Design ideas for a contemporary kitchen in Seattle with recycled glass benchtops, an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets and stainless steel appliances.

arington kitchen

place architecture:design

Opening the wall between the existing living room and kitchen allows for an easy flow into the new kitchen addition. The sun-filled breakfast area offers an open view to the client's gardens and reconfigured terrace. The tall ceiling, that slopes upward, and the high windows create an abundance of day-light. A new electrical outlet is placed in the kitchen floor, for phase two, if the client should decide to install a permanent island, in the future. In the meanwhile, a temporary island, with storage shelves under the countertop, was purchased. Another cost-saver is open-shelving instead of upper cabinets.

High Ceiling Kitchen

Kitchen Mart

Viking appliances, Cambria tops, laminate Summer Flame Kitchen Mart cabinets, Glass tile, LED under cabinet lighting, LED pendant lighting, Island with wine fridge.

Schuler Cabinetry: Sugar Creek Maple Harbor Mist Sheer

User

After: 1940's Kitchen Remodel utilized Schuler Cabinetry (exclusively at Lowe's), Curava Recycled Glass Countertops, 12" x 24" Porcelain Floor Tile (Leona Silver Glazed), Whirlpool Stainless Steel Appliances.

305 East 40th Street

Manhattan Cabinets Inc

Beautiful Kitchen using custom built cabinetry.White painted wooden cabinetry with traditional glass doors.
Photo of a traditional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in New York with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, recycled glass benchtops, white splashback, cement tile splashback and stainless steel appliances.

Modern Kitchen

Lowe's

Kraftmaid Cabinetry, Malibu door, dove white cabinets, glass mosaic backsplash, eco white diamond counertops, Avaiable at Lowe's
Design ideas for a mid-sized modern l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Kansas City with with island, glass-front cabinets, white cabinets, recycled glass benchtops, metallic splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, an undermount sink and medium hardwood floors.

Peggotty Place

User

Small beach style l-shaped eat-in kitchen in San Francisco with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, recycled glass benchtops, blue splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors and with island.

Curava Savaii

Galaxy Stone Works, Inc.

Photo of a modern u-shaped open plan kitchen in Portland with an undermount sink, recycled glass benchtops, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula.

Portland, Pearl district condo (2014)

Classic Structures Inc.

This is a Portland, Oregon, Pearl district 3 level condo unit. Unique project features: - Open and adjustable kitchen shelving. - Bamboo cabinets (owner constructed and we installed). - Master bathroom shower valve is mounted to a glass wall. - Guest bathroom plumbing fixtures (see photos). - Teak wood shower pan (owner built). - Barn doors on the first and third floor bathrooms (no photos). - Recycled glass counter tops (kitchen island and guest bath).

Jed & Renee's Kitchen - Overview

Matter Design & Make Pty Ltd

Jed and Renee had been living in their first home together for a little over one year until the arrival of their first born child. They had been putting up with their 1990’s era kitchen but quickly realised it wasn’t up to scratch with the new demands for space and functionality that a child brings. Jed and Renee’s old kitchen was dark and imposing, lacked bench space and wasted space with inaccessible cupboards on all walls. After experimenting with a few layouts in our CAD program, our solution was to dedicate one wall for tall and deep storage, then on the adjacent and opposite walls create a long wrap-around bench with base level storage below. The bench intersects a dividing wall with an archway into the dining room, nabbing more precious surface space while ensuring the dining walkway is not hindered by rounding off the end corner. Smart storage such as a Kessebohmer pull-out pantry unit, blind corner baskets and a slide-out appliance shelf accessed by a lift-up door make the most of every nook of this kitchen. Top cupboards housing the rangehood also intersect the kitchen’s dividing wall and continue as open display shelving in the dining room for extra storage and visual balance. Simple black ‘D’ handles are a stylish, functional and affordable hardware choice, as is the grey Bettastone benchtop made from recycled glass. Jed and Renee loved the colour and grain of Blackbutt timber but realised that too much timber could be overbearing as it was in their old kitchen. Our solution was to create a mix of hand-painted light green doors to break up and provide contrast against the Blackbutt veneer panels. The result is a light and airy kitchen that opens up the room and invites you inward.

Rooftop Condo

Deep River Partners

Photo: Mark Heffron
Inspiration for a contemporary galley eat-in kitchen in Milwaukee with an undermount sink, white cabinets, recycled glass benchtops, black splashback, metal splashback and stainless steel appliances.

South Yarmouth Kitchen Remodel

John J. Sambogna, LLC

Kitchen remodel - Homecrest cabinetry in Alpine White, Curava Arctic counter top, Kohler Whitehaven sink, Paramount Empire 9x18 floor tile, Paramount Empire 1x2 mosaic backsplash, LED Recessed lighting, under cabinet outlets and under cabinet lighting.

Ken #3 Kitchen Island

GlassEco Surfaces by Fisher Recycling

Manufacturer of custom recycled glass counter tops and landscape glass aggregate. The countertops are individually handcrafted and customized, using 100% recycled glass and diverting tons of glass from our landfills. The epoxy used is Low VOC (volatile organic compounds) and emits no off gassing. The newest product base is a high density, UV protected concrete. We now have indoor and outdoor options. As with the resin, the concrete offer the same creative aspects through glass choices. Design "Ken #3" kitchen with recycled glass

Cardiff Family Kitchen

LJS Design Inc

Design ideas for a mid-sized tropical u-shaped eat-in kitchen in San Diego with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, recycled glass benchtops, green splashback, stainless steel appliances, limestone floors and with island.

Transitional Kitchen Renovation

Southwest Kitchen & Bath

Designer: Laura Wallace Photographer: Donna Sanchez
Photo of a large transitional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Phoenix with a single-bowl sink, raised-panel cabinets, brown cabinets, recycled glass benchtops, beige splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances and terra-cotta floors.

Minimalist Traditional Kitchen

E_ Designs

These environmentally conscious homeowners have always hoped for a light and bright kitchen. Having tried new paint and DIY fixes, they knew the next step was a full kitchen remodel. The new kitchen was designed to incorporate more storage, additional countertop space, and a focus on bringing light within the room. White cabinets, custom handmade recycled glass countertops by Dakota Surfaces, and white backsplash surround the room. Bringing in natural light, two additional windows were added with a view of the back yard and two new solatubes were installed for additional natural light. LED solatube light kits were included, LED undercabinet lighting and an LED entry light complete the light package. To tie in the existing home, the existing hardwoods were refinished and stained to match the front of the home along with new millwork and trim in coordinating styles. The whole space provides not only a functional space but a wonderful feeling of sunshine when you walk into the room.

Donnelly Kitchen

Brynne Hempel, Allied ASID

American Woodmark Cabinetry: Townsend Maple doorstyle in Maple Spice ECO by Cosentino countertop in Riverbed LG Stainless appliances
This is an example of a small transitional galley kitchen in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, recycled glass benchtops and stainless steel appliances.

Great Neck Brick Colonial Kitchen renovation

Packard Cabinetry of Sea Cliff

an update was in order but client wanted did not want to eliminate the compartmentalization of their classic colonial with a formal dining room. We were able to open up the immediate space by relocating hvac ducts and create a coffebar/bar section seperate from food prep and clean up space. the length of the kitchen allows for the tall cabinetry flowing into lengths of countertops toward the eating area under cathedral ceiling. Tall wall allowed for display of her favorite deco art work.

Medfield Kitchen

Claire Queeney Hsu

A kitchen update for an avid cook, this kitchen includes 2 under counter convection ovens, a dedicated baking center, a large farmer's sink and plenty of counter space for cooking preparation for one or more cooks. The large island easily seats four for daily casual meals but also allows this young family plenty of space for arts and crafts activities or buffet serving when entertaining. The baking center counter is set at 30" high to roll out dough easily. Open shelving was included to display the homeowner's many cookbooks and decorations. Photography by Shelly Harrison

Seattle Green Custom Home

H2D Architecture + Design

Light and airy dining room and kitchen open to the outdoor space beyond. A large sliding Nanawall and window system give the homeowner the capability to open the entire wall to enjoy the connection to the outdoors. The kitchen features recycled, locally sourced glass content countertops and contemporary maple cabinetry. Green design - new custom home in Seattle by H2D Architecture + Design. Built by Thomas Jacobson Construction. Photos by Sean Balko, Filmworks Studio

Brown Kitchen with Recycled Glass Benchtops 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!