Inspiration for an expansive contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Sydney with flat-panel cabinets, with island, a double-bowl sink, dark wood cabinets, marble benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, glass sheet splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, brown floor, multi-coloured benchtop and vaulted.

Contemporary Kitchen

Inspiration for a large contemporary galley eat-in kitchen in Perth with an integrated sink, black cabinets, marble benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, marble splashback, black appliances, porcelain floors, with island, grey floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

Ticked all the boxes

Collaroy Kitchen Centre

Design ideas for a large contemporary l-shaped kitchen pantry in Sydney with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, mirror splashback, black appliances, laminate floors, with island and multi-coloured benchtop.

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.

Leura - Farmer Doors with Natural Stone

Kitchen Envy - Custom Kitchens

Beautifully crafted doors from Farmer's doors. The benchtop is Blue Roma Brazilian Quartzite. This amazing natural stone takes centre stage in this Blue Mountains home. Nature knows no bounds with vibrant colours and unique patterns. The dark, moody shade of blue complements the rich texture of the flat panel cabinet doors and adds a contemporary look to a farmhouse style

Alphington

Jasmine McClelland Design

Warm earthy tones, organic mixed coloured Fibonacci stone benchtop and beige mosaic splashback tile from Academy tiles compliment the feature timber surrounds of this family kitchen.

WHISTLER STREET - KITCHEN + BUTLERS

Timpelle Kitchens

Stunning finishes including natural timber veneer, polyurethane & Caesarstone make for a professionally designed space. Opting for the contemporary V Groove cabinetry doors creates warmth & texture along with black accents to complete the look.

Park Grove

Italkraft

Inspiration for a large contemporary l-shaped kitchen in Miami with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, mirror splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island, white floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

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.

Contemporary Class

Zieba Builders, Inc.

“After discussions with Zieba about design ideas and budgets we agreed to hire them to come up with create designs and they came back with three options. Ultimately, we merged some of the ideas from each of the options and came up with our design. With the design completed Zieba submitted a bid that was in line with our budget, and we hired them for the construction which was started in the beginning of September and scheduled for completion 4 months later. The construction was completed on time and on budget & we are thrilled with the changes made to our home. Our experience from start to finish was exceptional including the design work, communication, execution, professionalism and craftsmanship of the construction. Additionally, they were patient with us, never got frustrated with our endless questions or need for handholding & they were even fun to work with.” - M. Waks

Modern White Oak Kitchen

Hometown Design-Build & Allens Creek Cabinetry

modern white oak kitchen remodel Pittsford Rochester NY
This is an example of a large contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen in New York with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, marble benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, white appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

Scandi-Asian Fusion

Sola Kitchens

One wowee kitchen! Designed for a family with Sri-Lankan and Singaporean heritage, the brief for this project was to create a Scandi-Asian styled kitchen. The design features ‘Skog’ wall panelling, straw bar stools, open shelving, a sofia swing, a bar and an olive tree.

Modern City Escape - Edina

Hoxie Homes & Remodeling

This is an example of a contemporary u-shaped open plan kitchen in Minneapolis with flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, marble benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, marble splashback, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor, multi-coloured benchtop, exposed beam and vaulted.

nnu House

Studio Jayga Architects

Mid-sized contemporary single-wall open plan kitchen in Essex with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, green cabinets, terrazzo benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, stainless steel appliances, limestone floors, with island and multi-coloured benchtop.

Beach front penthouse apartment

Elixir Interior Design

Modern kitchen with matte grey units, marble/quartz worktop accented with yellow.
This is an example of a small contemporary u-shaped separate kitchen in Sussex with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, quartzite benchtops, panelled appliances, porcelain floors, no island, grey floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

Okura

LaBella Kitchens Ltd.

Photo of a small contemporary u-shaped separate kitchen in Auckland with a single-bowl sink, beaded inset cabinets, black cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, engineered quartz splashback, black appliances, dark hardwood floors, no island, brown floor, multi-coloured benchtop and timber.

Poppy 3

Sterling-Huddleson Architecture

This is an example of a contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, white splashback, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, multi-coloured benchtop, exposed beam and wood.

Striking Gold In Estada

SANOMA Kitchen & Bath

Our bold, contemporary kitchen located in Cooper City Florida is a striking combination of of textured glass and high gloss cabinetry tempered with warm neutrals, wood grain and an elegant rush of gold.

New Traditional Style Kitchen Remodel

Pullman West

This new traditional kitchen with an earth-tone palette, boasts a large island with cooktop, oven and surround seating. Whether it's family or friends, all can gather around to enjoy the cooking and dining experience. Starmark shaker-style custom cabinets, herringbone backsplash and Rosslyn Cambria quartz adorn the perimeter walls. The island boasts Starmark shaker-style custom cabinets and Windermere Cambria quartz. Hardware, faucet and sink selections have oil-rubbed bronze finishes. Photography by Michael Giragosian

Jasmine Kitchen

Anna Jacoby Interiors

Ian Coleman
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary galley eat-in kitchen in San Francisco with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, brown cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island, brown floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

Contemporary Kitchen with Multi-Coloured 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!