Large contemporary l-shaped open plan kitchen in Sydney with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, quartzite benchtops, stone slab splashback, with island, brown floor, vaulted, white cabinets, beige splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors and beige benchtop.

Glebe Kitchen - Front

Matter Design & Make Pty Ltd

Our client approached Matter in late 2019 for a new kitchen. While the existing kitchen had a reasonable layout and some great features, the cupboards weren’t optimising the space to its full potential, particularly for storage. Noting that the old kitchen aged very quickly, our client wanted the new kitchen to be constructed entirely from plywood—liking the appearance and strength of the material. They also loved vibrant use of colour and suggested we look at the kitchens featured in films by the Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar for inspiration. The result was a playful mix of hand painted navy, light blue and retro orange in combination with a ‘raw’ effect from the birch plywood. To save on cost and waste, we decided to keep certain components of the kitchen that have remained in very good condition. Some of these included the stainless steel bench tops and oven/range hood stack, as well as a polished concrete island bench top. We replaced most of the cupboards with drawer units specifically tailored to fit our client's extensive collection of cookware and appliances with adjustable partitions. An integrated Hideaway rubbish bin free’s up circulation space and a Kesseböhmer pull-out pantry will ensure no bottle of spice is ever lost to the back of a cupboard again.

Classic Contemporary Victorian Family Home

Humphrey Munson

When the homeowners purchased this Victorian family home, they immediately set about planning the extension that would create a more viable space for an open plan kitchen, dining and living area. Approximately two years later their dream home is now finished. The extension was designed off the original kitchen and has a large roof lantern that sits directly above the main kitchen and soft seating area beyond. French windows open out onto the garden which is perfect for the summer months. This is truly a classic contemporary space that feels so calm and collected when you walk in – the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of modern family living. Carefully zoning the kitchen, dining and living areas was the key to the success of this project and it works perfectly. The classic Lacanche range cooker is housed in a false chimney that is designed to suit the proportion and scale of the room perfectly. The Lacanche oven is the 100cm Cluny model with two large ovens – one static and one dual function static / convection with a classic 5 burner gas hob. Finished in stainless steel with a brass trim, this classic French oven looks completely at home in this Humphrey Munson kitchen. The main prep area is on the island positioned directly in front of the main cooking run, with a prep sink handily located to the left hand side. There is seating for three at the island with a breakfast bar at the opposite end to the prep sink which is conveniently located near to the banquette dining area. Delineated from the prep area by the natural wooden worktop finished in Portobello oak (the same accent wood used throughout the kitchen), the breakfast bar is a great spot for serving drinks to friends before dinner or for the children to have their meals at breakfast time and after school. The sink run is on the other side of the L shape in this kitchen and it has open artisan shelves above for storing everyday items like glassware and tableware. Either side of the sink is an integrated Miele dishwasher and a pull out Eurocargo bin to make clearing away dishes really easy. The use of open shelving here really helps the space to feel open and calm and there is a curved countertop cupboard in the corner providing space for storing teas, coffees and biscuits so that everything is to hand when making hot drinks. The Fisher & Paykel fridge freezer has Nickleby cabinetry surrounding it with space above for storing cookbooks but there is also another under-counter fridge in the island for additional cold food storage. The cook’s pantry provides masses of storage for dry ingredients as well as housing the freestanding microwave which is always a fantastic option when you want to keep integrated appliances to a minimum in order to maximise storage space in the main kitchen. Hardware throughout this kitchen is antique brass – this is a living finish that weathers with use over time. The glass globe pendant lighting above the island was designed by us and has antique brass hardware too. The flooring is Babington limestone tumbled which has bags of character thanks to the natural fissures within the stone and creates the perfect flooring choice for this classic contemporary kitchen. Photo Credit: Paul Craig

Architectural Designs House Plan 14637RK Client-Built in Virginia

Architectural Designs

Inspiration for a country l-shaped kitchen in Other with marble benchtops, white splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, white benchtop, shaker cabinets, white cabinets and subway tile splashback.

Two-Toned Warm Kitchen Remodel

Karr Bick Kitchen and Bath

This is an example of a mid-sized transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in St Louis with an undermount sink, light wood cabinets, quartzite benchtops, beige splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island, brown floor, grey benchtop, shaker cabinets and dark hardwood floors.

Chez moi, Fontagard

Adrien Granchere

Inspiration for a contemporary l-shaped kitchen in Bordeaux with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, wood benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and beige benchtop.

Modern Kitchen

Angela Inzerillo Design, LLC

Inspiration for a modern u-shaped kitchen in New York with flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, concrete benchtops, grey splashback, stainless steel appliances, grey floor and grey benchtop.

California Coastal, Mid-Century Modern Home Build in Laguna

Corbin Reeves Construction

Design ideas for a large modern l-shaped open plan kitchen in Orange County with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, mirror splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island, beige floor, white benchtop and marble benchtops.

Spruce Project

Dane Cronin Photography

Dane Cronin
Design ideas for a midcentury kitchen in Denver with an integrated sink, open cabinets, stainless steel benchtops, metallic splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors and with island.

Laurelwood

Webber + Studio, Architects

Casey Woods Photography
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary eat-in kitchen in Austin with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, solid surface benchtops, grey splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island, white benchtop and light hardwood floors.

Appleton Project- Venice Beach

Silicon Bay

This kitchen flips the standard model in contemporary kitchens with blonde wood cabinets and dark marble countertops. This fresh take keeps with the flow of the other rooms in this open concept floor home but use the black accents to set it apart. The kitchen island seating also gives a unique twist to the standard barstool making it a true eat in kitchen.

Fort Greene New Construction

New York Woodwork, Inc.

These modern kitchens and built in closets were built for a two family home
Inspiration for a contemporary l-shaped kitchen in New York with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, white splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, no island and beige floor.

Custom Cabinetry - West Jordan, UT & Jackson, WY

Peppertree Kitchen & Bath

Design ideas for a large transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Salt Lake City with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, multiple islands, light wood cabinets, light hardwood floors and beige floor.

Contemporary Tuscan

TRG Architecture + Interior Design

Bernard Andre
Photo of a large contemporary l-shaped kitchen in San Francisco with an undermount sink, open cabinets, medium wood cabinets, multi-coloured splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, marble benchtops, mosaic tile splashback and beige floor.

An Arts and Crafts Kitchen in Kent by deVOL

deVOL Kitchens

Design ideas for a transitional kitchen in Other with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, wood benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors and with island.

Worthington, OH Mid-Century Modern Kitchen Remodel

NJW Construction

What this Mid-century modern home originally lacked in kitchen appeal it made up for in overall style and unique architectural home appeal. That appeal which reflects back to the turn of the century modernism movement was the driving force for this sleek yet simplistic kitchen design and remodel. Stainless steel aplliances, cabinetry hardware, counter tops and sink/faucet fixtures; removed wall and added peninsula with casual seating; custom cabinetry - horizontal oriented grain with quarter sawn red oak veneer - flat slab - full overlay doors; full height kitchen cabinets; glass tile - installed countertop to ceiling; floating wood shelving; Karli Moore Photography

Meander Road

Meriwether Inc

Photography by Corey Gaffer
Design ideas for a large traditional u-shaped kitchen in Minneapolis with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors and with island.

Family kitchen

Roundhouse

Roundhouse Urbo handless bespoke matt lacquer kitchen in Farrow & Ball Downpipe. Worksurface and splashback in Corian, Glacier White and on the island in stainless steel. Siemens appliances and Barazza flush / built-in gas hob. Westins ceiling extractor, Franke tap pull out nozzle in stainless steel and Quooker Boiling Water Tap. Evoline Power port pop up socket.

Lake House

Crisp Architects

Rob Karosis
Traditional u-shaped kitchen in New York with a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, beige cabinets, white splashback and stainless steel appliances.

Carriage House

Barbra Bright Design

Photo of a contemporary kitchen in Boston with granite benchtops and stainless steel appliances.

Kitchen with Stainless Steel Appliances 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!