestation and wall seepage to dysfunctional storage and poor lighting. The goal wasn’t just to create a modern kitchen design, it had to become:
- Hygienic
- Functional
- Low-maintenance
- Budget-friendly
- And visually calm (because it’s an open kitchen)
Here’s how we strategically approached this kitchen renovation in Pune.
The Before: What Wasn’t Working
This kitchen had multiple structural and functional challenges:
- Recurring pest infestation
- Wall seepage due to moisture movement in the building
- Poor quality cabinet hardware
- No proper skirting or toe-kick (leading to dirt accumulation under the cabinets)
- Unused loft storage that only added visual heaviness
- Harsh, insufficient artificial lighting
- Damaged wall surfaces
- A tight renovation budget
To make matters more complex, the client was clear about one thing: The layout could not change.
The Context: Designing for an Older Pune Building
Being part of a 15-year-old building in NIBM, certain construction limitations had to be respected. Some moisture-related issues were systemic across the structure, so we approached the renovation with preventive thinking rather than cosmetic cover-ups. Also, since this was an open kitchen visible from the living room, it couldn’t feel bulky or cluttered. The design language had to be:
- Neutral
- Clean
- Timeless
- Easy to maintain
The Expert Call: Why We Chose Metal Carcasses
This project was unique. The biggest concern was pest control. So instead of conventional plywood cabinetry, we insisted on using Godrej metal carcass structures — a trusted Indian brand known for durability and natural pest resistance. Metal carcasses significantly reduce the risk of infestation compared to traditional wood-based systems. However, this decision came with a trade-off. These modules come in fixed sizes. That meant:
- Counter heights had to be recalibrated
- Backsplash height had to be adjusted
- Storage planning required precision
- Overhead cabinet depth alignment became complex
But long-term usability always takes precedence over short-term convenience. And as experienced interior designers in Pune, we stand by that decision.
The Technical Challenge: Alignment Matters More Than You Think
One of the biggest “invisible” challenges in this kitchen remodel was alignment. As the cabinetry came in fixed dimensions:
- The backsplash tile thickness affected overhead cabinet positioning
- Overhead cabinet depth had to align with the crockery unit
- Height coordination between modules had to be visually seamless
Even a few millimetres off would have made the kitchen look misaligned, especially since it’s fully visible from the living room. We resolved this through precise measurement planning before tile installation. Another constraint was that there was no provision for a chimney duct. So we had to create a provision for a future ductless chimney, respecting both budget and practicality.
Budget Strategy: Where We Saved & Where We Invested
This is how we made this smart budget kitchen renovation possible.
Where We Saved:
- Reused existing plumbing hardware
- Minimal changes to electrical points
- No specialty internal fittings
- Reused leftover and old tiles for under-counter backsplash
- Maintained cabinet depth to avoid redoing floor tiles
- Repaired broken floor areas and concealed them under cabinetry
- Did not force an added false ceiling and used surface light fixtures instead
Where We Invested:
- Metal carcass system (for hygiene and longevity)
- Black granite countertop (cost-effective yet durable)
- Proper skirting to prevent dirt accumulation
- Neutral, long-lasting finishes
- Tiled walls to prevent future seepage from walls and improve overall aesthetics
The countertop choice here was quite intentional. Granite is far more economical than quartz or full-body tiles. It also pairs beautifully with a neutral scheme. We also updated the window color to match the new palette. It’s a small move that makes a big difference.
The 2026-Ready Kitchen: Why This Will Age Well
Trends fade, but function doesn’t. So instead of chasing colour trends, we kept the kitchen:
- Neutral
- Warm
- Balanced
- Easy to accessorise
The black granite anchors the space while the wood-toned lower cabinets add warmth. The overhead units keep the space visually light. This means:
- Appliances blend in easily
- Decor can evolve
- Plants and accessories stand out
- The kitchen won’t feel dated in 3 years
Explore interior design trends that no longer work for Indian homes in 2026
The New Leaf Designs Difference
A large modular interior brand would have:
- Pushed a false ceiling
- Maximised storage unnecessarily
- Forced additional add-ons
We did the opposite. Despite working with fixed modules, we customized everything around the client’s real needs:
- Reused viable elements
- Avoided unnecessary construction
- Respected the original layout
- Designed for small kids (microwave accessible on counter)
- Maintained simplicity
The client also benefits from the national warranty of the Godrej system which offers peace of mind beyond aesthetics.
A Controversial Opinion: You Don’t Need to Max Out Storage
This kitchen proves that more storage does not equal better design. The previous lofts were rarely used and added visual bulk and collected clutter. By reducing unnecessary storage:
- The kitchen feels lighter
- The budget reduced
- Maintenance became easier
- Resale/rental potential improved
For a family of four with small kids, intentional minimal storage worked better than overcrowded cabinets. And that’s a mindset shift more homeowners in Pune need to consider.
Planning a Kitchen Renovation in Pune?
If you’re dealing with:
- Seepage issues
- Pest problems
- Poor-quality cabinets
- Dysfunctional layouts
- Budget constraints
- An open kitchen that needs visual discipline
We design kitchens that solve problems, not just style them.
Book a consultation with New Leaf Designs and let’s plan a kitchen renovation that works long after the photos are taken.
