Fusion of Style and Functionality Kitchen Remodel

At the core of this transformation was the client’s aspiration for an open, interconnected space. The removal of barriers between the kitchen, dining, and living areas created an expansive, fluid layout, elevating the home’s ambiance and facilitating seamless interaction among spaces. The new open layout is the perfect space to cook and entertain merging sophistication with functionality. The journey began with the client’s exploration of colors, eventually embracing Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy blue as the cornerstone for the cabinetry. This choice set the stage for a harmonious palette that tied in with the living and dining room furniture and rugs. Integrating a natural stone countertop became a focal point, incorporating these varied hues while gold fixtures added a touch of luxury and sophistication. Throughout the design process, challenges were met with innovative solutions. Space optimization was key, requiring strategic placement of appliances like a smaller-width refrigerator alongside a pull-out pantry cabinet. The island, a central feature, not only provided additional seating but replaced the need for a separate table and chairs, optimizing the space for gatherings and enhancing the flow between the kitchen and the adjoining areas. The revitalized kitchen now stands as a vibrant hub for social interaction. The homeowner seamlessly integrates into gatherings, no longer confined by kitchen walls, while guests engage effortlessly in the cooking process at the island. This transformation embodies the convergence of beauty and functionality, where every design element tells a story of thoughtful innovation and meticulous attention to detail.

Frenchman's Creek

Dreamstar Custom Homes

Inspiration for a transitional u-shaped kitchen in Miami with an undermount sink, beige cabinets, beige splashback, matchstick tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island, beige floor, grey benchtop and recessed-panel cabinets.

Las Campanas Beauty - Photos by Daniel Nadelbach

Tierra Concepts

Design ideas for a mid-sized l-shaped separate kitchen in Albuquerque with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, beige splashback, stone slab splashback, panelled appliances, with island, grey floor, solid surface benchtops and exposed beam.

Shore of Little Sebago Lake

Delano Architecture

Aaron Flacke
Inspiration for a mid-sized beach style l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Portland Maine with shaker cabinets, beige splashback, timber splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, no island, brown floor, a drop-in sink, laminate benchtops and turquoise cabinets.

White Kitchens

Robin Denker Designs, Lifestyle Kitchens & Baths

Photo of a traditional kitchen in Other with a double-bowl sink, white cabinets, beige splashback, stainless steel appliances, stone slab splashback and shaker cabinets.

Kitchens Projects

Ancient Surfaces

Antique French country side sink with a whimsical limestone brass faucet. This Southern Mediterranean kitchen was designed with antique limestone elements by Ancient Surfaces. Time to infuse a small piece of Italy in your own home.

The Ranch at Coulter Creek

F&M Architects, LLC

photos courtesy of Seth Beckton
Large contemporary u-shaped open plan kitchen in Denver with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite benchtops, beige splashback, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors and a peninsula.

Bardstown Road Kitchen

ReVision Design/Remodeling

© Lassiter Photography
Photo of a large traditional eat-in kitchen in Charlotte with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, beige splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Let's Eat- Kitchens

User

Expansive beach style u-shaped open plan kitchen in New York with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, beige splashback, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, terra-cotta floors and a peninsula.

Lopez Ave

Lewis Builders

Inspiration for a mid-sized modern eat-in kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, beige splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors and with island.

Virginie & Laurent - Cuisine rustique

Lily Cuisines & Cie

This is an example of a large country u-shaped open plan kitchen in Nantes with an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, black cabinets, wood benchtops, beige splashback, timber splashback, panelled appliances, ceramic floors, with island, beige floor and beige benchtop.

Meglio Piccolo ma in Centro

Liadesign

Liadesign
This is an example of a small scandinavian l-shaped open plan kitchen in Milan with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, beige splashback, engineered quartz splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, no island and beige benchtop.

White Plains Penthouse

Bilotta Kitchen & Home

This bold and blue traditional kitchen was designed by Bilotta’s Jeni Spaeth with Interior Designer Jane Bell of Jane Bell Interiors. Designed for a bachelor’s penthouse, the view from the apartment spectacularly overlooks Westchester County with sights as far as Manhattan. Featuring Bilotta Collection Cabinetry in a 1” thick door, the design team strayed far from the classic white kitchen and opted for a regal shade of blue on the perimeter and natural walnut on the island. The color palette is further emphasized by the polished Blue Bahia granite top on the island and beautifully accented by the pops of gold used for the decorative hardware. The focal point of the kitchen is the Cornu Fe range, the Albertine model in black with satin nickel and polished brass accents. The accompanying hood is a custom design by Rangecraft in brushed stainless with satin gold elements. The countertop and backsplash surrounding the hearth area are in soft beige tones, a needed contrast to the darker hues of the cabinets and range. The L-shaped layout, with seating at the island, allows for wide-open views into the adjoining rooms and to the city below through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Fort Atkinson Remodel

Bella Domicile

S. Photography
Large traditional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, beige splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors and multiple islands.

Waynesville Kitchen

Ashley's Kitchen & Bath Design Studio

Mid-sized country u-shaped open plan kitchen in Other with shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite benchtops, beige splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, an undermount sink and beige floor.

Kitchen Reno

Fascella Construction

This is an example of a large modern u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Philadelphia with a farmhouse sink, beige cabinets, granite benchtops, beige splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and brown benchtop.

Single Story Spanish Ranch

Prime Realty

Inspiration for a large traditional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite benchtops, beige splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island, beige floor and beige benchtop.

French Blue Kitchen

Sayler Studio

Inspiration for a kitchen in Orange County with shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz benchtops, beige splashback, stone tile splashback, coloured appliances, with island and white benchtop.

Summer Lake Floor Plan

Starr Homes

Design ideas for a large mediterranean l-shaped kitchen in Kansas City with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite benchtops, beige splashback, stainless steel appliances and with island.

Victorian Kitchen

Traditional u-shaped separate kitchen in Portland with a farmhouse sink, green cabinets, recessed-panel cabinets, quartz benchtops, beige splashback, ceramic splashback, medium hardwood floors and with island.

Blue Kitchen with Beige Splashback 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!