I mean… WOW! We cannot get over how much some paint, new backsplash, new light fixtures, and some styling transformed this kitchen!!! While before it was dark and dated, now its up to speed with the times while still fitting in with the traditional bones of the home.

Lavendale | Dallas, TX | Custom Home

Espedal Design Construct

Design ideas for an expansive contemporary eat-in kitchen in Dallas with an undermount sink, light wood cabinets, quartzite benchtops, beige splashback, stone slab splashback, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige benchtop and glass-front cabinets.

Hill Country Modern

April Interiors

Close up on kitchen floating shelves.
Photo of an expansive modern l-shaped open plan kitchen in Austin with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartzite benchtops, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and brown floor.

Custom Hood and White Herringbone Backsplash

Kitchen Intuitions

This kitchen has everything you'd need for cooking a large family meal - double wall ovens, a KitchenAid range with a custom made hood and plenty of counter space! Photos by Chris Veith.

Apartment Kitchen, The Waves - Dubai

Innerspace ME - Hacker Kitchens, Hulsta, Rolf Benz

This is an example of an expansive modern l-shaped open plan kitchen in Other with an integrated sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors, a peninsula, grey floor and white benchtop.

White Glaze Kitchen

Cabinet Conceptions

This is an example of an expansive traditional u-shaped open plan kitchen in New York with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island, beige floor, multi-coloured benchtop, quartzite benchtops and subway tile splashback.

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.

White Macaubas Whimsical

Aria Stone Gallery

This beautiful new build colonial home was enhanced by the choice of this honed White Macaubas quartzite. This is an extremely durable material and is perfect for this soon to be mother of 3. She accented the kitchen with a turquoise hexagon back splash and oversized white lanterns

Taj Mahal Quartzite in a Contemporary Kitchen

Granite Grannies

Taj Mahal Quartzite with a clean eased edge in a luxurious modern Annapolis, Maryland home. Quartzite is a 100% natural, quarried stone that looks like marble, but is durable and scratch resistant like granite. Taj Mahal Quartzite is one of the hardest natural countertop stones on the market.

2015 Parade of Homes - Peoples Choice Award Winning Home

Designs by Craig Veenker

Photo of an expansive transitional l-shaped kitchen in Salt Lake City with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, stone slab splashback, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors, multiple islands and brown floor.

Point Loma Addition Remodel

Lars Remodeling & Design

The goal for this Point Loma home was to transform it from the adorable beach bungalow it already was by expanding its footprint and giving it distinctive Craftsman characteristics while achieving a comfortable, modern aesthetic inside that perfectly caters to the active young family who lives here. By extending and reconfiguring the front portion of the home, we were able to not only add significant square footage, but create much needed usable space for a home office and comfortable family living room that flows directly into a large, open plan kitchen and dining area. A custom built-in entertainment center accented with shiplap is the focal point for the living room and the light color of the walls are perfect with the natural light that floods the space, courtesy of strategically placed windows and skylights. The kitchen was redone to feel modern and accommodate the homeowners busy lifestyle and love of entertaining. Beautiful white kitchen cabinetry sets the stage for a large island that packs a pop of color in a gorgeous teal hue. A Sub-Zero classic side by side refrigerator and Jenn-Air cooktop, steam oven, and wall oven provide the power in this kitchen while a white subway tile backsplash in a sophisticated herringbone pattern, gold pulls and stunning pendant lighting add the perfect design details. Another great addition to this project is the use of space to create separate wine and coffee bars on either side of the doorway. A large wine refrigerator is offset by beautiful natural wood floating shelves to store wine glasses and house a healthy Bourbon collection. The coffee bar is the perfect first top in the morning with a coffee maker and floating shelves to store coffee and cups. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring was selected for use throughout the home, offering the warm feel of hardwood, with the benefits of being waterproof and nearly indestructible - two key factors with young kids! For the exterior of the home, it was important to capture classic Craftsman elements including the post and rock detail, wood siding, eves, and trimming around windows and doors. We think the porch is one of the cutest in San Diego and the custom wood door truly ties the look and feel of this beautiful home together.

Extended island with drop ceiling

Amos Tile LV

Fully remodeled kitchen. Both islands demolitioned to make room for one large island. Drop ceiling added for lighting, cooktop hood and looks phenomenal. All cabinetry was refinished and refaced. countertops look immaculate. everything came together very nicely.

Bespoke kitchen in a family home

Churchwood Design

A bespoke solid wood shaker style kitchen hand-painted in Little Greene 'Slaked Lime' with Silestone 'Lagoon' worktops. The cooker is from Lacanche.
Design ideas for an expansive traditional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Other with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, quartzite benchtops, coloured appliances, limestone floors and with island.

Contemporary Residence in Arlington, VA

Marblex Design International, Inc.

Marblex installed 12"X24" Brazillian Black slate in Natural Cleft in herringbone pattern on the floor as well as 4"X12" Aria Aqua Opera Glass on the backsplash. Countertops are: Sea Pearl with mitered edge on the island and Silestone White Storm on the perimeter countertops.

Contemporary Masterpiece - Newport Landing

Arjay Builders Inc.

Home Built by Arjay Builders Inc. Photo by Amoura Productions Cabinetry Provided by Eurowood Cabinets, Inc
Design ideas for an expansive contemporary u-shaped separate kitchen in Omaha with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island, an undermount sink and brown floor.

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.

Complete Home Remodel in Estero, FL

Progressive Design Build

The remodel solution for this client was a seamless process, as she possessed a clear vision and preferred a straightforward approach. Desiring a home environment characterized by cleanliness, simplicity, and serenity, she articulated her preferences with ease. Her discerning eye led her to select LVP flooring, providing the beauty of wood planks with the ease of maintenance. The pièce de résistance of the project was undoubtedly the kitchen countertops, crafted from stunning Quartzite Labradorite that evoked the depth of outer space. In selecting appliances, she and her partner favored simplicity and efficiency, opting for GE Cafe in a matte black finish to add a touch of warmth to the kitchen.

High-Energy Living | West Linn Home Addition

Mountainwood Homes

Elkay ‘Silvermist’ Quartz Single Bowl Bar Sink is perfect for meal prep and small clean-ups in this expansive kitchen.
This is an example of an expansive modern u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Portland with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Japandi Kitchen – Chino Hills

Go Home Builders Inc

Japandi Kitchen – Chino Hills A kitchen extension is the ultimate renovation to enhance your living space and add value to your home. This new addition not only provides extra square footage but also allows for endless design possibilities, bringing your kitchen dreams to life. This kitchen was inspired by the Japanese-Scandinavian design movement, “Japandi”, this space is a harmonious blend of sleek lines, natural materials, and warm accents. With a focus on functionality and clean aesthetics, every detail has been carefully crafted to create a space that is both stylish, practical, and welcoming. When it comes to Japandi design, ALWAYS keep some room for wood elements. It gives the perfect amount of earth tone wanted in a kitchen. These new lights and open spaces highlight the beautiful finishes and appliances. This new layout allows for effortless entertaining, with a seamless flow to move around and entertain guests. Custom cabinetry, high-end appliances, and a large custom island with a sink with ample seating; come together to create a chef’s dream kitchen. The added space that has been included especially under this new Thermador stove from ‘Build with Ferguson’, has added space for ultimate organization. We also included a new microwave drawer by Sharp. It blends beautifully underneath the countertop to add more space and makes it incredibly easy to clean. These Quartz countertops that are incredibly durable and resistant to scratches, chips, and cracks, making them very long-lasting. The backsplash is made with maple ribbon tiles to give this kitchen a very earthy tone. With wide shaker cabinets, that are both prefabricated and custom, that compliments every aspect of this kitchen. Whether cooking up a storm or entertaining guests, this Japandi-style kitchen extension is the perfect balance of form and function. With its thoughtfully designed layout and attention to detail, it’s a space that’s guaranteed to leave a lasting impression where memories will be made, and future meals will be shared.

The Idea House

Karen Berkemeyer Home

Design ideas for an expansive contemporary single-wall open plan kitchen in New York with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, quartzite benchtops, grey splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor, white benchtop, porcelain splashback and vaulted.

Expansive Kitchen with Quartzite 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 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!