At this turn of the 20th century, home badly needed a new kitchen. An old porch had been partially enclosed, and the old kitchen window opened onto that enclosure, a small stretch of hallway 6 feet wide. The room had little in the way of form or function. The appliances all needed to be replaced, the lighting and flooring were in bad repair and the kitchen itself lacked culinary inspiration. The client requested a kitchen with modern top-of-the-line cooking appliances, a well-thought-out plan which would include an island, a desk, eating for 6, custom storage, a "cat" corner for the family pet’s food and bowls as well as a drop-dead design aesthetic. Welcome to the Central Av Kitchen. The old exterior wall was removed and the 6’ hallway was incorporated into the kitchen area providing space for both a table as well as a generous island with seating for three. In lieu of pantry cabinets, a pantry closet was framed to the right of the refrigerator to account for a change in ceiling height. The closet conceals the slope of the old exterior wall. Additional space for the cooktop credenza was found by extending a wall concealing the basement stairs. Custom-screened marble tile covers the wall behind the induction cooktop. A pot filler faucet is an added convenience becoming very popular with clients who cook. The secondary cooking area adjacent to the cooktop has a single convection wall oven and one of my favorite appliances, a steam oven. This is the one appliance no kitchen should be without. An immovable corner chase became part of the design supporting a full counter-to-ceiling cabinet for glasses and cups. Dish drawer storage is located below this cabinet, perfect when unloading the dishwasher. Once again, my favorite culinary sink (Franke) and a professional-style faucet (Brizo) add to the chef’s table experience of the kitchen. The refrigerator is a gorgeous 42” french door-styled Sub Zero. Moving to the island, you will find an under-counter beverage refrigerator, additional storage, and a mixer lift to keep the stand mixer at ready but tucked away. Great for casual dining and ample space for preparing meals, the island is the perfect centerpiece for the kitchen design. A traditional ship lap wood detail was turned on its end to surround the island. The contrasting color and texture of the rustic oak give relief to the smooth painted finish of the kitchen cabinets. The stain color is repeated on the pantry door as well as the family room entrance door to the kitchen. Near the kitchen table, a desk is located for both recipe research as well as homework. The spare dining chair serves as a desk chair. Open shelves are simultaneously practical and decorative. Custom storage details include a spice drawer, pull-out pantry, dish drawer, garbage/recycling cabinet, vertical tray storage, utensil, and flatware drawers, and “cat corner” which holds all things kitty related, while keeping the cat dining area out of the main kitchen. Additional details about the space. The cabinets are a traditional plain inset construction but without visible hinges. Large format “concrete” porcelain floor tiles create a simple canvas for blue-painted cabinets with a black glazed finish. Contemporized matte black hardware provides a beautiful contrast to the cabinet color. The other splash areas are covered in a simple white mottled glazed porcelain subway tile. The “cat corner” which is not visible is realized in distressed black paint with a wood countertop to match the oak on the island. Another key point is the ceiling height. Taller ceilings allow for taller cabinets but need a strong molding detail to balance the tall cabinet doors. To demonstrate that detail, you will notice a combination of moldings (9” high) and double-paneled doors to overcome a “tower effect” in the space.

Kitchen

Rock Paper Hammer

Construction by Redsmith Photo by Andrew Hyslop
Photo of a large eclectic l-shaped open plan kitchen in Louisville with an undermount sink, blue cabinets, soapstone benchtops, blue splashback, ceramic splashback, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island and black benchtop.

Empire

TruKitchens

Grabill Cabinets
Eclectic single-wall eat-in kitchen in Grand Rapids with a farmhouse sink, white cabinets, soapstone benchtops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors and with island.

Potter's Kitchen

Don Foote Contracting

Inspiration for a mid-sized eclectic l-shaped separate kitchen in Boston with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, yellow cabinets, soapstone benchtops, ceramic splashback and stainless steel appliances.

Old Style Charm

Kitchens Direct, Inc

When we were approached us to tackle the kitchen design for this full house remodel, the homeowner had clear expectations of what she wanted her “new” kitchen to resemble. She hoped to create a late 19th century Soda Fountain Shop in her own home. Through a careful design process, we were able to create exactly the look that this discerning homeowner was looking for without giving up and modern conveniences that are found in today’s upscale kitchens. As a design firm, we were lucky that the remodeling process was extensive enough to allow us the freedom to create a space where this family of five could enjoy the comforts of classic Americana in their very own Soda Fountain Shop.

Historic Loft Renovation

Meg Miller Art/Design

Complete renovation of historic loft in Downtown Denver. Everything is brand new and updated. Design and photography by Meg Miller Interior Creator
Photo of a mid-sized eclectic u-shaped kitchen in Denver with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, soapstone benchtops, black splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island and grey floor.

Unique Modern Vintage Kitchen

Authentic Kitchen & Design

A truly one-of-a-kind kitchen was our ultimate goal for this space. The classy & custom Crisp Romaine green cabinets pair beautifully with the warm, natural movement of the walnut accents, the white cabinets above the range serve as a subtle pop of brightness. The honey bronze hardware transcends each and every color in this kitchen, bringing stunning contrast to each door. The natural soapstone carries around the countertops and up the wall behind the range bringing natural movement. The hickory waterfall countertop carries from the kitchen to the living room, seamlessly tying the bar in with the rest of the kitchen.

Bridlewood Remodel

H2D Architecture + Design

The wet bar in this newly remodeled kitchen is conveniently located near the seating at the peninsula. The bar is equipped with a small sink, serving space, and wine refrigerator. Design: Heidi Helgeson, Architect at H2D Architecture + Design Built by: RD Construction Photos by: Eric Dennon, Dennon Photography

Clean Curves

Adams + Beasley Associates

Nat Rea Photography
Mid-sized eclectic single-wall open plan kitchen in Boston with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, soapstone benchtops, black splashback, stone slab splashback, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors and with island.

30" Kitchen Expansion

David Edrington, Architect

Inspiration for a mid-sized eclectic u-shaped kitchen in Other with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, soapstone benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, linoleum floors and with island.

Upper East Side Pied a Terre

McGrath II

Small kitchen in Pre-war apartment building. Photo credit: Lucas Allen
Inspiration for a mid-sized eclectic galley eat-in kitchen in New York with a drop-in sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, soapstone benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, marble floors and no island.

Judith's Retro Kitchen Addition

Merrick Design and Build Inc.

Addie Merrick-Phang
Inspiration for a large eclectic l-shaped eat-in kitchen in DC Metro with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, soapstone benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, coloured appliances, medium hardwood floors and with island.

Projects: Kitchen Remodeling Projects

IMPROVE or MOVE

This is an example of a mid-sized eclectic galley eat-in kitchen in New York with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, soapstone benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors and with island.

Home Addition Transformation

Graves Design & Remodeling, Inc.

Design by Warren Graves Michael Carpenter Photography
This is an example of a large eclectic l-shaped open plan kitchen in DC Metro with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, soapstone benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors and with island.

Laurel, MD Kitchen Quartz & Soapstone Countertops

Creative In Counters

This kitchen features LG Viatera Minuet quartz countertops on the island and Soapstone tops with a Soapstone sink on the perimeter.
Photo of a mid-sized eclectic l-shaped separate kitchen in Baltimore with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, soapstone benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island, grey floor and black benchtop.

Denver Historic Home Kitchen and Master Bathroom Remodel

Elizabeth P. Lord Residential Design LLC

Hot Shot Pros
Design ideas for an eclectic l-shaped separate kitchen in Denver with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, soapstone benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, limestone floors and with island.

Red Hot Mama

Heidi Pribell Interiors

Heidi Pribell Interiors puts a fresh twist on classic design serving the major Boston metro area. By blending grandeur with bohemian flair, Heidi creates inviting interiors with an elegant and sophisticated appeal. Confident in mixing eras, style and color, she brings her expertise and love of antiques, art and objects to every project.

Eclectic Blue Kitchen

Right Brain Designs, LLC

This is an example of a small eclectic u-shaped separate kitchen in DC Metro with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, soapstone benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, no island and brown floor.

West Chester Borough Whole House Remodel

Pine Street Carpenters & The Kitchen Studio

John Welsh
Eclectic l-shaped kitchen in Philadelphia with soapstone benchtops and black benchtop.

Boulder Family Home

restyle design, llc

We designed this space for a young family relocating to Boulder from San Francisco. We did the whole project while they were still in SF so that they arrived to a finished space that was ready to live in! We went with a traditional look but layered in industrial and modern elements. We kept the big pieces neutral and brought in blues and greens in accents throughout.

Eclectic Kitchen with Soapstone Benchtops 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 Eclectic 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!