Photos by Lepere Studio
Large contemporary kitchen in Santa Barbara with soapstone benchtops, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, beige splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors and with island.

Contemporary, clean, warm kitchen

Kristin Lam Interiors

Clean, contemporary white oak slab cabinets with a white Chroma Crystal White countertop. Cabinets are set off with sleek stainless steel handles. The appliances are also stainless steel. The diswasher is Bosch, the refridgerator is a Kenmore professional built-in, stainless steel. The hood is stainless and glass from Futuro, Venice model. The double oven is stainless steel from LG. The stainless wine cooler is Uline. the stainless steel built-in microwave is form GE. The irridescent glass back splash that sets off the floating bar cabinet and surrounds window is Vihara Irridescent 1 x 4 glass in Puka. Perfect for entertaining. The floors are Italian ceramic planks that look like hardwood in a driftwood color. Simply gorgeous. Lighting is recessed and kept to a minimum to maintain the crisp clean look the client was striving for. I added a pop of orange and turquoise (not seen in the photos) for pillows on a bench as well as on the accessories. Cabinet fabricator, Mark Klindt ~ www.creativewoodworks.info

Coastal Modern

Hugo Landa Photography

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary galley kitchen in Orange County with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, white splashback, glass tile splashback, black appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and brown benchtop.

Foothills Fantastic

Chimera Interior Design

A chef's dream and perfect for entertaining, this kitchen features an oversized island with prep sink. The room is both inviting and functional. Finishes are classic and will stand the test of time.

Cordillera Ranch Residence

WoodCo

Cordillera Ranch Residence Builder: Todd Glowka Designer: Jessica Claiborne, Claiborne & Co too Photo Credits: Lauren Keller Materials Used: Macchiato Plank, Vaal 3D Wallboard, Ipe Decking European Oak Engineered Wood Flooring, Engineered Red Oak 3D wall paneling, Ipe Decking on exterior walls. This beautiful home, located in Boerne, Tx, utilizes our Macchiato Plank for the flooring, Vaal 3D Wallboard on the chimneys, and Ipe Decking for the exterior walls. The modern luxurious feel of our products are a match made in heaven for this upscale residence.

Mazama House

FINNE Architects

Benjamin Benschneider
Design ideas for a large contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Seattle with an undermount sink, medium wood cabinets, glass benchtops, glass tile splashback, panelled appliances, concrete floors and with island.

Marlboro Ridge Estates Staging

Adorn Interiors LLC

Sunroom, kitchen and eat-in dining area staging project for property sale. Previously designed, painted, and decorated this beautiful home.
Photo of a large contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen in DC Metro with an undermount sink, glass-front cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite benchtops, blue splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

The House That Patience Built

McCabe By Design LLC

This open plan kitchen provides ample space for family members and guests to participate in meal preparation and celebrations. The dishwasher, warming drawer and refrigerator are some what incognito with their matching cabinet panel exteriors. The kitchen appliances collection is rounded out with a speed cook oven, convection wall oven, induction cooktop, downdraft ventilation and a under counter wine and beverage fridge. Contrasting cabinet and countertop finishes and the non-traditional glass tile backsplash add to the soothing, textural finishes in this kitchen.

Balmer Circle Kitchen Project

Neil Kelly Company

This home was worn out from family life and lacked the natural lighting the homeowners had desired for years. Removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room let the light pour in, and transformed the kitchen into an entertaining delight with seating/dining spaces at both ends. The breeze colored island stone backsplash tile (Pental Surfaces) is low maintenance and long-wearing, and pairs perfectly against the stained cherry contemporary cabinetry (Decor Cabinets). Quartz countertops were installed on the surround (Caesarstone) and island (a charcoal color with a suede finish was selected for the island to cut down on glare - Siletsone by Cosentino). Chilewich woven fabric applied to the back of the island adds durability and interest to a high-traffic area. The elevated, locally sourced Madrone bar (Sustainable NW Woods) at the end of the island—under a stunning "ribbon" pendant (Elan Lighting)—is a perfect spot to sip Sauvignon.

House on Lyford Road

DUST Architecture

Large contemporary galley kitchen in London with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, solid surface benchtops, beige splashback, glass tile splashback, panelled appliances, dark hardwood floors, brown floor, white benchtop, beige cabinets and no island.

Upper East Side Condo

Grandeur Hills Group,Inc.

The kitchen is literally bathed in beautiful beige light that evokes a feeling of warmth, comfort and peace. All pieces of furniture are decorated in one color, which perfectly matches the color of the walls, ceiling and floor. On the walls, you can see several abstract paintings by contemporary artists that act as impressive decorative elements and look great against the pink background of the interior. Try improving your own kitchen as well. The Grandeur Hills Group design studio is pleased to help you make your kitchen one of the jewels of New York!

Timeless Transitional

JRP Design & Remodel

For three years this Westlake Village couple lived in a house that didn't quite fit their needs. With frequent houseguests staying for weeks at a time, the family needed more space, particularly in the cramped kitchen. So began their search for a new home. Though the couple viewed several residences, they realized nothing compared to the space and location of the house they already owned. The family knew JRP by reputation from friends who were JRP clients. After consulting with our team, the couple agreed a whole-home renovation was the way to the dream home they had been searching for. Inspired by top architectural magazines, the couple had a clear vision of how their home should look and feel: a clean, open, modern space with a mix of details that played to the family's lively spirit. The highlight of this new, open floorplan home is the gorgeous kitchen perfect for hosting. The unified palette is soft and beautiful. Clean, bright surfaces underpin strong visual elements such as polished quartz countertops, brushed oak floors, and glass tiles set in a herringbone pattern. A center-island breakfast bar now sits opposite a giant picture window and a show-stopping view of the Santa Monica mountains. Upstairs, the redesigned master bath is what dreams are made of. The double vanity and freestanding tub were rearranged to maximize space while the wood tile floors and stunning rock backsplash add an elemental feel. Now completely transformed, every detail of this transitional home creates the perfect atmosphere for relaxing and entertaining. Cabinets (Manufacturer, Door Style, Material, Color/Stain or Finish) - Dewils, Shaker Frameless, Maple, Just White - Dewils, Shaker Frameless, Maple, Fashion Grey - Dewils, Shaker Frameless, Maple, North Sea Countertops (Material Type - Manufacturer, Collection, Color) - Quartz – Vadara, Toledo, Calacatta Dorado Light Fixture (Type - Manufacturer, Collection, Color) - Dining Chandelier – Existing - Breakfast Area Pendant – 1213 Madison Collection, Polished Nickel/Royal Cut Crystal - Dining Wall Mount Sconce – Heart Sconce, Aged Iron with Natural Percale - Kitchen Island Pendant – Darlana, Polished Chrome - Master Bath Ceiling – Bling Flushmount - Master Bath Vanity – Robert Abbey Fine Lighting Double Shade Bath, Polished Nickel over Steel - Exterior – Primo Lanterns, The Yorkshire Electric Lantern, Custom Graphite Finish Plumbing Fixture (Type - Manufacturer, Color) - Freestanding Tub – Existing - Tubfiller – Existing - Master Bath Faucets – Existing - Kitchen Faucets – Hansgrohe, Chrome Sink (Type – Manufacturer, Material) - Undermount Single Bowl Kitchen– Kohler, Stainless Steel - Undermount Single Prep – Elkay, Stainless Steel - Undermount Bar Sink – Kohler, Stainless Steel - Ladena Undermount Lavatory – Kohler, Ceramic Hardware (Type – Manufacturer, Color) - Deadbolt – Emtek, Satin Nickel - Dummy - Emtek, Satin Nickel - Passage & Privacy - Emtek, Stainless Steel Color of wall: - Kitchen, Breakfast Area, Family Room – Dunn Edwards Edgecomb Grey - Master Bath – Dunn Edwards Foggy Day - Living and Dining – Dunn Edwards Winter Morning Tile (Location: Material Type – Manufacturer, Collection/Style, Color) - KITCHEN BACKSPLASH: Glass - Ann Sacks, Jute, Ecru/Gloss - MASTER BATH FLOORS, TUB ACCENT WALL, & HALL BATH FLOORS: Porcelain – Bedrosians, Tahoe, Frost/Glazed - ACCENT WALL BEHIND TUB: Mosaic – Daltile, Flat River Pebble, Creamy Sand - FIREPLACE FLOOR: Porcelain Tile - Agora Surfaces, Almeria, Lava/Matte Stone/Masonry (Location: Material Type – Manufacturer, Collection/Style, Color) - FIREPLACE: Stone Veneer – Eldorado, European Ledge, Zinc/Dry Stacked Wood Floor (Type – Manufacturer, Collection/Style, Color/Wash) - Siberian Oak – Provenza, Heirloom, Light Wire Brushed Windows/Exterior Doors (Type - Manufacturer) - 2 Wide Casement – Jeld-Wen - 3 Wide Casement – Jeld-Wen - Awning – Jeld-Wen - Single Casement – Jeld-Wen - Stationary – Jeld-Wen Photographer: Andrew Abouna

28th St. Kitchen Remodel

Ella Scott Design, llc

Contemporary eat-in kitchen in DC Metro with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, limestone floors, with island, grey floor and white benchtop.

White Oak - Beach - Kirchoffer

Logs End, Inc.

Reclaimed White Oak Flooring - Pre-Oiled "Beach" Finish Justin Van Leeuwen
Photo of a contemporary kitchen in Ottawa with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, grey splashback, glass tile splashback, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and grey benchtop.

Mariposa Ave

UV Designs

Deb Cochrane Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Denver with a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, blue splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and grey benchtop.

Contemporary Gourmet Kitchen - Bluffton, SC

User

Dark maple cabinets. Wood-like tile floors. Three islands. Exotic granite. Stainless steel appliances. Custom stainless steel hood. Glass contemporary light fixtures. Tray ceiling.

Dark and Dated Becomes Dramatic

Interiology Design Co.

We love the contemporary aesthetic inside this New England colonial home. White semi-gloss cabinetry is balanced with natural rift cut white oak. Large full-view windows frame the artistic sculptural hood. This sleek kitchen features a Miele induction cooktop, a white gloss Miele wall oven & speed oven, and 48” Sub-Zero refrigerator freezer. Seating for 4 at island adds a pop of color and plenty of room for family.

Storage and more in Wilton

Hinman Construction

Design ideas for a large contemporary galley eat-in kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, granite benchtops, white splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors and with island.

Queens Road House

Geoffrey Holton and Associates - GHA

© Photography by M. Kibbey
Mid-sized contemporary l-shaped open plan kitchen in San Francisco with flat-panel cabinets, green cabinets, green splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, wood benchtops, glass tile splashback, with island and brown floor.

Lower Shaughnessy Condo Renovation

Westwood Heritage

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary galley separate kitchen in Vancouver with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, solid surface benchtops, grey splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, ceramic floors, no island and white floor.

Contemporary Kitchen with Glass 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!