Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary u-shaped kitchen in Other with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, grey splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors and a peninsula.

West Pennant Hills | Traditional Kitchen

Art of Kitchens Pty Ltd

This West Pennant Hills renovation had a two main objectives: to improve the space around the island and reorganise the storage space for greater efficiency. Designer David Bartlett turned his attention to the layout of the room and repositioned a number of elements to enhance the work flow. "We needed to create an efficient work triangle," he says, "and I needed to find a way to include more appliances within the space."

Kitchen with a View

Stuart Cohen & Julie Hacker Architects LLC

Jon Miller/Hedrich Blessing
Large contemporary u-shaped kitchen in Chicago with quartzite benchtops, a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors and with island.

Lindenwood House

New Key Construction

This is an example of a small contemporary galley kitchen in San Francisco with a double-bowl sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, grey splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, no island, brown floor and black benchtop.

Trowbridge 1

La Marco Homes

Beautiful kitchen and great room.
This is an example of an expansive transitional u-shaped open plan kitchen in Detroit with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and grey benchtop.

A Light Filled White Kitchen with Seafoam Accents

Amazing Spaces

Design ideas for a large traditional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in New York with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, green splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island, grey floor and grey benchtop.

The Rosseau

Quality Homes

Design ideas for a large transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Other with quartz benchtops, stainless steel appliances, a peninsula, white benchtop, a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, beige splashback, ceramic splashback, medium hardwood floors and brown floor.

Kitchen Remodel

Family Home Improvements

Mid-sized transitional galley eat-in kitchen with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, no island, grey floor and grey benchtop.

Hamptons House

Santamaria Design

This is an example of a mid-sized beach style l-shaped kitchen with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, light hardwood floors, with island, white benchtop, grey splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances and beige floor.

The Bullock Residence

Moneca Kaiser Design Build (MKDB)

Mid-sized modern l-shaped open plan kitchen in Ottawa with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, solid surface benchtops, grey splashback, mosaic tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, bamboo floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Hampden Modern

EastWing Architects

Photography by Coral Dove
Inspiration for a small modern single-wall eat-in kitchen in Baltimore with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Transitional Kitchen

Memar Interiors Inc

Inspiration for a 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.

Ebbe Lieberathsgata 16B - Homestyling och bostadsfoto

Studio In

Maja Ring - Studio In, Retouch Utsikten Foto
Design ideas for a small scandinavian single-wall eat-in kitchen in Gothenburg with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, black splashback, slate splashback, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors, no island, beige floor and black benchtop.

Westlake Project

Michelle Tumlin Design

Inspiration for a large mediterranean l-shaped open plan kitchen in Austin with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, marble benchtops and marble splashback.

Carpet One Design Gallery

Williams Carpet One

Photo of a small contemporary kitchen in Other with a double-bowl sink, white cabinets, solid surface benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, medium hardwood floors, with island, grey floor and black benchtop.

Killara

Nexgen Design & Construct

Small contemporary l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Sydney with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances and with island.

Our Work

Kimball Cabinet Installation LLC

Country l-shaped kitchen in Denver with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, beige splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island and beige floor.

White and Gray Shaker

Kaufmann Co.

Design ideas for a large contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Orlando with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, blue splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, concrete floors, with island and grey floor.

Kirrawee showroom

GSP Designer Kitchens and Bathrooms

Photo of a small contemporary single-wall separate kitchen in Sydney with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, white appliances and no island.

Classic Kitchen Expansion

User

Our approach to the dining room wall was a key decision for the entire project. The wall was load bearing and the homeowners considered only removing half of it. In the end, keeping the overall open concept design was important to the homeowners, therefore we installed a load bearing beam in the ceiling. The beam was finished with drywall to be cohesive so it looked like it was a part of the original design. Now that the kitchen and dining room were open, paint colors were used to designate the spaces and create visual boundaries. This made each area feel like it’s its own space without using any structures. The original L-shaped kitchen was cut short because of bay windows that overlooked the backyard patio. These windows were lost in the space and not functional; they were replaced with double French doors leading onto the patio. A brick layer was brought in to patch up the window swap and now it looks like the French doors always existed. New crown molding was installed throughout and painted to match the kitchen cabinets. This window/door replacement allowed for a large pantry cabinet to be installed next to the refrigerator which was not in the old cabinet configuration. The replaced perimeter cabinets host custom storage solutions, like a mixer stand, spice organization, recycling center and functional corner cabinet with pull out shelving. The perimeter kitchen cabinets are painted with a glaze and the island is a cherry stain with glaze to amplify the raised panel door style. We tripled the size of the kitchen island to expand countertop space. It seats five people and hosts charging stations for the family’s busy lifestyle. It was important that the cooktop in the island had a built in downdraft system because the homeowners did not want a ventilation hood in the center of the kitchen because it would obscure the open concept design. The countertops are quartz and feature an under mount granite composite kitchen sink with a low divide center. The kitchen faucet, which features hands free and touch technology, and an instant hot water dispenser were added for convenience because of the homeowners’ busy lifestyle. The backsplash is a favorite, with a teal and red glass mosaic basket weave design. It stands out and holds its own among the expansive kitchen cabinets. All recessed, under cabinet and decorative lights were installed on dimmer switches to allow the homeowners to adjust the lighting in each space of the project. All exterior and interior door hardware, hinges and knobs were replaced in oil rubbed bronze to match the dark stain throughout the space. The entire first floor remodel project uses 12x24 ceramic tile laid in a herringbone pattern. Since tile is typically cold, the flooring was also heated from below. This will also help with the homeowners’ original heating issues. When accessorizing the kitchen, we used functional, everyday items the homeowners use like cutting boards, canisters for dry goods and place settings on the island. Ultimately, this project transformed their small, outdated kitchen into an expansive and functional workspace.

Kitchen with a Double-bowl Sink and White 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!