Mid-sized contemporary l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Sydney with white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, with island, white benchtop, a double-bowl sink, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, brown floor, flat-panel cabinets and dark hardwood floors.

Kingswood Residence

MH-YL Studio

Contemporary take on a traditional shaker style kitchen with reeded glass doors, timber accents and large island.
Inspiration for a large contemporary galley eat-in kitchen in Adelaide with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, engineered quartz splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Kitchens

O'Meara Jones

Photo of an expansive transitional open plan kitchen in Sydney with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, dark hardwood floors, with island, white benchtop and vaulted.

Summer Hill Complete Renovation & Restoration

Denby Dowling Interiors

The brief was to restore the home to its former glory whilst accommodating existing cherished furnishings, to include the Chesterfield sofa, coffee table, dining table & chairs, Persian rug & hall runners. To make the quirky furnishings work with the Victorian restoration I balanced bold colours & textures with more traditional flooring & timber veneer colours throughout the home. The kitchen pendant light is a custom designed piece in collaboration with Magins Lighting. The orange splash back tiles (hand made through DeLorenzo Tiles) compliment the dining & lounge floor rugs & balance the room. The blue grout - the icing on the eclectic cake!

Kitchen Remodels

USI Design & Remodeling

Inspiration for an expansive traditional l-shaped kitchen in Dallas with dark hardwood floors, with island, a double-bowl sink, recessed-panel cabinets, black cabinets, grey splashback, panelled appliances and brown floor.

Breezy San Diego Family Home

Breeze Giannasio Interiors

Meghan Bob Photography
Photo of a large transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in San Diego with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, solid surface benchtops, grey splashback, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors and with island.

Kitchens

AK Construction Enterprises Inc.

Unique green kitchen design with glass window cabinets, beautiful dark island, quartzite leather finish counter tops, counter tops, counter to ceiling backslash and beautiful stainless steel appliances.

Contemporary British Kitchen Project in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex

Alexander Kitchens

The Brief This Shoreham-by-Sea client sought a kitchen improvement to make the most of a sunny extension space. As part of the project new flooring was also required, which was to run from the front porch of the property to the rear bi-fold doors. A theme with a nod to this client’s seaside location was favoured, as well as a design that maximised storage space. An island was also a key desirable of this project brief. Design Elements A combination of Tyrolean Blue and Oak furniture have been utilised, creating the coastal theme that this client favoured. These finishes are from British supplier Mereway, and have been used in their handleless option. The layout groups most of the functional kitchen areas together, with the extension part of the kitchen equipped with plenty of storage and an area to store decorative items. Aron has incorporated an island space as this client required. It’s a thin island purposefully, ensuring there is plenty of space for the clients dining area. Special Inclusions As part of the project, this client sought to improve their appliance functionality. Incorporating Neff models for an integrated fridge-freezer, integrated washing machine, single oven and a combination microwave. A BORA X Pure is placed upon the island and combines an 83cm induction surface with a powerful built-in extraction system. The X Pure venting hob is equipped with two oversized cooking zones, which can fit several pots and pans, or can even be used with the BORA grill pan. Additionally, a 30cm wine cabinet has been built into furniture at the extension area of the kitchen. This is a new Neff model that can cool up to twenty-one standard wine bottles. Above the sink area a Quooker 100°C boiling water tap can also be spotted. This is their famous Flex model, which is equipped with a pull-out nozzle, and is shown in the stainless-steel finish. Project Highlight The extension area of the project is a fantastic highlight. It provides plenty of storage as the client required, but also doubles as an area to store decorative items. In the extension area designer Aron has made great use of lighting options, integrating spotlights into each storage cubbyhole, as well as beneath wall units in this area and throughout the kitchen. The End Result This project achieves all the elements of the brief, incorporating a coastal theme, plenty of storage space, an island area, and a new array of high-tech appliances. Thanks to our complete installation option this client also undertook a complete flooring improvement, as well as a full plastering of all downstairs ceilings. If you are seeking to make a similar transformation to your kitchen, arranging a free appointment with one of our expert designers may be the best place to start. Request a callback or arrange a free design consultation today.

Westlake Hideaway

Ashby Collective

Design ideas for an expansive midcentury l-shaped open plan kitchen in Austin with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, grey splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and grey benchtop.

Bellevue - Contemporary Kitchen

Gallagher Construction

pull out trash cans
Photo of a mid-sized modern u-shaped kitchen in Seattle with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors and white benchtop.

Kitchen | Two-Tone Cabinets | Cambria Quartz | Arabesque Marble Backsplash

WREEDONE ("re-done")

This customer wanted to completely update the kitchen making it more modern, in preparation for possibly selling it in the next few years. The design, which included two-tone base and upper cabinets, Cambria SummerHill Quartz, chrome cabinet hardware, arabesque marble backsplash tile, and undercabinet lighting made the final product simply stellar!

New Construction in Charlotte, NC

Walker Woodworking

This large, custom kitchen has multiple built-ins and a large, cerused oak island. There is tons of storage and this kitchen was designed to be functional for a busy family that loves to entertain guests.

Transitional Kitchen

Memar Interiors Inc

Large transitional u-shaped open plan kitchen in Dallas with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and turquoise benchtop.

Clean Rustic Contrasts

Lampert Lumber

Denise Baur Photography
Large country u-shaped separate kitchen in Minneapolis with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island and brown floor.

Tangletown Mediterranean Villa

David Heide Design Studio

Architecture & Interior Design: David Heide Design Studio Photo: Susan Gilmore Photography
Inspiration for a mediterranean u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Minneapolis with a double-bowl sink, recessed-panel cabinets, green cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island and brown floor.

MBD Kitchen

Marble Builder Direct

Inspiration for a large traditional l-shaped kitchen in Cleveland with a double-bowl sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, blue splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island and brown floor.

Kitchen Island

Radue Homes Inc.

Lighting, Furniture, Back Splash: Inspired Spaces
Design ideas for a mid-sized modern galley eat-in kitchen in Milwaukee with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, brown cabinets, granite benchtops, grey splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island and brown floor.

Contemporary Kitchen Remodel - South San Jose, CA

CAGE Design Build

Contemporary Kitchen Remodel featuring DeWils cabinetry in Maple with Just White finish and Kennewick door style, sleek concrete quartz countertop at the main counter and jet black quartz countertop at the island, stainless steel and glass pendant lighting, recessed ceiling detail | Photo: CAGE Design Build

Spanish Kitchen details in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara Home Design

Design Consultant Jeff Doubét is the author of Creating Spanish Style Homes: Before & After – Techniques – Designs – Insights. The 240 page “Design Consultation in a Book” is now available. Please visit SantaBarbaraHomeDesigner.com for more info. Jeff Doubét specializes in Santa Barbara style home and landscape designs. To learn more info about the variety of custom design services I offer, please visit SantaBarbaraHomeDesigner.com Jeff Doubét is the Founder of Santa Barbara Home Design - a design studio based in Santa Barbara, California USA.

Iris Hollow Model

Sharif & Munir Custom Homes, Inc.

Dan Piassick
Inspiration for an expansive contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Dallas with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, marble benchtops, brown splashback, mosaic tile splashback, dark hardwood floors, with island and stainless steel appliances.

Kitchen with a Double-bowl Sink and Dark 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!