Modern galley open plan kitchen in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, white splashback, glass tile splashback, panelled appliances, concrete floors, with island and grey floor.

East Belfast

Interior360

Rory Corrigan
Inspiration for a large modern galley open plan kitchen in Belfast with with island, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, grey splashback, glass sheet splashback, black appliances and grey floor.

Prairie Village Retro Kitchen

Kitchen Studio: Kansas City

This tiny kitchen was barely usable by a busy mom with 3 young kids. We were able to remove two walls and open the kitchen into an unused space of the home and make this the focal point of the home the clients had always dreamed of! Hidden on the back side of this peninsula are 3 cubbies, one for each child to store their backpacks and lunch boxes for school. The fourth cubby contains a charging station for the families electronics.

Cuisine contemporaine épurée blanc/bois avec carreaux de ciment

Cuisinella Paris 11 République

Cuisinella Paris 11 Référence Cuisinella : Light Jet Blanc Brillant Caisson : Chene Honey Poignée intégrée : Jet Plan de travail : Chene Honey & blanc brillant Crédit photo : Agence Meero

West Coast Modern

The Artisans Group, Inc.

Our clients sought an elegant yet highly functional kitchen filled with natural light. The clean lines of modern design fit the bill. Whether intimate family gatherings or hosting larger groups, this design stands the test of time. Photos by: Poppi Photography

Designer Awards FINALIST - Northside Industrial

KBK - Custom Kitchens Designers based in Brisbane

Originally a church and community centre, this Northside residence has been lovingly renovated by an enthusiastic young couple into a unique family home. The design brief for this kitchen design was to create a larger than life industrial style kitchen that would not look lost in the enormous 8.3meter wide “assembly hall” area of this unassuming 1950’s suburban home. The inclusion of a large island that was proportionate to the space was a must have for the family. The collation of different materials, textures and design features in this kitchen blend to create a functional, family-friendly, industrial style kitchen design that feels warm and inviting and entirely at home in its surroundings. The clients desire for dark charcoal colour cabinetry is softened with the use of the ‘Bluegrass’ colour cabinets under the rough finish solid wood island bench. The sleek black handles on the island contrast the Bluegrass cabinet colour while tying the island in with the handless charcoal colour cabinets on the back wall. With limited above bench wall space, the majority of storage is accommodated in 50-65kg capacity soft closing drawers under deep benchtops maximising the storage potential of the area. The 1meter wide appliance cabinet has ample storage for small appliances in tall deep drawers under bench height while a pair of pocket doors above bench level open to reveal bench space for a toaster and coffee machine with a microwave space and shelving above. This kitchen design earned our designer Anne Ellard, a spot in the final of KBDI’s 2017 Designer Awards. Award winners will be announced at a Gala event in Adelaide later this year. Now in its ninth year, the KBDi Designer Awards is a well-established and highly regarded national event on the Australian design calendar. The program recognises the professionalism and talent of Australian kitchen and bathroom designers. What the clients said: ” The end result of our experience with Anne and Kitchens by Kathie is a space that people walk into and everyone says “Wow!”. As well as being great to look at, it’s a pleasure to use, the space has both great form and function. Anne was extremely responsive to any issues or concerns that cropped up during the design/build process which made the whole process much smoother and enjoyable. Thanks again Anne, we’re extremely happy with the result.”

Wenham Ranch-House Renovation/Addition

Katie Hutchison Studio

Constructed in two phases, this renovation, with a few small additions, touched nearly every room in this late ‘50’s ranch house. The owners raised their family within the original walls and love the house’s location, which is not far from town and also borders conservation land. But they didn’t love how chopped up the house was and the lack of exposure to natural daylight and views of the lush rear woods. Plus, they were ready to de-clutter for a more stream-lined look. As a result, KHS collaborated with them to create a quiet, clean design to support the lifestyle they aspire to in retirement. To transform the original ranch house, KHS proposed several significant changes that would make way for a number of related improvements. Proposed changes included the removal of the attached enclosed breezeway (which had included a stair to the basement living space) and the two-car garage it partially wrapped, which had blocked vital eastern daylight from accessing the interior. Together the breezeway and garage had also contributed to a long, flush front façade. In its stead, KHS proposed a new two-car carport, attached storage shed, and exterior basement stair in a new location. The carport is bumped closer to the street to relieve the flush front facade and to allow access behind it to eastern daylight in a relocated rear kitchen. KHS also proposed a new, single, more prominent front entry, closer to the driveway to replace the former secondary entrance into the dark breezeway and a more formal main entrance that had been located much farther down the facade and curiously bordered the bedroom wing. Inside, low ceilings and soffits in the primary family common areas were removed to create a cathedral ceiling (with rod ties) over a reconfigured semi-open living, dining, and kitchen space. A new gas fireplace serving the relocated dining area -- defined by a new built-in banquette in a new bay window -- was designed to back up on the existing wood-burning fireplace that continues to serve the living area. A shared full bath, serving two guest bedrooms on the main level, was reconfigured, and additional square footage was captured for a reconfigured master bathroom off the existing master bedroom. A new whole-house color palette, including new finishes and new cabinetry, complete the transformation. Today, the owners enjoy a fresh and airy re-imagining of their familiar ranch house. Photos by Katie Hutchison

Broadoak

Dukes Kitchens

Photo of a mid-sized country galley open plan kitchen in Dublin with a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, granite benchtops, panelled appliances, ceramic floors and no island.

Hoboken Home

MK Designs LLC

This is an example of a mid-sized industrial galley open plan kitchen in Philadelphia with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, black cabinets, wood benchtops, grey splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors and with island.

Breezy Coastal Living

Tascone Design

Crib Creative
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Perth with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, window splashback, stainless steel appliances, ceramic floors, with island and grey floor.

Greenbrier | 2016

Coats Homes

Large transitional galley open plan kitchen in Dallas with white cabinets, with island, shaker cabinets, quartzite benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors and beige floor.

Spurwink Retreat

Whitten Architects

Trent Bell Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Portland Maine with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, soapstone benchtops, stainless steel appliances, with island, white splashback and grey floor.

Coastal Living

Total Design Group, LLC

Having appliances near the sink with ample counter top space between them for cooking is a must.
Inspiration for a mid-sized beach style galley open plan kitchen in Raleigh with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, glass tile splashback, white appliances, dark hardwood floors and with island.

That '70s House

Meadowlark Design+Build

A galley kitchen and a breakfast bar that spans the entire length of the island creates the perfect kitchen space for entertaining both family and friends. This galley kitchen is part of a first floor renovation done by Meadowlark Design + Build in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Cherokee Blvd Project

Sticks 2 Stones Design, LLC

Design ideas for a large traditional galley open plan kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors and a peninsula.

Highview

Buchmann Design

Oscar Zagal
This is an example of a mid-sized modern galley open plan kitchen in Los Angeles with marble benchtops, stainless steel appliances, an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white splashback and with island.

Skyline Home

Terry and Terry Architecture

Inspiration for a large contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Orange County with flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, medium hardwood floors, with island, an undermount sink, beige splashback and stainless steel appliances.

Квартира в Одинцово

Надя Кармин

Дизайнеры Надежда Требухина, Дина Бигалиева, фотограф Наталия Кирьянова
Photo of a mid-sized transitional galley open plan kitchen in Moscow with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, quartzite benchtops, ceramic splashback, black appliances, ceramic floors, multi-coloured splashback and no island.

In The Spotlight

Morrison Interiors

The mix of stain finishes and style was intentfully done. Photo Credit: Rod Foster
Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional galley open plan kitchen in Orange County with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, granite benchtops, blue splashback, cement tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island, ceramic floors, beige floor and black benchtop.

Modern Black & White

Lyn's Design Style

Photo: Radion Photography
This is an example of a large modern galley open plan kitchen in Boise with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors and with island.

Galley Open Plan 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!