CURVES & TEXTURE - Custom designed & manufactured cabinetry in 'matte black' polyurethane - Large custom curved cabinetry - Feature vertical slates around the island - Curved timber grain floating shelf with recessed LED strip lighting - Large bifold appliance cabinet with timber grain internals - 20mm thick Caesarstone 'Jet Black' benchtop - Feature textured matte black splashback tile - Lo & Co matte black hardware - Blum hardware Sheree Bounassif, Kitchens by Emanuel

Bonaventure

Lindon Homes Pty Ltd

Modern Galley Kitchen.
Photo of a large contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Brisbane with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, glass sheet splashback, black appliances, porcelain floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Brackenfield Court

BJF Joinery

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary kitchen in Gold Coast - Tweed.

Hill House

Scale Constructions

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary kitchen in Melbourne.

Contemporary Kitchen

Large contemporary l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Sydney with a drop-in sink, dark wood cabinets, limestone benchtops, with island and grey floor.

Killara Project

Design Artistry

This is an example of a large contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Sydney with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Warriewood Kitchen + Laundry

Northern Beaches Kitchens and Bathrooms

Small contemporary l-shaped open plan kitchen in Sydney with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop and beige splashback.

Elegant Queenslander | Clayfield

Designtank

Mid-sized contemporary l-shaped kitchen in Brisbane with an undermount sink, white cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors, a peninsula, brown floor, flat-panel cabinets and white benchtop.

Camera Street House

Collins Pennington Architects

Respecting the street’s heritage, the charming gabled façade was retained. But beneath, behind and above, the four-bedroom residence is confidently contemporary. Chiselled out of sandstone, the subterranean strata has a garage, cellar, rumpus and laundry. While the mid-level hosts the bay-windowed master suite and expansive living areas oriented north toward a Jamie Durie-designed rear courtyard.

Blue Kitchen with Terrazzo Benchtops

Improva

A kitchen that combines sleek modern design with natural warmth. This beautifully crafted space features a curved island as its centrepiece, creating a dynamic flow that enhances both functionality and aesthetics. The island is clad with elegant terrazzo stone adding a touch of contemporary charm. The combination of the Dulux Albeit-coloured joinery and the Milano oak wall cabinets creates a captivating interplay of colours and textures, elevating the visual impact of the kitchen.

Contemporary Kitchen, New Lambton Heights

Vista Kitchens Newcastle

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Newcastle - Maitland with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, with island and white benchtop.

1970's Home renovation

Turner Bespoke Design

White rangehood cover with black shelves and a stone look porcelain slab to the splashback for a minimal look.
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Perth with a drop-in sink, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, porcelain splashback, black appliances, beige floor and white benchtop.

Brooklyn Project

Anoushka Allum Design

Inspiration for a large contemporary kitchen in Sydney with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, green cabinets, quartz benchtops, engineered quartz splashback, black appliances, medium hardwood floors and with island.

Kitchen

Drift Interiors

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary single-wall open plan kitchen in Wollongong with an undermount sink, grey cabinets, solid surface benchtops, grey splashback, porcelain splashback, black appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and white benchtop.

Teneriffe Kitchen & Living Area Project

New Leaf Design Studios

A bold and contemporary kitchen with extension of cabinetry into the living area creates a seemless look for this high end inner city apartment.
This is an example of a large contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Brisbane with an undermount sink, black cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, engineered quartz splashback, black appliances, ceramic floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Preston townhouse

Jasmine McClelland Design

This well planned and designed industrial-style contemporary kitchen features Caesarstone benchtops, mosaic tile splashback, polished concrete flooring and black laminate which looks striking under the bank of skylights letting in the natural light.

Dual Occupancy: Brighton East townhouses

First Avenue Homes

Mid-sized contemporary galley eat-in kitchen in Melbourne with dark wood cabinets, marble benchtops, grey splashback, marble splashback, black appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and grey benchtop.

Camberwell townhouses

R ARCHITECTURE

Inspiration for a large contemporary single-wall kitchen in Melbourne with with island.

Contemporary Australian Cabin Kitchen

Element Design Studio

A modern Australian design with finishes that change over time. Connecting the bushland to the home with colour and texture.
This is an example of a large contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Perth with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, concrete benchtops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, black appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor, grey benchtop and vaulted.

Naremburn

Sartorial Interiors

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.

Contemporary 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 Contemporary 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!