Photo of a mid-sized contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Other with a single-bowl sink, dark wood cabinets, solid surface benchtops, metallic splashback, mirror splashback, black appliances, porcelain floors, a peninsula, grey floor and grey benchtop.

Almadine

Dolgopiatova Design

Small contemporary l-shaped kitchen in Other with flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, grey splashback, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors, a peninsula, beige floor and grey benchtop.

Minimalist kitchen

ARCO Designs

A sleek modern kitchen using a mix of materials to make it interesting. A butlers pantry hidden to the left behind the cement rendered wall.
This is an example of an expansive contemporary u-shaped kitchen in Sunshine Coast with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island, brown floor, grey benchtop and medium hardwood floors.

Laminated Cabinets

Everingham Design

Mid-sized contemporary single-wall eat-in kitchen in Columbus with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, black appliances, cement tiles, with island, grey floor and grey benchtop.

Lumineuse cuisine îlot grise

Siemens Home France

Inspiration for a contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Paris with grey cabinets, concrete benchtops, grey splashback, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and grey benchtop.

Contemporary Kitchen

Richardson Studio Interiors

Photo of a contemporary kitchen in Other with flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, grey splashback, with island, grey floor and grey benchtop.

Квартира на Свободе

Дизайн-бюро "Arthall"

Design ideas for a small contemporary l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Other with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, laminate benchtops, grey splashback, mosaic tile splashback, white appliances, porcelain floors, white floor and grey benchtop.

Their world

Зуева Анна

Mid-sized contemporary l-shaped kitchen in Moscow with flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, solid surface benchtops, porcelain splashback, porcelain floors, no island, grey benchtop, multi-coloured splashback, multi-coloured floor and a single-bowl sink.

Ultra Contemporary Cabinetry with Hidden Traditional Kitchen Furniture

Chamber Furniture

The flush contemporary central fumed oak outer doors retract fully to reveal traditional shaker kitchen furniture behind. One end features a Gaggenau Wine Cabinet and a Drinks Cabinet and at the other end, doors open into a utility & storage cabinet behind.

1505 Loring Street

Tourmaline Builders, Inc.

Design ideas for a large contemporary u-shaped open plan kitchen in San Diego with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, blue splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, grey benchtop and beige floor.

Tanasi

Kitchen & Bath by Design LLC

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, quartzite benchtops, grey splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, grey benchtop, white cabinets and beige floor.

A Kitchen Reimagined

Design Harmony

Melissa Kaseman Photography Countertop: Luca di Luna Quartzite Chandelier: Restoration Hardware Sconces: Shades of Light Cabinet Hardware: Top Knobs Appliances: Albert Lee Hood: Custom Built with Tiger Wood Wrap Backsplash: Heath Tiles both 3 x 5 and Hexagon Refrigerator: Liebherr Dishwasher: Miele Range: Bluestar Hood Insert: Zephyr Faucets and Pot Filler: Waterstone Sinks: Kohler White Cabinet Color: SW7005 Pure White Island Cabinet Color: SW6516 Down Pour Wall Paint: SW7666 Fleur de Sel

Appartamento A.M.

Studio Cravero Bonetto

Cucina a vista minimale.
Photo of a contemporary l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Turin with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, grey splashback, stone slab splashback, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors, no island, beige floor and grey benchtop.

Kitchens

Brento Tile

Crazy about hexagons. This is a perfect blend of a classic yet contemporary kitchen.
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped separate kitchen in Toronto with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white splashback, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, porcelain splashback, black appliances, porcelain floors, with island, multi-coloured floor and grey benchtop.

Cream Kitchen with Green Island with Butcher Block Countertop

Cabinet-S-Top

This was a major remodel where the kitchen was completely gutted, flooring and soffits were removed and all the electrical in the kitchen had to be reworked and brought up to code. We used Waypoint Living Spaces for the perimeter cabinets and used a riser and crown molding to connect the cabinets to the ceiling. We chose Medallion Cabinetry for the island because the customer had her heart set on a green painted island. The hardware we used is from the Mulholland collection by Amerock. The customers have large family gathers and it was very important for them to have an island that was moveable. We used casters from Richelieu to create and island that could move easily, as well as having brakes to keep the island in place when they wanted. Giallo Traversella granite was used on the perimeter countertops to tie together the greens and beige tones of the cabinetry and we used John Boos, walnut butcher block countertop for the island to compliment wood tones from the existing millwork in the home. The customer provided me with an inspiration picture for a backsplash, she knew she wanted a glass patterned backsplash. Ceramic Tiles International had released their Debut Petal mosaic tile and the customer loved it. Prior to the remodel, the kitchen was very dark and very crowded, it did not function in a way that worked for my customer. We added under cabinet LED lights, one general ceiling fixture and LED Brio Disc lights with dimming capabilities so the customers could adjust the lighting to their specific needs. Light fixtures were updated in the hallways as well as the kitchen. My customer didn’t know exactly what they wanted as far as plumbing was concerned. They wanted products that were durable and easy to maintain. I chose the Blanco Performa undermount sink in the Truffle color due to is durability and the color complimented the other materials. We used Moen’s Arbor single handle pull down spray faucet and transitional soap dispenser due to its simplistic design, functionality and warranty. We used a ¾ horsepower Insinkerator disposal and a deluxe Steamball strainer basket. The customer originally had Parquet flooring and they liked the look of real hardwood. Madeira 5” planks in Dark Gunstock oak was chosen for its color and durability. The flooring brought in warm neutral tones to compliment other materials. My customer wanted a larger window, but they had some safety concerns. We addressed their concerns by providing a larger Awning style window, using tempered glass and double locks.

Trafalgar - New Home

Big House Little House

Inspiration for a contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Brisbane with an undermount sink, concrete floors, with island, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, grey splashback, glass sheet splashback, stainless steel appliances, grey floor and grey benchtop.

Hampshire rennovation project

Deborah Law Interiors

Jonathan Little Photography
Mid-sized contemporary l-shaped open plan kitchen in Hampshire with a drop-in sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, granite benchtops, grey splashback, marble splashback, white appliances, ceramic floors, with island, white floor and grey benchtop.

Snoozebox! Shipping Container into a Home

User

Simon Callaghan Photography
Small contemporary single-wall open plan kitchen in Manchester with an integrated sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, stainless steel benchtops, grey splashback, white appliances, medium hardwood floors, no island, brown floor and grey benchtop.

Shaker Kitchen

Philip Clay Kitchen Designs LTD

As always, the design process was key to the success of this project, maximising storage with clever high racking, reached with a beautiful but functional ladder. Hand painted grey this handcrafted Shaker style kitchen is elegant and timeless.

Tiny Trendy Kitchen

Bryce and Doyle Craftsmanship

Photo by Arielle Ferraro We gave this kitchen an industrial vibe with exposed brick, a huge black window, raw building materials and metal railings on the catwalk to make a tiny trendy on point cool little kitchen. Yes, we made them a catwalk.

Contemporary Kitchen with Grey Benchtop 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!