John Cancelino
Photo of a large contemporary kitchen in Chicago with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, window splashback and marble benchtops.

Dallas | Hillside | Kitchen

Kitchen Design Concepts

In our world of kitchen design, it’s lovely to see all the varieties of styles come to life. From traditional to modern, and everything in between, we love to design a broad spectrum. Here, we present a two-tone modern kitchen that has used materials in a fresh and eye-catching way. With a mix of finishes, it blends perfectly together to create a space that flows and is the pulsating heart of the home. With the main cooking island and gorgeous prep wall, the cook has plenty of space to work. The second island is perfect for seating – the three materials interacting seamlessly, we have the main white material covering the cabinets, a short grey table for the kids, and a taller walnut top for adults to sit and stand while sipping some wine! I mean, who wouldn’t want to spend time in this kitchen?! Cabinetry With a tuxedo trend look, we used Cabico Elmwood New Haven door style, walnut vertical grain in a natural matte finish. The white cabinets over the sink are the Ventura MDF door in a White Diamond Gloss finish. Countertops The white counters on the perimeter and on both islands are from Caesarstone in a Frosty Carrina finish, and the added bar on the second countertop is a custom walnut top (made by the homeowner!) with a shorter seated table made from Caesarstone’s Raw Concrete. Backsplash The stone is from Marble Systems from the Mod Glam Collection, Blocks – Glacier honed, in Snow White polished finish, and added Brass. Fixtures A Blanco Precis Silgranit Cascade Super Single Bowl Kitchen Sink in White works perfect with the counters. A Waterstone transitional pulldown faucet in New Bronze is complemented by matching water dispenser, soap dispenser, and air switch. The cabinet hardware is from Emtek – their Trinity pulls in brass. Appliances The cooktop, oven, steam oven and dishwasher are all from Miele. The dishwashers are paneled with cabinetry material (left/right of the sink) and integrate seamlessly Refrigerator and Freezer columns are from SubZero and we kept the stainless look to break up the walnut some. The microwave is a counter sitting Panasonic with a custom wood trim (made by Cabico) and the vent hood is from Zephyr.

Westlake Contemporary New Construction

Laura Burton Interiors

An Indoor Lady
This is an example of an expansive contemporary l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Austin with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and white benchtop.

NARI Tour of Remodeled Homes 2014

Neighbors Home Remodeling

This kitchen had the old laundry room in the corner and there was no pantry. We converted the old laundry into a pantry/laundry combination. The hand carved travertine farm sink is the focal point of this beautiful new kitchen. Notice the clean backsplash with no electrical outlets. All of the electrical outlets, switches and lights are under the cabinets leaving the uninterrupted backslash. The rope lighting on top of the cabinets adds a nice ambiance or night light. Photography: Buxton Photography

Warm Scandinavian

Sanctuary Kitchen and Bath Design

White oak flooring, walnut cabinetry, white quartzite countertops, stainless appliances, white inset wall cabinets
Photo of a large scandinavian u-shaped open plan kitchen in Denver with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and white benchtop.

Legacy 27-6

Judith Balis Interiors

Dawn Burkhart
This is an example of a mid-sized country kitchen in Boise with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, mosaic tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors and with island.

Saint Paul Craftsman

David Heide Design Studio

Architecture & Interior Design: David Heide Design Studio Photography: William Wright
This is an example of an arts and crafts l-shaped kitchen in Minneapolis with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, granite benchtops, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors and grey splashback.

Crocus Hill Kitchen

Full Circle Construction Inc.

Existing 100 year old Arts and Crafts home. Kitchen space was completely gutted down to framing. In floor heat, chefs stove, custom site-built cabinetry and soapstone countertops bring kitchen up to date. Designed by Jean Rehkamp and Ryan Lawinger of Rehkamp Larson Architects. Greg Page Photography

Philly Rowhouse Kitchen

Airy Kitchens

Small traditional galley separate kitchen in Philadelphia with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, marble floors, no island, grey floor and yellow benchtop.

Spacious Barn Conversion Classic In-Frame Kitchen

Handmade Kitchen Co

A beautiful barn conversion that underwent a major renovation to be completed with a bespoke handmade kitchen. What we have here is our Classic In-Frame Shaker filling up one wall where the exposed beams are in prime position. This is where the storage is mainly and the sink area with some cooking appliances. The island is very large in size, an L-shape with plenty of storage, worktop space, a seating area, open shelves and a drinks area. A very multi-functional hub of the home perfect for all the family. We hand-painted the cabinets in F&B Down Pipe & F&B Shaded White for a stunning two-tone combination.

WASHINGTON WAY

Interior Particulier

Photo of a small contemporary u-shaped separate kitchen in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, medium wood cabinets, granite benchtops, window splashback, stainless steel appliances, a peninsula, brown floor, flat-panel cabinets, medium hardwood floors and grey benchtop.

Fort Lauderdale New Design

Meredith Marlow Interiors

Contemporary l-shaped kitchen in Miami with flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, white splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island, white floor and white benchtop.

Lago Bungalow Kitchen

Nar Design Group

This kitchen proves small East sac bungalows can have high function and all the storage of a larger kitchen. A large peninsula overlooks the dining and living room for an open concept. A lower countertop areas gives prep surface for baking and use of small appliances. Geometric hexite tiles by fireclay are finished with pale blue grout, which complements the upper cabinets. The same hexite pattern was recreated by a local artist on the refrigerator panes. A textured striped linen fabric by Ralph Lauren was selected for the interior clerestory windows of the wall cabinets.

Beach Cottage Transformation - Custom Cabinetry Creates Light and Airy Kitchen.

Urbana Design Studio

Custom Cabinetry Creates Light and Airy Kitchen. A combination of white painted cabinetry and rustic hickory cabinets create an earthy and bright kitchen. A new larger window floods the kitchen in natural light.

Zilker Park MCM

Ashby Collective

Photo of a mid-sized midcentury u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Austin with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, green splashback, stainless steel appliances, terrazzo floors, no island, white floor, black benchtop and medium wood cabinets.

Modern Farmhouse Kitchen Black & White

EL & EL Wood Products Corp.

This Modern Farmhouse Kitchen in Black & White is a gorgeous representation of the style. You too can achieve this look with the same crown and case moulding. Crown: 440MUL; Case: 126MUL-SC.

Rénovation d'un appartement qui chante le sud - Projet Phillipe

Mon Concept Habitation

Le charme du Sud à Paris. Un projet de rénovation assez atypique...car il a été mené par des étudiants architectes ! Notre cliente, qui travaille dans la mode, avait beaucoup de goût et s’est fortement impliquée dans le projet. Un résultat chiadé au charme méditerranéen.

Ravina

Wanda Ely Architect Inc.

The kitchen is designed for two serious home chefs who often entertain guests for dinner parties. Merging the kitchen and dining room into a singular space was a strategic design decision to both foster their style of ‘chefs table’ entertaining, and also make the most efficient use of valuable floor space - a common consideration in most Toronto homes. The table becomes an island-like surface for additional prep space, and also as the surface upon which the meal is eventually enjoyed.

Craftsman Condo in the City

Liz Murphy Design LLC

Tom Little Photography
Design ideas for a small transitional l-shaped kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, metallic splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, brown floor and white benchtop.

Dallas | Hillside | Kitchen

Kitchen Design Concepts

Beige Kitchen with Medium Wood Cabinets Design Ideas

There’s a lot to consider when it comes to planning your kitchen design. Where do you even start? Gathering some inspiration in a photo gallery is always a good starting point, as looking at different kitchen designs often brings up ideas you haven’t even thought of yet.

Browse Photos of Kitchen Designs for Inspiration and Collect Your Ideas

You can browse through photos of all kinds of kitchen styles, layouts and sizes on Houzz to get started before jumping into any design software or contacting a local professional for help. Here’s a few considerations to keep in mind when planning your kitchen.

1. What Makes a Good Kitchen Design, and Why is it Important?

For starters, you want to find a balance between aesthetics and function. You may have heard of the ‘kitchen work triangle’, which refers to the space between your fridge, sink and stove. You want everything within easy reach when you’re working in the kitchen and look beautiful at the same time. It’s a good idea to take note of both when browsing our photo gallery.

2. Consider Your Space to Determine Your Kitchen Layout

Firstly, consider the space you have, and the limitations that come with it. Do you have a small kitchen and need to maximise your workspace and storage? Can you allow yourself some more space and a big island with seating? Are you designing your kitchen from scratch or renovating an existing design? Which appliances do you already own and what are their measurements? Are there windows you need to take into consideration when planning cabinets? How do kitchen, living and dining areas connect? Depending on your space and needs, you want to use a shape that suits you. U, G, or L-shaped kitchen, with or without island or peninsula? Know your dimensions, plan cabinetry carefully and consider the placement of your appliances. You don’t want to end up with a finished design, only for your significant other to question where the fridge is supposed to go. Consider from the start where your fridge, oven, microwave and sink goes to save yourself from starting again from scratch - remember the kitchen work triangle! You also want to plan the layout of your cabinets. Maybe you’re planning for a pantry and can do with less storage space in your kitchen, so that your design can be one without upper or lower cabinets for a different look. A corner cabinet can be a smart storage solution if you want to keep the look clean and simple.

3. Decide on a Kitchen Style, But Don’t Forget Practicality

You want the style of your kitchen to reflect your personality and taste. We have curated a large array of kitchen styles here at Houzz, from traditional to contemporary to transitional and everything in between. Consider what your cooking style is for a start - Italy is known for its cuisine, so italian kitchen designs are generally popular. Also consider ergonomics - depending on how much time you spend in your kitchen, the height of your counters can make a big difference to your overall health. You also want to consider colour and finishes of cabinets, countertops and splashbacks. Which colour do you want your cupboards to be? Simple, timeless white or rather making a statement in black? Maybe rather a rustic wood? Also consider the colour of your floor - if you have dark floors, you may want to keep cabinets lighter. You could also go for an all-white look and choose black appliances for contrast. Once you know which style you fancy, don’t forget how you will be using the space. You want to keep cooking in mind, as well as how easy to clean and maintain the space will be. How many cooks do you need to accommodate? Do you have kids around? How much storage do you need? Maybe you want to go for open shelves rather than cabinets and allow for easy reach of key items you use when cooking. Again - remember the triangle! Lastly, choose lighting that both enhances the look of your kitchen as well as your cooking performance, providing light in all the right places.

4. Be Conscious of Your Budget

No matter what you plan for your kitchen design, cost is always a big factor. Be sure to plan with your budget in mind. It may make more sense to go for a modular kitchen design rather than custom build. You can save a lot of money if you get at least 3 estimates from professionals before locking in the job. And don’t forget to allow a 20% buffer for emergencies. Once you are ready to hire a pro, our directory will help you find one, no matter where you are. So whether you're looking for an Interior Designer in Melbourne or an Architect in Sydney, you can be sure to find a qualified expert for the job!