“With the open-concept floor plan, this kitchen needed to have a galley layout,” Ellison says. A large island helps delineate the kitchen from the other rooms around it. These include a dining area directly behind the kitchen and a living room to the right of the dining room. This main floor also includes a small TV lounge, a powder room and a mudroom. The house sits on a slope, so this main level enjoys treehouse-like canopy views out the back. The bedrooms are on the walk-out lower level.“These homeowners liked grays and neutrals, and their style leaned contemporary,” Ellison says. “They also had a very nice art collection.” The artwork is bright and colorful, and a neutral scheme provided the perfect backdrop for it. They also liked the idea of using durable laminate finishes on the cabinetry. The laminates have the look of white oak with vertical graining. The galley cabinets are lighter and warmer, while the island has the look of white oak with a gray wash for contrast. The countertops and backsplash are polished quartzite. The quartzite adds beautiful natural veining patterns and warm tones to the room.

Stonebrook

Jessica Koltun Home

Interior design by Jessica Koltun Home. This stunning transitional home with an open floor plan features a formal dining, dedicated study, Chef's kitchen and hidden pantry. Designer amenities include white oak millwork, marble tile, and a high end lighting, plumbing, & hardware.

NEW CANAAN CT - Panda

DEANE Inc | Distinctive Design & Cabinetry

A DEANE client returned in 2022 for an update to their kitchen remodel project from 2006. This incredible transformation was driven by the desire to create a glamorous space for both cooking and entertaining. The frameless cabinetry with a mitered door and satin brass hardware is deliberately understated to highlight the marble. Dramatic and bold, the continuous, book-matched Panda White marble was used throughout the open footprint, including the fireplace surround, to give the space a cohesive feel. The custom, tapered hood, also covered in Panda White is a commanding centerpiece. The expansive space allowed for two waterfall-edge islands with mitered countertops - one for cooking with black-stained oak cabinets for storage and a prep sink, and the second to seat 6 for dining, which replaced the original informal eating area. A tray ceiling with wallpaper detailing elegantly frames both together. No detail was overlooked in the design process. A coffee station with retractable doors and beverage drawers was situated to graciously welcome guests. A Wolf 60” range, walnut interiors, customized drawer inserts, unlacquered brass finishes and a Galley Workstation elevate this kitchen into a truly sophisticated space.

Grand Haven Custom Home

Chirigos Designs / Design Bar

A butler's pantry for a cook's dream. Green custom cabinetry houses paneled appliances and storage for all the additional items. White oak floating shelves are topped with brass railings. The backsplash is a Zellige handmade tile in various tones of neutral.

Modern Villa

Eaton + Stipp Custom Homes

Kitchen is expansive with custom cabinets, black hardware, 2 silver pendant lights, a huge kitchen island with calcutta stone countertops throughout, kitchen appliances, with hidden refrigerator, and finally a hidden pantry.

Los Altos Hills New Build

Carmit Oron Interior Design

Design ideas for an expansive country u-shaped eat-in kitchen in San Francisco with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, engineered quartz splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, multiple islands, brown floor and white benchtop.

Boca Polo Club

Karla Trincanello, CID, Interior Decisions, Inc.

Stunning kitchen after an addition to existing home brought all the conveniences and beauty these clients were desiring. The island is 14ft long x 5 feet and is accented with Blue Agate stone that was also under-lit to subtly define the dining area of the island.

Butler's pantry

Interior Design By Jo

Maximised storage and utility in this butler's pantry.
Expansive modern galley eat-in kitchen in Brisbane with an undermount sink, beige cabinets, quartz benchtops, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, multiple islands and white benchtop.

Spiegelwand statt Fliesenspiegel

Ellerbrock "Bad und Küche" GmbH

Um auch der Stilwand besondere Offenheit zu verleihen wurde unter den Oberschränken und hinter dem Spülbereich auf einen klassischen Fliesenspiegel verzichtet. Stattdessen gibt eine Spiegel-Verkleidung auch dem wandseitigen Küchenbereich eine offene und großzügige Wirkung.

Hohe Stühle an der Küchentheke

Ellerbrock "Bad und Küche" GmbH

Der Kochinsel wurde über den Winkel eine Küchentheke als ergänzende Sitzgelegenheit für den Alltag beigefügt. Auf hohen Stühlen in klarem Design nimmt die Familie so zum Frühstück platz und lässt selbst am hektischen Morgen entspannte Ruhe einkehren.

Contemporary Estate on Mulholland Drive

Racing Green

Photo of an expansive contemporary l-shaped kitchen in Los Angeles with a double-bowl sink, light wood cabinets, marble benchtops and with island.

W Jewell - Modern Kitchen

BKC Kitchen and Bath

The original kitchen in this 1968 Lakewood home was cramped and dark. The new homeowners wanted an open layout with a clean, modern look that was warm rather than sterile. This was accomplished with custom cabinets, waterfall-edge countertops and stunning light fixtures. Crystal Cabinet Works, Inc - custom paint on Celeste door style; natural walnut on Springfield door style. Design by Heather Evans, BKC Kitchen and Bath. RangeFinder Photography.

The Kitchen Island

Arch Studio, Inc.

Light and Airy! Fresh and Modern Architecture by Arch Studio, Inc. 2021
Expansive transitional u-shaped open plan kitchen in San Francisco with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, grey floor and grey benchtop.

Coastal Kitchen Remodel

Artistic Design And Remodeling

This coastal home is located in Carlsbad, California! With some remodeling and vision this home was transformed into a peaceful retreat. The remodel features an open concept floor plan with the living room flowing into the dining room and kitchen. The kitchen is made gorgeous by its custom cabinetry with a flush mount ceiling vent. The dining room and living room are kept open and bright with a soft home furnishing for a modern beach home. The beams on ceiling in the family room and living room are an eye-catcher in a room that leads to a patio with canyon views and a stunning outdoor space! Design by Signature Designs Kitchen Bath Contractor ADR Design & Remodel Photos by San Diego Interior Photography

Kitchen

Thompson Construction

The cabinet paint color is Sherwin-Williams - SW 7008 Alabaster
Inspiration for an expansive traditional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Minneapolis with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, engineered quartz splashback, white appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Kitchens

O'Meara Jones

Inspiration for an expansive contemporary open plan kitchen in Sydney with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, dark hardwood floors, with island, white benchtop and vaulted.

Alluring "Golden Home" in McLean - $4,450,000

Fouad Talout - Talout International LLC

A modern take on the "open concept" Gourmet Kitchen and Family Room. Walls of glass drench these spaces in natural light, while porcelain tile flooring and contemporary chandeliers tie the space together.

Great Falls, VA

A Touch of Elegance Studio

This luxury kitchen with white cabinets and marble-look quartz is open with a light, airy feel.
Expansive transitional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in DC Metro with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, engineered quartz splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop and recessed.

Key Largo Florida

Jaeger & Ernst Custom Cabinetmakers

Expansive mediterranean galley eat-in kitchen in Miami with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, marble benchtops, grey splashback, marble splashback, panelled appliances, ceramic floors, multiple islands, beige floor, grey benchtop and coffered.

Ristrutturazione Complesso La Querce

Arch. Alessandra Cipriani

Cucina
Expansive mediterranean l-shaped separate kitchen in Florence with a farmhouse sink, glass-front cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartzite benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, engineered quartz splashback, panelled appliances, terra-cotta floors, with island, orange floor, multi-coloured benchtop and vaulted.

Expansive Kitchen 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 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!