Martinkovic Milford Architects services the San Francisco Bay Area. Learn more about our specialties and past projects at: www.martinkovicmilford.com/houzz

Hospitality | Terranea Resort | Palos Verdes, CA

Barclay Butera Interiors

Large mediterranean galley open plan kitchen in Orange County with a double-bowl sink, raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartzite benchtops, beige splashback, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors and with island.

Kitchen Design

Cabinetry & Design by GBS

Inspiration for a mid-sized modern l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Other with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, white splashback, timber splashback, stainless steel appliances, ceramic floors and no island.

The Diplomat

Dan Brunn Architecture

Brandon Shigeta
Design ideas for a large modern l-shaped open plan kitchen in Los Angeles with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors and with island.

poolhouse

Stylecraft Homes and Renovations

Photo of a large modern u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Charlotte with a double-bowl sink, raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite benchtops, beige splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, travertine floors and a peninsula.

3 Chambord - The Dominion

K. Miller Interiors

Photo Courtesy: Siggi Ragnar.
This is an example of an expansive mediterranean u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Austin with a double-bowl sink, raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite benchtops, beige splashback, limestone splashback, panelled appliances, travertine floors and multiple islands.

Gorgeous Kitchen Remodel

Moss Building & Design

Photo of a mid-sized modern l-shaped eat-in kitchen in DC Metro with a double-bowl sink, raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, multi-coloured splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors and with island.

Kitchen

Synthesis Design Inc.

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Vancouver with subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white splashback, granite benchtops and black benchtop.

Cozy Conversational Kitchen Remodel - St. Charles, IL

Drury Design

Dark-stained maple Grabill cabinets with contrasting Bianco Antico granite countertops allow for an eye-catching design. Simple gray-toned subway tile with a glass accent create a subtle traditional backdrop in the kitchen. Stainless Viking appliances and medium-toned 4” wide plank Red Oak floors keep the space feeling contemporary. A crystal chandelier centered above the peninsula compliments the crystal knobs on the custom wine cabinetry and creates a striking focal point while still allowing for a sense of cohesion in the room.

Ranch 55

Catherine Garrison Architect, Inc

This is an example of a large midcentury l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Los Angeles with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartzite benchtops, green splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, cork floors, with island, beige floor, grey benchtop and exposed beam.

Fisher Parade

Alliance Architecture Ltd

Open kitchen with island and seating.
Design ideas for a large contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Other with a double-bowl sink, recessed-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island and brown floor.

Dark Traditional Kitchen

Maureen's LLC

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Other with a double-bowl sink, raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, mosaic tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, travertine floors, with island and beige floor.

Kitchen Remodel

Nixon Construction

Design ideas for a large traditional u-shaped open plan kitchen in Tampa with a double-bowl sink, recessed-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, marble benchtops, beige splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, ceramic floors, with island and brown floor.

Kitchen Renovation - St. Laurent, Qc

SCD - Design & Construction

Kitchen renovation and design by SCD Design & Construction. L shaped kitchens are a great way to maximize the space of your kitchen. This means more space to put gorgeous dark wood cabinets, and more counter space! Remember, islands also count as counter space, so always try to fit one in! Take your lifestyle to new heights with SCD Design & Construction.

Pasadena CA Condo Remodel

Marlene Oliphant Designs LLC

This kitchen was designed for a married couple who are gourmet cooks and wine enthusiasts. All of the appliances are Viking. There is a tall pantry cabinet and corner desk area at the far end. To the left of the cooktop, the wall was opened up to a serving counter with stools on the other side and a view to the living room. Gold granite tops mahogany cabinetry. The floor tile is porcelain, a weave of 12 x 24 tiles with a 6x6-inch tile accent. Both the floor and backsplash tiles are by Crossville. Photo by Harry Chamberlain

Bayou Kitchen

In Detail Interiors

This new home is a study in eclectic contrasts. The client loves modern design yet still wanted to blend a bit of her southern traditional heritage into the overall feel of her new home. The goal and challenge was to combine functionality in a large space with unique details that spoke to the client’s love of artisitic creativity and rich materials. With 14 foot ceilings the challenge was to not let the kitchen space “underwhelm” the rest of the open floor plan as the kitchen, dining and great room all are part of the larger footprint. To this end, we designed a modern enclosure that allowed additional height and heft to help balance the “weight” of the kitchen with the other areas. The long island designed for entertaining features a custom designed iron “table” housing the microwave drawer and topped with a checkboard endgrain cherry and walnut wood top. This second “island” is part of the rich details that define the kitchen. The upper cabinets have unusual triple ring iron inserts, again, designed for the unexpected use of material richness..along with the antique mirror rather than glass as the background. The platter rack on the end of the left side elevation also replicates the iron using it for the dowels. The panels on the Subzero refrigerator are crafted from burled walnut veneer chosen to echo the browns and blacks throughout much of the furnishings. The client did not want or need a large range as we planned a second ancillary oven for the pantry/laundry space around the corner. When I pointed out the capacity of the Wolf 36 inch range was actually larger than a 30 inch oven, it sealed the deal for only one oven in the main cooking center. We did not want the cooking area to be dwarfed however, so used a custom black cold rolled steel hood that is 60 inches long. The panels on the Sub Zero refrigerator are another blend of eclectic materials. Along the left side cabinetry where the cabinets die into the wall, we chose to run the calcutta gold marble 4x16 stone up the wall and utilize thick glass shelves for some visual interest in this corner. Also, this corner would be tough to access with doors. I liked the prep sink area to feel open and airy as well. This beautiful kitchen is quite unique that combines functionality in a large space with one of a kind details!

Bespoke Interiors

Tonic Interiors

Stunning Open Plan Kitchen with Extra Large Island. Features Book matched Marble. Four Ovens, Wine Fridge and Teppanyaki Grill.
Large contemporary kitchen in Other with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island, grey floor and white benchtop.

Madison County Cabinets

Madison County Cabinets, Inc.

Design ideas for a large transitional u-shaped separate kitchen in Indianapolis with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, grey splashback, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, white benchtop, dark wood cabinets, solid surface benchtops, metal splashback and brown floor.

Silicon Valley Contemporary Kitchen

Design Theory Interiors, LLC

Large contemporary u-shaped open plan kitchen in Atlanta with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island and brown floor.

Farmhouse Kitchen

Sonya Cotter

The bespoke steel frame that clads the stone add to materiality and durability. Stone Kitchen Island Detail. Limestone flooring.
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary single-wall eat-in kitchen in Auckland with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, black appliances, limestone floors and with island.

Kitchen with a Double-bowl Sink and Dark Wood Cabinets 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!