This is an example of an arts and crafts galley kitchen with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, white splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Central Residence

Dylan Barber Building Design

Design ideas for a large contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Geelong with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, engineered quartz splashback, concrete floors, with island and grey floor.

Bonaventure

Lindon Homes Pty Ltd

Modern Galley Kitchen.
Photo of a large contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Brisbane with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, glass sheet splashback, black appliances, porcelain floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Bayview House

Aatos Design

Light-filled kitchen and dining.
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary galley eat-in kitchen in Sydney with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, mosaic tile splashback, black appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, grey splashback, beige floor, grey benchtop and wood.

Brighton Renovation and Extension

Sherbrooke Design and Construction

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary galley kitchen pantry in Melbourne with a drop-in sink, white splashback, concrete floors and grey floor.

December highlights photography 2022

Real Property Photography | Sunshine Coast South

This is an example of a contemporary galley kitchen in Sunshine Coast with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, mirror splashback, with island, grey floor and grey benchtop.

Killara Project

Design Artistry

This is an example of a large contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Sydney with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Kitchen and Breakfast Bar

Interior Design By Jo

These clients have a stunning view of the Story Bridge from their Spring Hill Apartment. We designed the kitchen and living space to maximise the view and create an open floorplan.

Dartmouth House

Shane Marsh Architects

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Brisbane with a double-bowl sink, recessed-panel cabinets, black cabinets, wood benchtops, white splashback, window splashback, stainless steel appliances, slate floors, with island, grey floor, brown benchtop and exposed beam.

Balwyn Townhouses

R ARCHITECTURE

Photo of a contemporary galley kitchen in Melbourne with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, panelled appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and grey benchtop.

Camberwell Basement and Extension

5D Builders Pty Ltd

Photo of a contemporary galley open plan kitchen with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, panelled appliances, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Interior Design - Modernist Family Home

My-Studio Ltd

Modernist open plan kitchen
This is an example of an expansive modern galley open plan kitchen in London with flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, concrete floors, with island, grey floor, an undermount sink and white benchtop.

Stony Brook

Cole Harris Associates LLC

Design ideas for a large country galley open plan kitchen in New York with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island, soapstone benchtops and dark hardwood floors.

Ultimate Entertaining Space

Justina Auer

Secondary work sink and dishwasher for all the dishes after a night of hosting a dinner party.
This is an example of an expansive contemporary galley kitchen pantry in Boston with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, soapstone benchtops, white splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors and no island.

Peaceful Haven

Flemming Interiors

Transitional galley open plan kitchen in Denver with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, quartz benchtops, marble splashback, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors and a peninsula.

Gray and white transitional kitchen in Oakton, VA

Design Studio International

Pull out vertical storage for trays and cutting boards make accessing these items a breeze.
Inspiration for a transitional galley kitchen pantry in DC Metro with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, quartzite benchtops, grey splashback, mosaic tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, a peninsula, brown floor and grey benchtop.

Transitional Elegance

Tobias Design LLC

Photo of a large transitional galley open plan kitchen in Philadelphia with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop and timber.

Stylish Cheltenham Living

Contour

Inspiration for a mid-sized modern galley eat-in kitchen in Gloucestershire with flat-panel cabinets, solid surface benchtops, black appliances, marble floors, with island, white benchtop, an undermount sink, black cabinets and grey floor.

Modern Farmhouse Kitchen, East Sussex

Humphrey Munson

A cook’s kitchen through and through; we loved working on this modern country farmhouse kitchen project. This kitchen was designed for relaxed entertaining on a large-scale for friends staying for the weekend, but also for everyday kitchen suppers with the family. As you walk into the kitchen the space feels warm and welcoming thanks to the soothing colour palette and Smithfield weathered oak finish. The kitchen has a large dining table with incredible views across the rolling East Sussex countryside. A separate scullery and walk in pantry concealed behind cabinetry either side of the French door fridge freezer provide a huge amount of storage and prep space completely hidden from view but easily accessible. The balance of cabinetry is perfect for the space and doesn’t compromise the light and airy feel we love to create in our Humphrey Munson kitchen projects. The five oven AGA, set within a bespoke false chimney, creates a main focal point for the room and the antique effect mirror splashback has been installed for a number of reasons; it bounces the light back across the room but also helps with continuing conversations with guests seated at the island. This is a sociable kitchen with seating at the island to serve drinks and quick appetisers before dinner, or to sit with coffee and a laptop to catch up on emails. To the left of the AGA is countertop storage with a bi-fold door which provides essential shelving for larger countertop appliances like the KitchenAid mixer and Magimix. Following on from the countertop cupboard is open shelving and the main sink run which features a large Kohler sink and Perrin & Rowe Athenian tap with rinse. To the right of the AGA is another countertop cupboard with a bi-fold door that not only balances the space in terms of symmetry, but conceals the breakfast cupboard which is perfect for storing the coffee machine, cups and everyday glassware. The large island is directly opposite the AGA and has been kept deliberately clear so that cooking and preparing food on a larger scale for family or friends staying all weekend is easy and stress free. The dining area which is just off of the main kitchen in the orangery seats six people at the table and is perfect for low key dining for a few friends and weekday meals. Directly opposite the island is a bank of floor to ceiling Smithfield Oak cabinetry that has a Fisher & Paykel French door refrigeration and freezer unit finished in stainless steel in the centre, while either side of the fridge freezer is a walk in scullery and walk in pantry that helps to keep all clutter hidden safely out of site without having to leave the kitchen and guests. We love the modern rustic luxe feel of this kitchen with the Nickleby cabinetry on the perimeter run painted in ‘Cuffs’ and the island painted in ‘London Calling’ it has a really relaxed and warm feeling to the space, particularly with the weathered bronze Tetterby pull handles and Hexham knobs. This is the ‘new neutral’ and really about creating a relaxed and informal setting that is perfect for this beautiful country home. Photo credit: Paul Craig

Victorian Villa

Absolute Architecture

Photo of a modern galley eat-in kitchen in Berkshire with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, black splashback, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and black benchtop.

Galley 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!