We introduce to you one of our newer services we are providing here at Kitchen Design Concepts: spaces that just need a little reviving! As of recent, we are taking on projects that are in need of minimal updating, as in, spaces that don’t need a full-on remodel. Yes, you heard right! If your space has good bones, you like the layout of your kitchen, and you just need a few cosmetic changes, then today’s feature is for you! Recently, we updated a space where we did just this! The kitchen was in need of a little love, some fresh paint, and new finishes. And if we’re being honest here, the result looks almost as if the kitchen had a full-on remodel! To learn more about this space and how we did our magic, continue reading below: The Before and After First, see what an impact new finishes can make! The “before” image shows a kitchen with outdated finishes such as the tile countertops, backsplash, and cabinetry finish. The “after” image, is a kitchen that looks almost as if its brand new, the image speaks for itself! Cabinetry With the wooden cabinetry in this kitchen already having great bones, all we needed to do was our refinishing process that involved removing door and drawer fronts, sanding, priming, and painting. The main color of the cabinetry is white (Sherwin Williams Pure White 7005) and as an accent, we applied a deep navy blue that really pops in this space (Sherwin Willaims Naval 6244). As a special design element, we incorporated a natural wooden band across the hood which is subtle but adds an element of surprise. Countertops The original countertops in this space were a 12×12 tile with cracks and discolored grout from all the wear and tear. To replace the countertops, we installed a clean and crisp quartz that is not only durable but easy to maintain (no grout here!). The 3cm countertops are a Cambria quartz in a grey-tone color (Carrick). Backsplash Keeping things simple, yet classic, we installed a 3×6 subway tile from Interceramic. The crisp white pairs well with all the other finishes of the space and really brighten the space up! To spice things up, we paired the white tile with a contrasting grout color (Cape Grey) that matches the countertop. This is a simple method to add interest to your white backsplash! Fixtures and Fittings For the fixtures and fittings of the kitchen, we wanted pieces that made a statement. That’s why we selected this industrial style faucet from Brizo! The faucet is a Brizo LITZE™ PULL-DOWN FAUCET WITH ARC SPOUT AND INDUSTRIAL HANDLE (63044LF-BLGL). The matte black paired with the luxe gold elements really make a statement! To match the gold elements of the faucet, we installed cabinetry hardware from Topknobs in the same gold finish. The hardware is a Channing pull TK743HB. Lastly, the large single bowl sink (who doesn’t want a large sink?!) is a great functional touch to the kitchen. The sink is a Blanco Precision 16″ R10 super single with 16″ Drainer in stainless steel (516216).

Glasscock

Clearcut Construction, Inc.

Inspiration for a large transitional u-shaped kitchen in Raleigh with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, grey splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Contemporary Galley Kitchen

Rococo & Taupe, Inc.

Barn wood grey slab door cabinets with grey painted upper doors. Stainless steel appliances, quartz counter tops, and glass backsplash.
This is an example of a small contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen in San Francisco with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, solid surface benchtops, grey splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances and light hardwood floors.

Black Countertops

MultiStone Enterprises, Inc.

Contemporary kitchen in Palmetto Bluff featuring Absolute Black Granite countertops in a leathered finish. Backsplash is done in Arabescato Carrara Italian marble subway tiles.

#Beach Front Gold

Angie Keyes CKBD

Full Renovation of outdated Tuscan Kitchen - Transformed into a beach haven. 2 Islands, one a workstation, one an entertaining space Rutt Cabinetry at its finest -

Elégance et modernité au cœur du 5ème arrondissement de Paris – Projet Panthéon

Mon Concept Habitation

Dans l’entrée - qui donne accès à la cuisine ouverte astucieusement agencée en U, au coin parents et à la pièce de vie - notre attention est instantanément portée sur la jolie teinte « Brun Murcie » des menuiseries, sublimée par l’iconique lampe Flowerpot de And Tradition.

Catharpin Project

instockcabinets.com

Inspiration for a mid-sized u-shaped eat-in kitchen in DC Metro with an integrated sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, white splashback, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, laminate floors, with island, brown floor and grey benchtop.

Kitchen - Carmel, IN - 2021

The HomeWright, LLC

Inspiration for a traditional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Indianapolis with glass tile splashback and with island.

Blueberry Kitchen with White Appliance Accents

KraftMaster Renovations

Blueberry english kitchen with white kitchen appliances, slate floor tile and zellige tile backsplash.
Photo of a small u-shaped separate kitchen in New York with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, granite benchtops, white splashback, white appliances, slate floors, no island, grey floor and black benchtop.

Blaser Project

Willow Kitchen & Bath

Small transitional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in St Louis with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and white benchtop.

Taheri Kitchen Design

USA Cabinet Store Fairfax

Inspiration for a large transitional u-shaped open plan kitchen in DC Metro with a single-bowl sink, beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, panelled appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop and recessed.

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.

Cunningham Kitchen Remodel

Rupp Family Builders, Inc.

This space was updated with custom white shaker cabinets an a stunning navy blue island. The client wanted to display some items in the upper cabinets so glass was added. Stainless appliances.

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.

Sagamore

Asher Homes Inc.

Large open kitchen with high ceilings, wood beams, and a large island.
This is an example of a country u-shaped open plan kitchen in Other with medium wood cabinets, wood benchtops, stainless steel appliances, concrete floors, with island, grey floor, flat-panel cabinets and brown benchtop.

SW Cape Coral Kitchen Remodel

O'Neil Industries Inc.

Transitional u-shaped kitchen in Miami with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, grey splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, a peninsula, brown floor and white benchtop.

Studio Cannes

Trame

Rénovation d'un studio à Cannes
This is an example of a small contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Nice with white cabinets, wood benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, cement tiles, a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, stainless steel appliances, a peninsula, multi-coloured floor and brown benchtop.

Bradbury Court Kitchen

Integrity Design Studio, LLC

Jaclyn Borowski
Photo of a mid-sized transitional u-shaped kitchen in Los Angeles with a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, a peninsula and multi-coloured benchtop.

Arlington Bungalow

Alison Giese Interiors

The small kitchen in this bungalow home was updated with fresh paint on existing cabinets, new quartz countertops, backsplash, hardware and lighting.

When Three Become One

Square Footage Inc.

Photos by Valerie Wilcox
This is an example of an expansive transitional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Toronto with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz benchtops, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and blue benchtop.

Blue U-shaped Kitchen 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!