The central T-shape island is a workhorse for preparation, yet provides a cozy spot where a line of leather-backed barstools encourage conversation. The darkly stained finish provides contrast and anchors the space to separate it from other kitchen elements. The black metal light fixture, veining of the natural quartzite countertops, and accessories provide elegant contrast to the neutral theme through pattern, contrast and pops of color.

Beach Style Kitchen

Knight Construction Design Inc.

Mid-sized beach style u-shaped kitchen in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, a peninsula, white benchtop and shaker cabinets.

Bright Blue & White Kitchen

Haus Interior Design

Traditional kitchen in DC Metro with shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, stone slab splashback, light hardwood floors, with island and white benchtop.

Classic With a New Angle

Studio Dearborn

This expansive Victorian had tremendous historic charm but hadn’t seen a kitchen renovation since the 1950s. The homeowners wanted to take advantage of their views of the backyard and raised the roof and pushed the kitchen into the back of the house, where expansive windows could allow southern light into the kitchen all day. A warm historic gray/beige was chosen for the cabinetry, which was contrasted with character oak cabinetry on the appliance wall and bar in a modern chevron detail. Kitchen Design: Sarah Robertson, Studio Dearborn Architect: Ned Stoll, Interior finishes Tami Wassong Interiors

My Houzz: Modernized Tudor-Inspired Family Home in Chicago

Rachel Loewen Photography

Photo: Rachel Loewen © 2019 Houzz
This is an example of a scandinavian open plan kitchen in Chicago with black cabinets, white splashback, subway tile splashback, light hardwood floors, with island, white benchtop, exposed beam and shaker cabinets.

Hermann Homestead

Integrated Resources Group

Design by Gina Rachelle Design. Photography by Max Maloney.
Design ideas for a transitional galley kitchen in San Francisco with shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, wood benchtops, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and grey benchtop.

Transitional Kitchen

This is an example of a transitional kitchen in Denver with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, multi-coloured splashback, matchstick tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island, white benchtop and light hardwood floors.

Kitchen Renovations

Evergreen Building Group, LLC.

Lots of light and large open space make this kitchen a winner. The large island is great for entertaining and a fantastic workspace. Large circular pendant lights and undercabinet lighting enhance the natural light entering from the large picture windows.

Function & Style: Modern Kitchen Redesign

Interiors by Popov

Inspiration for a small modern kitchen in Seattle with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors and brown floor.

Jersey Street Residency

Hayasa Flooring Design, Inc

Photo of a mid-sized modern l-shaped open plan kitchen in San Francisco with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor, glass sheet splashback and grey benchtop.

2015 Midwest Home Luxury Home #4 - John Kraemer & Sons

Spacecrafting / Architectural Photography

Builder: John Kraemer & Sons, Inc. - Architect: Charlie & Co. Design, Ltd. - Interior Design: Martha O’Hara Interiors - Photo: Spacecrafting Photography

Naples remodel condo

Little Palm Design Group

Photo of a large beach style u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Miami with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, blue splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors and with island.

Interior 1709

Alyssa Collins Design

Large traditional u-shaped open plan kitchen in Oklahoma City with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, beige cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, white benchtop and exposed beam.

The Many Kitchens of Boyer Building

Boyer Building Corporation

Beautifully remodeled kitchen in Eden Prairie, MN showcases an abundance of light, white custom cabinetry and white oak island and new floor.
Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional u-shaped open plan kitchen in Minneapolis with a drop-in sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, beige splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and grey benchtop.

Fishtown Row

Wyant Architecture

A rich palette of color and natural materials adds warmth and visual drama to the new kitchen.
Photo of a mid-sized transitional single-wall eat-in kitchen in Philadelphia with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, green cabinets, soapstone benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and black benchtop.

Arnos Grove Garden Apartment

VORBILD Architecture

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped kitchen in London with a single-bowl sink, louvered cabinets, wood benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and brown benchtop.

Winterset Renovation

Morris Lare

A built-in custom coffee bar cabinet with a pull-out shelf and pot filler. White oak island.
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, green cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, white appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and white benchtop.

Winterset Renovation

Morris Lare

Photo of a mid-sized traditional eat-in kitchen in Other with light hardwood floors.

Classic British Kitchen in Ashington, West Sussex

Alexander Kitchens

Authentic British Kitchen in Worthing, West Sussex A traditional kitchen with handmade cabinetry and dovetail joinery was required for this sunny seaside renovation. The Brief An ultra-luxurious, authentic kitchen was required for this development project undertaken by our contract department. To tie in with high ceilings and sash windows a traditional theme was sought to impress potential suitors of this wonderful property. The property is a four-storey townhouse near to the seaside in Worthing and has been developed to an exceptional standard for a private client. Design Elements The developer already had an idea of the layout of the space, with a wall-to-wall run and island as the preferred configuration. To add the authentic, traditional element to the project our handmade British kitchen option from Mereway Kitchens was required, boasting handmade cabinetry and dovetail joinery. A Diamond Grey finish has been opted for, which combines nicely with the sparkling quartz work surfaces. Special Inclusions To match the premium furnishings with premium functionality, a combination of Siemens cooking appliances has been utilised. Notable inclusions are a Siemens warming drawer, a combination oven and a Caple wine cabinet. Integrated appliances have been opted for in the form of Siemens refrigerator, freezer and dishwasher. Project Highlight The real standout of this project is the handmade cabinetry, which matches the grandeur of this property in every way. The dovetailed oak joinery is exhibited across all drawers and cupboards in this kitchen space. Understated door knobs and cup handles have been chosen to match the traditional style. The End Result This project is a fantastic example of the exceptional handcrafted cabinetry that we can offer from our British supplier. The detail and special inclusions add a fantastic allure to this kitchen thanks to a great design and installation from our contracts team. If you are looking for a traditional handmade kitchen then our handcrafted British option may be just what you require. Talk to our design team about upgrading your kitchen today.

Contemporary Coastal Kitchen & Laundry

Revamper Interior Design

We were approached by our lovely customers in the heart of Cronulla to design a Coastal inspired Kitchen, Laundry, Ensuite and Main Bathroom. Take a look at the before photos to see how this project has evolved. The transformation is dramatic to say the least. The Kitchen was the area that required the most attention in terms of use of space. The original kitchen felt small and lacked natural light, coupled with the dark cabinetry and lack of workable bench space the kitchen was in serious need of some love. We were able to breath a breathe of fresh air into this space by removing a wall that separated the kitchen and dining room and also by removing the wall adjacent to the stairwell. By making use of the space under the stairs and relocating the water heater we were able to free up some width in the room which allowed us to incorporate an island into the design. This created much needed work space but also improved the flow through the kitchen. With light now flooding in from the patio doors and the addition of timber slatted, feature stairwell divide, the kitchen now feels light, bright and airy. The vertical slats in the stairwell carry on a consistent theme from the main kitchen which showcases vertical VJ groove doors. The complimenting timber elements and honed stone benchtops coupled with the blue shades through the tiles and island joinery tie the space together with multiple layers of colour and texture. The laundry behind the kitchen continues the same theme but is given its own personality through the choice of light timber benchtop and grey/white terrazzo inspired floor tiles, that really capture the beach side feels. Upstairs in the bathrooms a very neutral palette of whites and greys was used to keep the space feeling clean and fresh. Some warmth was brought into the bathroom with the inclusion of timber vanities and some texture through the handmade subway tiles on the feature walls.

Grey Kitchen with Light Hardwood Floors 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!