Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW The homeowners came to us looking to update the kitchen in their historic 1897 home. The home had gone through an extensive renovation several years earlier that added a master bedroom suite and updates to the front façade. The kitchen however was not part of that update and a prior 1990’s update had left much to be desired. The client is an avid cook, and it was just not very functional for the family. The original kitchen was very choppy and included a large eat in area that took up more than its fair share of the space. On the wish list was a place where the family could comfortably congregate, that was easy and to cook in, that feels lived in and in check with the rest of the home’s décor. They also wanted a space that was not cluttered and dark – a happy, light and airy room. A small powder room off the space also needed some attention so we set out to include that in the remodel as well. See that arch in the neighboring dining room? The homeowner really wanted to make the opening to the dining room an arch to match, so we incorporated that into the design. Another unfortunate eyesore was the state of the ceiling and soffits. Turns out it was just a series of shortcuts from the prior renovation, and we were surprised and delighted that we were easily able to flatten out almost the entire ceiling with a couple of little reworks. Other changes we made were to add new windows that were appropriate to the new design, which included moving the sink window over slightly to give the work zone more breathing room. We also adjusted the height of the windows in what was previously the eat-in area that were too low for a countertop to work. We tried to keep an old island in the plan since it was a well-loved vintage find, but the tradeoff for the function of the new island was not worth it in the end. We hope the old found a new home, perhaps as a potting table. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

French Country Chateau Custom Home

Fautt Homes

Design ideas for an expansive l-shaped kitchen in San Francisco with a farmhouse sink, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, multiple islands, brown floor, beige benchtop, white cabinets, granite benchtops, beige splashback, stone tile splashback and raised-panel cabinets.

The Symphony, Hileman Condo Renovation

Innovative Design Build, Inc

Innovative Design Build was hired to renovate a 2 bedroom 2 bathroom condo in the prestigious Symphony building in downtown Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The project included a full renovation of the kitchen, guest bathroom and primary bathroom. We also did small upgrades throughout the remainder of the property. The goal was to modernize the property using upscale finishes creating a streamline monochromatic space. The customization throughout this property is vast, including but not limited to: a hidden electrical panel, popup kitchen outlet with a stone top, custom kitchen cabinets and vanities. By using gorgeous finishes and quality products the client is sure to enjoy his home for years to come.

Chester Two

Habit Studio

Photo of a transitional u-shaped kitchen pantry in Other with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, wood benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, no island, brown floor and beige benchtop.

Designer white kitchen with walnut island

Walker Woodworking

Photo Credit - Darin Holiday w/ Electric Films Designer white custom inset kitchen cabinets Select walnut island Kitchen remodel Kitchen design: Brandon Fitzmorris w/ Greenbrook Design - Shelby, NC

"Container" House

Coates Design Architecture + Interiors

Container House interior
Design ideas for a small scandinavian l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Seattle with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, wood benchtops, concrete floors, with island, beige floor and beige benchtop.

Belvue Lane Residence

William Guidero Planning and Design

Contractor: Legacy CDM Inc. | Interior Designer: Kim Woods & Trish Bass | Photographer: Jola Photography
This is an example of a large country l-shaped open plan kitchen in Orange County with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, beige splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and beige benchtop.

Kitty Hawk Bay Home

With a Twist Inc

Michele Darden
Photo of a mid-sized beach style single-wall eat-in kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, black splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and beige benchtop.

Alta Vista || Remodel || Austin, Texas

Etch Design Group

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional l-shaped separate kitchen in Austin with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, grey splashback, mosaic tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, multiple islands, brown floor and beige benchtop.

Утро в Нормандии/ Normandy morning

Ирина Киреева

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional galley eat-in kitchen in Moscow with recessed-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, wood benchtops and beige benchtop.

Kirkland 4 Star Built Green Custom Home

H2D Architecture + Design

Inspiration for a contemporary l-shaped kitchen in Seattle with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, stainless steel appliances, concrete floors, with island, grey floor, beige benchtop and quartzite benchtops.

Blue Kensington Kitchen

Tim Wood Limited

The Kensington blue kitchen was individually designed and hand made by Tim Wood Ltd. This light and airy contemporary kitchen features Carrara marble worktops and a large central island with a large double French farmhouse sink. One side of the island features a bar area for high stools. The kitchen and its design flow through to the utility room which also has a high microwave oven. This room can be shut off by means of a hidden recessed sliding door.

Rodgers Kitchen

Turan Designs, Inc.

Traditional White Kitchen with Formal Wood Hood
Large traditional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Atlanta with raised-panel cabinets, stainless steel appliances, travertine splashback, a farmhouse sink, granite benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, medium hardwood floors, a peninsula, brown floor and beige benchtop.

Adirondack in Blue

Zobel & Co. Kitchens

This two-tone kitchen was an addition to a 100+ year-old, off-the-grid camp in the Adirondacks. The homeowner paid a great deal of attention to detail. The painted Plain & Fancy Shaker cabinets were done in Triton blue, and blend very nicely with the Plain & Fancy Nantucket bead board style pantry and peninsula backing, in quartersawn white oak. She chose tin ceiling in stainless steel for the wall behind the wood stove to match the propane gas stove. Custom window and door trim was created using the original camp trim so the addition looks like it is original to the camp. Kitchen features include a Hafele Arena Lemans blind corner swing out and a lazy Susan without a center pole to make use of corner spaces. Open shelving and the Brooks Custom Woodworks butch block top give an old-world feel to the kitchen.

Copper Farmhouse Sink for Colorful Kitchen

Rachiele Custom Sinks

Olde World custom patina on a copper farmhouse sink. Paired with a coordinating Waterstone faucet for added warmth in this colorful kitchen remodel. Hand-painted blue cabinets help make a bold statement against neutral finishes.

painted glass splashbacks

Artform Collective

Sleek contemporary living with a pop of apple green to brighten your kitchen.
Contemporary open plan kitchen in Sydney with green splashback, glass sheet splashback and beige benchtop.

Nun Monkton

The Main Company

Photo Credits: Sean Knott
Design ideas for a mid-sized country u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Other with a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, blue cabinets, granite benchtops, brick splashback, coloured appliances, dark hardwood floors, no island, brown floor and beige benchtop.

A Modern & Stylish Orangery

Westbury Garden Rooms

Darren Chung
This is an example of a large transitional kitchen in Essex with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, wood benchtops, with island, brown floor, beige benchtop and blue cabinets.

Teri Turan

Turan Designs, Inc.

Transitional White Kitchen
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Atlanta with stainless steel appliances, granite benchtops, a double-bowl sink, white cabinets, shaker cabinets, medium hardwood floors, a peninsula, brown floor, granite splashback and beige benchtop.

Eclectic Kitchen Remodel in West Chester, PA

MacLaren Kitchen and Bath

Cabinetry: Mouser Cabinetry with Paxton door/drawer style and frameless construction, perimeter finished in Linen paint and island is finished with Lunar paint Countertops: Windermere Cambria Quartz

Blue Kitchen with Beige Benchtop 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!