Photo of a large contemporary kitchen in Sydney with a double-bowl sink, green cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, engineered quartz splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Midcentury Home Addition and renovation

Donald Lococo Architects

The kitchen was designed two years ago and was then erased and redesigned when the world became a different place a year later. As everyone attempted to flatten the curve, our goal in this regard was to create a kitchen that looked forward to a sharp curve down and of a happier time To that promise for happier times, the redesign, a goal was to make the kitchen brighter and more optimistic. This was done by using simple, primary shapes and circular pendants and emphasizing them in contrast, adding a playful countenance. The selection of a dynamic grain of figured walnut also contributes as this once-living material and its sinuous grain adds motion, rhythm, and scale. Proud of their 1970s home, one challenge of the design was to balance a 1970's feel and stay current. However, many ‘70s references looked and felt outdated. The first step was a changed mindset. Just like the return of the ‘40s bath and the retro movement a few years ago, every era returns in some way. Chronologically, the '70s will soon be here. Our design looked to era-specific furniture and materials of the decade. Figured walnut was so pervasive in the era: this motif was used on car exteriors such as the 1970 Town and Country Station Wagon, which debuted the same year the existing home was built. We also looked at furniture specific to the decade. The console stereo is referenced not only by high legs on the island but also by the knurled metal cabinet knobs reminiscent of often-used stereo dials. Knurled metalwork is also used on the kitchen faucet. The design references the second piece of '70s furniture in our modern TV tray, which is angled to face the television in the family room. Its round pencil and mug holder cutouts follow the design of walnut consoles and dashboard of the station wagon and other elements of the time.

Contemporary Farmhouse

Tindall Architecture Workshop

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped kitchen in Other with an integrated sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, engineered quartz splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Halsey Lane Kitchen

B&P Contracting

- MDF Kitchen Cabinets, wrapped in White Thermofoil with a Shaker Door Style - Ivory coloured Porcelain Tiled Floors with a Stone-like pattern - Polished Chrome Finishes

Symphony on the Hill

Vela Interior Design

Modern kitchen with rift-cut white oak cabinetry and a natural stone island.
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary kitchen in Minneapolis with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartzite benchtops, beige splashback, engineered quartz splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and beige benchtop.

NICOLLET

Kate Roos Design LLC

A view of the sliding pantry door that is integrated into the cabinetry.
Inspiration for a large transitional single-wall open plan kitchen in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, engineered quartz splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, multiple islands, brown floor and white benchtop.

Glenroy Project

Riki S. Design

Stunning kitchen as part of a new construction project. This kitchen features two tone kitchen cabinets, a pantry wall, 10 ft island and a coffee station.

Wayzata Mid-Century Modern Whole Home Restoration

Thompson Construction

Mid-Century Modern Restoration
Mid-sized midcentury eat-in kitchen in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, brown cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, engineered quartz splashback, panelled appliances, terrazzo floors, with island, white floor, white benchtop and exposed beam.

Oakland Kitchen Remodel

BuildMark, Inc.

Design ideas for a large scandinavian u-shaped eat-in kitchen in San Francisco with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, engineered quartz splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Restauro Complesso ViaNuova

Arch. Alessandra Cipriani

Cucina a vista con isola e illuminazione led
This is an example of a large country galley open plan kitchen in Florence with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, green cabinets, quartzite benchtops, brown splashback, engineered quartz splashback, stainless steel appliances, terra-cotta floors, with island, orange floor, brown benchtop and exposed beam.

LOFT CONTEMPORANEO & INDUSTRIAL

Luis Sanandres Interiorismo

VISTA DE LA COCINA, DE ESTILO CONTEMPORANEO/INDUSTRIAL, ACABADO NEGRO MATE Y ROBLE CON UNA BARRA DE DESAYUNO EN MADERA DE ROBLE A MEDIDA. EN ESTA VISTA DESTACA EL ENMARCADO DEL SUELO DEL FRENTE DE LA COCINA, EN HIDRAULICO TIPICO CATALAN

Transitional Kitchens

Benvenuti and Stein

Transitional yet classic, this elegant white kitchen has accents of deep blue at the base of the island, the bar cabinetry and the paneled wine refrigerator. Stainless steel bands on the range hood complement the lantern pendants above the island. A spacious walk-in pantry with touch latch door and glass upper panels frames the kitchen with a touch of elegance.

Kitchen

Lenton Company, Inc.

Dramatic, open and beautiful kitchen.
This is an example of a large transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, engineered quartz splashback, stainless steel appliances, ceramic floors, with island, white benchtop and grey floor.

Kitchen

Arch Studio, Inc.

California Ranch Farmhouse Style Design 2020
This is an example of a large country open plan kitchen in San Francisco with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, engineered quartz splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, grey floor and white benchtop.

Hollywoods

Costello Fine Homes

All custom cabinetry and millwork fabricated and fitted by CFH. Mac Davis flooring provided this rustic white oak flooring with their custom Woodbury finish. We love how it compliments our reclaimed chestnut cabinetry and millwork within the home.

Carbonell in Brickell Key

CG1 Design LLC

Design ideas for a small contemporary kitchen in Miami with flat-panel cabinets, brown cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, engineered quartz splashback, marble floors, no island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Kitchen Remodel (Bryant)

Mariano & Co., LLC

We removed the old cabinetry and backsplash and replaced with Cabinetry and countertops. The new cabinets are OakCraft Knotty Alder in a Truffle Stain. The countertops are Brittanica Cambria quartz.

Contemporain Cuisine

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Paris with an integrated sink, light wood cabinets, white splashback, beige floor, beaded inset cabinets, quartzite benchtops, engineered quartz splashback, panelled appliances, ceramic floors, no island and white benchtop.

Modern & Natural White Oak Kitchen with Full Height Back Splash

Chervin Kitchen & Bath Inc.

In this modern cottage kitchen, sophistication meets rustic charm with white oak cabinets and a quartzite full-height backsplash. The natural beauty of the quartzite, with its unique veining and texture, adds a touch of elegance to the space. Paired with the clean lines of the white oak cabinets, the kitchen exudes a timeless appeal. The full-height backsplash not only provides a stunning focal point but also offers practical benefits, protecting the walls and making cleaning a breeze. Together, these elements create a space that is both stylish and functional, blending seamlessly into the cottage aesthetic while adding a touch of contemporary luxury.

Kitchen Remodel - Ann Arbor, MI

User

Photo of a large transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Detroit with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, green cabinets, white splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island, brown floor, white benchtop, recessed, quartz benchtops, engineered quartz splashback and light hardwood floors.

Brown Kitchen with Engineered Quartz 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!