Photo of a mid-sized contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen in San Francisco with an integrated sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, beige splashback, engineered quartz splashback, panelled appliances, cork floors, with island, brown floor and black benchtop.

Concrete & Wood Veneer Leicht Kitchen in West London

Vogue Kitchens

Miele ovens and bar area. This modern kitchen situated in Acton has used Concrete Brasilia and Topos Walnut Leicht furniture, in combination with stunning Neolith Estatuario worktops, complimented with Antique Grey Mirror used in the bar area.

Pine Avenue, Elwood

Key Piece

Inspiration for a large contemporary l-shaped open plan kitchen in Melbourne with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, porcelain splashback, white appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and white benchtop.

Wanneroo Project

Western Cabinets

Custom designed and lacquered slatted curved ends to the overheads add texture and interest to the chalky matte cabinetry The use of existing timber that had been used in other areas of the home, not wanting to waste the beautiful pieces, I incorporated these into the design The kitchen needed a modern transformation, selection of chalky black slabbed doors are carefully considered whilst detailed curved slatted ends bounce natural light, concrete grey matte benches, reflective glass custom coloured back splash and solid timber details creates a beautifully modern industrial elegant interior.

Hindley & Co - Kitchen

Hindley & Co Architecture & Interior Design

Blue-green and white kitchen with timber details. recessed pull handles and kickers in contrasting colours.
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary u-shaped open plan kitchen in Melbourne with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, solid surface benchtops, grey splashback, ceramic splashback, black appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Contemporary Kitchen

Design ideas for a contemporary kitchen in London with open cabinets and yellow cabinets.

Californian Bungalow II

Sally Feeney Interior Design Pty Ltd

A full kitchen renovation including addition of skylights transformed a previously darker and tricky workspace into a light and bright entertainers kitchen.

Californian Bungalow II

Sally Feeney Interior Design Pty Ltd

A full kitchen renovation including addition of skylights transformed a previously darker and tricky workspace into a light and bright entertainers kitchen.

Contemporary Apartment Renovation

Revamper Interior Design

The Kitchen forms the center piece of this contemporary apartment renovation in Manly Vale. Green is a colour that is really on trend in Interior Design at the moment. Green evokes emotions of calm and relaxation which helps create a welcoming and serene home environment. Coupled with the layered textural elements in the form of the Zellige style tiles, custom door profiles and ribbed timber paneling this kitchen is bold yet refined and interesting from every angle.

Concrete & Wood Veneer Leicht Kitchen in West London

Vogue Kitchens

Miele wine fridge. This modern kitchen situated in Acton has used Concrete Brasilia and Topos Walnut Leicht furniture, in combination with stunning Neolith Estatuario worktops, complimented with Antique Grey Mirror used in the bar area.

rue Jouffroy d'Abbans

Roberta Becherucci - Cuisines et Décoration

Meero
Contemporary kitchen in Paris.

Concrete & Wood Veneer Leicht Kitchen in West London

Vogue Kitchens

This modern kitchen situated in Acton has used Concrete Brasilia and Topos Walnut Leicht furniture, in combination with stunning Neolith Estatuario worktops, complimented with Antique Grey Mirror used in the bar area.

Contemporary Apartment Renovation

Revamper Interior Design

Hood House

Mihaly Slocombe

Hood House is a playful protector that respects the heritage character of Carlton North whilst celebrating purposeful change. It is a luxurious yet compact and hyper-functional home defined by an exploration of contrast: it is ornamental and restrained, subdued and lively, stately and casual, compartmental and open. For us, it is also a project with an unusual history. This dual-natured renovation evolved through the ownership of two separate clients. Originally intended to accommodate the needs of a young family of four, we shifted gears at the eleventh hour and adapted a thoroughly resolved design solution to the needs of only two. From a young, nuclear family to a blended adult one, our design solution was put to a test of flexibility. The result is a subtle renovation almost invisible from the street yet dramatic in its expressive qualities. An oblique view from the northwest reveals the playful zigzag of the new roof, the rippling metal hood. This is a form-making exercise that connects old to new as well as establishing spatial drama in what might otherwise have been utilitarian rooms upstairs. A simple palette of Australian hardwood timbers and white surfaces are complimented by tactile splashes of brass and rich moments of colour that reveal themselves from behind closed doors. Our internal joke is that Hood House is like Lazarus, risen from the ashes. We’re grateful that almost six years of hard work have culminated in this beautiful, protective and playful house, and so pleased that Glenda and Alistair get to call it home.

Small Space, Big Ideas | Susan & Paul

INNOVATIVE KITCHENS

Induction cooktop and intergrated ranghood
Design ideas for a small contemporary galley eat-in kitchen in Adelaide with an undermount sink, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and grey benchtop.

Small Space, Big Ideas | Susan & Paul

INNOVATIVE KITCHENS

Floating American Oak shelving & Led strip lights under overheads
Inspiration for a small contemporary galley eat-in kitchen in Adelaide with an undermount sink, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and grey benchtop.

Concrete & Wood Veneer Leicht Kitchen in West London

Vogue Kitchens

Miele ovens. This modern kitchen situated in Acton has used Concrete Brasilia and Topos Walnut Leicht furniture, in combination with stunning Neolith Estatuario worktops, complimented with Antique Grey Mirror used in the bar area.

Nature-Inspired Contemporary Kitchen and Laundry

Transform-A-Space

A light, bright, fresh space with material choices inspired by nature in this beautiful Adelaide Hills home.
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary galley kitchen pantry in Adelaide with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, green cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, a peninsula and white benchtop.

Pull Out Pantry 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!