Photo of a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped open plan kitchen in Geelong with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, black appliances, concrete floors, with island, white benchtop, wood and grey floor.

Minimalist White and Timber Contemporary Kitchen

Transform-A-Space

A light and bright minimalist design featuring two-pack painted cabinetry to match the clients freshly painted walls, subway tile stack-style, and feature timber components bring warmth into the space. 20mm Caesarstone 'Ocean Foam' benchtops in a polished finish help to reflect overhead light. A small kitchen packed with functionality.

Mt Macedon

Lume Architecture

Inspiration for a contemporary l-shaped kitchen in Melbourne with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and grey benchtop.

Keon House

Demardi.

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped kitchen pantry in Melbourne with a double-bowl sink, quartz benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, medium hardwood floors, with island, white benchtop and vaulted.

Paddington Terrace

Sonya Vidic Interiors & Styling

Inspiration for a contemporary single-wall kitchen in Sydney with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, grey floor, white benchtop and vaulted.

TWO TONE KITCHEN- SCHROCK ENTRA

Cabinetry Of Pinehurst

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped kitchen in Other with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Lake Austin Contemporary

Paula Ables Interiors

An open floor plan with high ceilings and large windows adds to the contemporary style of this home. The view to the outdoors creates a direct connection to the homes outdoor living spaces and the lake beyond. Photo by Jacob Bodkin. Architecture by James LaRue Architects.

Contemporary Kitchen in Ellie Gray

Crown Point Cabinetry

Sleek and contemporary ‪Crown Point Kitchen‬ finished in Ellie Gray. Photo by Crown Point Cabinetry
Design ideas for a large contemporary l-shaped eat-in kitchen in New York with a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, grey cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors and with island.

Coffee bar

Lisa Robazza Design

The space under the stairs was made useful as a coffee bar and for overflow storage. Ample lighting and a sink make it useful for entertaining as well. Photos: Dave Remple

Kitsilano House

Designs by KS

Project: Kitsilano House Builder: Grenor Homes About this Project When our clients asked us to design their new house in the heart of Kitsilano, they wanted a space that showcased their personalities, travels, and experiences. Naturally, our team was instantly excited and eager to make this house a home. Layout: Prior to the renovation, the family room was adjacent to the kitchen and the formal living room at the other end of the space; in the middle was the dinning area. We looked at the main floor as an entire space and decided to combine the two living spaces into one and move the dining area towards the kitchen. The Kitchen: had always been an L shape with an island; previously there was a kitchen table by the windows. In the space planning period, we decided to eliminate the kitchen table to increase the overall size of the kitchen, giving us a bigger island for casual eating. The perimeter of the kitchen has many great features; a coffee nook, a freezer column, double ovens, a cooktop with drawers below, an appliance garage in the awkward corner, a pantry with ample storage and free-standing fridge. The Island also has many key features; a built-in unit for garbage/recycling/compost, a slide out tray underneath the sink for easy access to cleaning products, a dishwasher, and a bank of four drawer. On the outside of the island is an open shelf for cookbooks and display items. Below the countertop overhang is additional hidden storage for the items not accessed frequently. Dinning Area: we utilized the pre-existing niche by incorporating floating shelves in an asymmetrical design, which became the perfect area for the clients to display the art collected during their travels. Bar Area: The space between the kitchen and powder room became the perfect place to add a bar. Storage, counter space, and 2 bar fridges brought this little entertaining area to life. Fireplace: Using existing fireplace unit we cladded the surround with Dekton material, paneled the wall above with Walnut and a mantel made from Quarkus. These materials repeat them selves through the entire space.

Best of Fall 2017

Charleston Home + Design Mag

Design ideas for a contemporary galley kitchen in Charleston with green splashback, subway tile splashback, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

NYC Kitchen Remodel

Palette Pro Painting & Renovation

Inspiration for a small contemporary kitchen in New York with a farmhouse sink, blue cabinets, white splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, brown floor, white benchtop, flat-panel cabinets, quartzite benchtops, subway tile splashback and no island.

Pantry

The Organized Home

Mid-sized contemporary kitchen pantry in Chicago with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, slate floors, no island and grey floor.

Hawthorne ADU

Lux Construction

Photo of a small contemporary single-wall open plan kitchen in Portland with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, concrete floors, no island, an undermount sink and yellow floor.

CNJ Developments - Private Residence Featuring HARO German Engineered Flooring

Divine Flooring

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Calgary with subway tile splashback, light hardwood floors, an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Lancaster Beachside Home

Cuthbert Interiors

This is an example of a contemporary galley kitchen in Auckland with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, green splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and beige floor.

Logan

KitchenLab Interiors

Inspiration for a contemporary u-shaped kitchen in Chicago with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, white splashback, subway tile splashback, light hardwood floors and with island.

Bespoke Kitchen

Amberth

The kitchen accommodates a full set of Neff appliances, and an Air Uno vented hob. We also installed this Ceasarstone Quartz worktop, and behind, metro style tiles to the splashback in teal, to add a pop of colour against the white cabinetry. We also exposed the original metal beams which became a feature of this apartment.

Wedgewood

MMI Design

This is an example of a large contemporary open plan kitchen in Houston with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, black cabinets, solid surface benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, panelled appliances, travertine floors, multiple islands, beige floor and white benchtop.

Mulberry Court Kitchen Renovation

Asha Maía Design

Transforming key spaces in a home can really change the overall look and feel, especially in main living areas such as a kitchen or primary bathroom! Our goal was to create a bright, fresh, and timeless design in each space. We accomplished this by incorporating white cabinetry and by swapping out the small, seemingly useless island for a large and much more functional peninsula. And to transform the primary bathroom into a serene sanctuary, we incorporated a new open and spacious glass shower enclosure as well as a luxurious free-standing soaking tub, perfect for ultimate relaxation.

Contemporary Kitchen with Subway Tile 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 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!