This is an example of an expansive traditional single-wall eat-in kitchen in Charleston with a single-bowl sink, raised-panel cabinets, granite benchtops, beige splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, multiple islands, grey cabinets and beige floor.

River Oaks Contemporary Kitchen

Kitchen & Bath Concepts

Challenge: Redesign the kitchen area for the original owner who built this home in the early 1970’s. Our design challenge was to create a completely new space that was functional, beautiful and much more open. The original kitchen, storage and utility spaces were outdated and very chopped up with a mechanical closet placed in the middle of the space located directly in front of the only large window in the room. We relocated the mechanical closet and the utility room to the back of the space with a Butler’s Pantry separating the two. The original large window is now revealed with a new lowered eating bar and a second island centered on it, featuring a dramatic linear light fixture above. We enlarged the window over the main kitchen sink for more light and created a new window to the right of the sink with a view towards the pool. The main cooking area of the kitchen features a large island with elevated walnut seating bar and 36” gas cooktop. A full 36” Built-in Refrigerator is located in the Kitchen with an additional Sub-Zero Refrigerator and Freezer located in the Butler’s Pantry. Result: Client’s Dream Kitchen Realized. Designed by Micqui McGowen, CKD, RID. Photographed by Julie Soefer.

Expansive Traditional in Scarsdale

Bilotta Kitchen & Home

For this project, the entire kitchen was designed around the “must-have” Lacanche range in the stunning French Blue with brass trim. That was the client’s dream and everything had to be built to complement it. Bilotta senior designer, Randy O’Kane, CKD worked with Paul Benowitz and Dipti Shah of Benowitz Shah Architects to contemporize the kitchen while staying true to the original house which was designed in 1928 by regionally noted architect Franklin P. Hammond. The clients purchased the home over two years ago from the original owner. While the house has a magnificent architectural presence from the street, the basic systems, appointments, and most importantly, the layout and flow were inappropriately suited to contemporary living. The new plan removed an outdated screened porch at the rear which was replaced with the new family room and moved the kitchen from a dark corner in the front of the house to the center. The visual connection from the kitchen through the family room is dramatic and gives direct access to the rear yard and patio. It was important that the island separating the kitchen from the family room have ample space to the left and right to facilitate traffic patterns, and interaction among family members. Hence vertical kitchen elements were placed primarily on existing interior walls. The cabinetry used was Bilotta’s private label, the Bilotta Collection – they selected beautiful, dramatic, yet subdued finishes for the meticulously handcrafted cabinetry. The double islands allow for the busy family to have a space for everything – the island closer to the range has seating and makes a perfect space for doing homework or crafts, or having breakfast or snacks. The second island has ample space for storage and books and acts as a staging area from the kitchen to the dinner table. The kitchen perimeter and both islands are painted in Benjamin Moore’s Paper White. The wall cabinets flanking the sink have wire mesh fronts in a statuary bronze – the insides of these cabinets are painted blue to match the range. The breakfast room cabinetry is Benjamin Moore’s Lampblack with the interiors of the glass cabinets painted in Paper White to match the kitchen. All countertops are Vermont White Quartzite from Eastern Stone. The backsplash is Artistic Tile’s Kyoto White and Kyoto Steel. The fireclay apron-front main sink is from Rohl while the smaller prep sink is from Linkasink. All faucets are from Waterstone in their antique pewter finish. The brass hardware is from Armac Martin and the pendants above the center island are from Circa Lighting. The appliances, aside from the range, are a mix of Sub-Zero, Thermador and Bosch with panels on everything.

Bold Impact | Portland Whole House Remodel

Mountainwood Homes

The open concept kitchen creates a perfect flow throughout the main living space, connecting all guests in one space.
This is an example of an expansive midcentury u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Portland with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, black splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, ceramic floors, multiple islands, grey floor and white benchtop.

French Country Character

TruKitchens

This French country-inspired kitchen shows off a mixture of natural materials like marble and alder wood. The cabinetry from Grabill Cabinets was thoughtfully designed to look like furniture. The island, dining table, and bar work table allow for enjoying good food and company throughout the space. The large metal range hood from Raw Urth stands sentinel over the professional range, creating a contrasting focal point in the design. Cabinetry that stretches from floor to ceiling eliminates the look of floating upper cabinets while providing ample storage space. Cabinetry: Grabill Cabinets, Countertops: Grothouse, Great Lakes Granite, Range Hood: Raw Urth, Builder: Ron Wassenaar, Interior Designer: Diane Hasso Studios, Photography: Ashley Avila Photography

Private Waterfront Residence on the Chester River

Purple Cherry Architects

Extensive custom millwork, two islands, and an abundance of natural light combine to create a feeling of casual sophistication in the main kitchen. A screen porch is connected, offering nearby space for gracious waterfront dining. ⁠⁠

Cordillera Mountain Modern

Basso Interiors Inc

A cook's kitchen! This open plan is perfect for entertaining and cooking. The chic counterstools add interest and texture. Love the dark teal breakfast dining area.

Hill

Ross Builders, Inc.

Kitchen
Design ideas for an expansive transitional single-wall kitchen in Chicago with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, engineered quartz splashback, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors, multiple islands, brown floor, white benchtop and exposed beam.

Amarra Estate

Marion Interior Design

Design ideas for an expansive transitional u-shaped open plan kitchen in Austin with multiple islands, an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, black cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, mosaic tile splashback, panelled appliances, marble floors, white floor, white benchtop and exposed beam.

West University

Ashwood Designs and Custom Homes

Photo of an expansive transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Houston with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, multiple islands, grey benchtop, medium hardwood floors and brown floor.

Best ceilings by Fratantoni Interior designers!

Fratantoni Interior Designers

Exposed beams painted to match the white modern kitchen design.
Inspiration for an expansive modern u-shaped separate kitchen in Phoenix with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, marble floors, multiple islands, white floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

Double Island Custom Kitchen

Fratantoni Design / Residential Architects

We love the double kitchen islands and the black fridge plus the incredible vaulted ceiling and arched entryways!
This is an example of an expansive modern kitchen in Phoenix with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, beige splashback, terra-cotta splashback, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors, multiple islands, brown floor and black benchtop.

Lot 5 Pinnacle Ridge

ZED Studio

This is an example of an expansive modern l-shaped open plan kitchen in Vancouver with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, travertine splashback, white appliances, medium hardwood floors, multiple islands and beige floor.

Contemporary Las Vegas Custom Home

The Tuscany Collection

Inspiration for an expansive contemporary open plan kitchen in Las Vegas with flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, multi-coloured splashback, panelled appliances and multiple islands.

Mediterranean Kitchen

Photo of an expansive mediterranean u-shaped eat-in kitchen in San Francisco with a drop-in sink, recessed-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, marble benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, mosaic tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, travertine floors and multiple islands.

WLR/Ferndale Kitchen

Home Run Remodeling & Construction, Inc.

Bill Magee
Inspiration for an expansive transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Little Rock with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors and multiple islands.

Residential Kitchen in Vail, Colorado Illuminated

Evo-Lite

The translucent Lumix Stone island, cabinet top, and counters are lighted with LED light panels in this expansive modern kitchen. Lots of daylight in a space can diminish the visual effect of backlighting during the day, FYI.

River Oaks Contemporary Kitchen

Kitchen & Bath Concepts

Dan's Bar height legs

Spiral Cone Legs

Dan of Dryden purchased four bar height legs and put them to great use in this big modern kitchen. I just noticed the welding bottle safety caps turned into hanging lamps, nice touch.

Texas Transitional

Gibson Gimpel Interior Design

Detail of opening from kitchen to pantry and islands
Design ideas for an expansive transitional kitchen in Dallas with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, white splashback, marble splashback, panelled appliances, marble floors, multiple islands, white floor and white benchtop.

Expansive Kitchen with multiple Islands 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!