Viola Park

A "modular kitchen" is one made up of standardized components that fit together easily. Using off-the-shelf options, an architect or homeowner can piece together their own plan. Depending on the brand, it can be cheaper than a custom kitchen — here are 10 sources that run the gamut from high to low.

1. Viola Park: An offshoot of Henrybuilt, Viola Park makes solid wood kitchens. Unlike Henrybuilt cabinets, which are highly customizable, the Viola Park collection is modular and more affordable. The collection also includes a series of islands, which can be purchased as part of a complete kitchen or on their own, as a piece of furniture.
2. IKEA: IKEA kitchens are one of the least expensive options out there, depending on the type of cabinetry and hardware you choose. Cabinets come in a range of finishes, from laminate to wood, and some of the lines come with a 25-year warranty.
3. Kraftmaid: Sold through HomeDepot, Lowe's, and other hardware stores, Kraftmaid Kitchens are widely accessible. Basic slab and square door styles have a modern look and come in maple, cherry, oak, birch, hickory, or thermofoil (a laminate applied to MDF).
4. Bulthaup: This German company specializes in custom kitchens, but they have a system called the B2 — designed by Viennese firm EOOS — that's made of freestanding, self-contained cabinets kitted out with modular components. These are high-end kitchens, available through US Bulthaup showrooms.
5. Dwyer: This Illinois-based company sells custom and standard stock cabinets. They specialize in compact kitchens and metal cabinets made from a minimum of 25% recycled content, with mid-range pricing.
6. LAGO: In their 36e8Cucina, every component of the kitchen — the refrigerator, the pantry, the countertops — is a colorblocked component of a gridded arrangement. The goals are "modularity, flexibility and the possibility of absolute configuration by the end user." Unfortunately, they're only available in Europe at this point.
7. Martha Stewart for Home Depot: Martha debuted her new line of cabinets for Home Depot last year. There are 11 cabinet types — including some contemporary options — as well as 32 styles of hardware. Cabinet prices run from about $96 to $184 per linear foot.
8. BMC Lab Supply: In the bright, white industrial kitchen above, the modular, easy-to-clean cabinets are from BMC Lab Supply. It's a smart way to repurpose heavy-duty furniture in a modern home.
9. Scavolini: An Italian company, Scavolini has been making modular kitchens since the 1960s. Their products are available through several high end showrooms in the US — check their site for a nearby dealer.
10. Fuego: This San Francisco company is spearheaded by Alex Siow and Robert Brunner — the former Director of Design at Apple and partner at Pentagram. They designed a modular indoor/outdoor stainless steel kitchen that they describe as "equal parts modernist dreamscape and culinary powerhouse." It starts around $3,000 per module.

Photos: As linked above