Joshua Lawrence
Photo of a mid-sized transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Vancouver with an undermount sink, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop, recessed-panel cabinets and subway tile splashback.

Seaholm Penthouse

Root Architecture

Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional galley open plan kitchen in Austin with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island, white benchtop, quartzite benchtops, mosaic tile splashback, light hardwood floors and beige floor.

Communities - Herriman, UT (37)

Magleby Construction

Large contemporary u-shaped open plan kitchen in Salt Lake City with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, marble benchtops, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, medium wood cabinets, white splashback and white benchtop.

Oak Kitchen Makeover

Designs by BSB

The clients believed the peninsula footprint was required due to the unique entry points from the hallway leading to the dining room and the foyer. The new island increases storage, counters and a more pleasant flow of traffic from all directions. The biggest challenge was trying to make the structural beam that ran perpendicular to the space work in a new design; it was off center and difficult to balance the cabinetry and functional spaces to work with it. In the end it was decided to increase the budget and invest in moving the header in the ceiling to achieve the best design, esthetically and funcationlly. Specific storage designed to meet the clients requests include: - pocket doors at counter tops for everyday appliances - deep drawers for pots, pans and Tupperware - island includes designated zone for baking supplies - tall and shallow pantry/food storage for easy access near island - pull out spice near cooking - tray dividers for assorted baking pans/sheets, cutting boards and numerous other serving trays - cutlery and knife inserts and built in trash/recycle bins to keep things organized and convenient to use, out of sight - custom design hutch to hold various, yet special dishes and silverware Elements of design chosen to meet the clients wishes include: - painted cabinetry to lighten up the room that lacks windows and give relief/contrast to the expansive wood floors - monochromatic colors throughout give peaceful yet elegant atmosphere o stained island provides interest and warmth with wood, but still unique in having a different stain than the wood floors – this is repeated in the tile mosaic backsplash behind the rangetop - punch of fun color used on hutch for a unique, furniture feel - carefully chosen detailed embellishments like the tile mosaic, valance toe boards, furniture base board around island, and island pendants are traditional details to not only the architecture of the home, but also the client’s furniture and décor. - Paneled refrigerator minimizes the large appliance, help keeping an elegant feel Superior cooking equipment includes a combi-steam oven, convection wall ovens paired with a built-in refrigerator with interior air filtration to better preserve fresh foods. Photography by Gregg Willett

Sothend Kitchen

Neil Davis

neil davis
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary eat-in kitchen in Other with flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, terrazzo floors, with island and multi-coloured floor.

Modern Kitchen with Island and Breakfast Bar - Southfields, London

Elan Kitchens

This is an example of a large modern galley kitchen in London with flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Dan New Build

KBW Morgantown (Kitchens By Woodys)

Photo of an arts and crafts l-shaped kitchen in Huntington with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, medium wood cabinets, wood benchtops, green splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and brown benchtop.

Herringbone Brick Ceiling

Fratantoni Design / Residential Architects

Incorporating architectural design elements such as this herringbone ceiling, custom hood and range, wood floor, and custom backsplash create the perfect kitchen.

K Residence 2 Noida

Kumar Moorthy & Associates

Photo of a large contemporary separate kitchen in Delhi with flat-panel cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, concrete floors, multiple islands, grey floor and white benchtop.

935 17th Ave NE

Aspen Venture Group

Photo of a mediterranean l-shaped kitchen in Tampa with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white splashback, mosaic tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Blue Sky Thinking

Mowlem & Co

This bespoke ‘Heritage’ hand-painted oak kitchen by Mowlem & Co pays homage to classical English design principles, reinterpreted for a contemporary lifestyle. Created for a period family home in a former rectory in Sussex, the design features a distinctive free-standing island unit in an unframed style, painted in Farrow & Ball’s ‘Railings’ shade and fitted with Belgian Fossil marble worktops. At one end of the island a reclaimed butchers block has been fitted (with exposed bolts as an accent feature) to serve as both a chopping block and preparation area and an impromptu breakfast bar when needed. Distressed wicker bar stools add to the charming ambience of this warm and welcoming scheme. The framed fitted cabinetry, full height along one wall, are painted in Farrow & Ball ‘Purbeck Stone’ and feature solid oak drawer boxes with dovetail joints to their beautifully finished interiors, which house ample, carefully customised storage. Full of character, from the elegant proportions to the finest details, the scheme includes distinctive latch style handles and a touch of glamour on the form of a sliver leaf glass splashback, and industrial style pendant lamps with copper interiors for a warm, golden glow. Appliances for family that loves to cook include a powerful Westye range cooker, a generous built-in Gaggenau fridge freezer and dishwasher, a bespoke Westin extractor, a Quooker boiling water tap and a KWC Inox spray tap over a Sterling stainless steel sink. Designer Jane Stewart says, “The beautiful old rectory building itself was a key inspiration for the design, which needed to have full contemporary functionality while honouring the architecture and personality of the property. We wanted to pay homage to influences such as the Arts & Crafts movement and Lutyens while making this a unique scheme tailored carefully to the needs and tastes of a busy modern family.”

Gonzales Hill Rebuild

MDRN Built Ltd

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped open plan kitchen in Other with flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, white benchtop, an undermount sink and beige floor.

No. 17.1

Cloisters Design Ltd

Photo of a mid-sized modern galley kitchen in Hertfordshire with flat-panel cabinets, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor, grey benchtop, an undermount sink and white cabinets.

Scandi | Timber | White

Hastings Design

Art Department Creative
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary galley kitchen in Adelaide with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, concrete floors, with island, grey floor and grey benchtop.

River's End

Pineapple House Interior Design

There is abundant storage in this kitchen. It offers a wall of decorative cabinetry and two islands. The wall of cabinets include a door into a large walk-in pantry located behind the cabinetry’s façade, which is a fun surprise for visitors. Antique, mirrored glass-door cabinets flank the kitchen hood and a pop-up television raises from front island’s quartzite countertop when the cook or guests want to engage. In this photo, the vase and bowl are covering the tv's quartzite cover.

New Home Construction Venice Beach Kitchen

Goldenline Construction Inc.

Photo of a large beach style u-shaped open plan kitchen in Los Angeles with flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, granite benchtops, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, multi-coloured benchtop, an undermount sink, grey splashback, cement tile splashback and beige floor.

Georgetown, DC - Transitional - Kitchen

Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath

Georgetown, DC Transitional Kitchen Design by #SarahTurner4JenniferGilmer in collaboration with architect Christian Zapatka. http://www.gilmerkitchens.com/ Photography by John Cole

Peak Performance

JayJeffers

Matthew Millman
This is an example of a contemporary galley open plan kitchen in San Francisco with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, concrete benchtops, grey splashback, stone tile splashback, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and grey benchtop.

Family Beach Retreat

Mark Macco Architects

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Jacksonville with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, grey splashback, limestone splashback, stainless steel appliances, ceramic floors, with island, grey floor and white benchtop.

CUISINE RUE DES ÉCOLES / PARIS V

KOPO, Cabinet d'habitat Cuisiniste/ Décorateur

Contemporary l-shaped kitchen in Nantes with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, beige splashback, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and beige floor.

All Islands Two Tone Kitchen Cabinets 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!