This cozy, newly remodeled kitchen in Alexandria feels brighter and more open to the homeowners. The top half of the wall between the rear entrance and the eat-in area of the kitchen was removed, and the entryway between a rear addition and the kitchen was widened by about 9 inches. The resulting breakfast nook is now filled with natural light, and the glass table and new rustic pendant light add to its peaceful ambiance. Photographer Greg Hadley

Perfectly formed

Kitchen Architecture Ltd

Inspiration for a modern galley eat-in kitchen in Cheshire with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors and with island.

Porter Ranch Kitchen

A.S.D. Interiors - Shirry Dolgin, Owner

Photo of a mid-sized transitional eat-in kitchen in Los Angeles with quartz benchtops, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island, a double-bowl sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, beige splashback and ceramic floors.

Platopolis Condominums

Mobalpa

Joanie Charlebois - Designer | Cuisiniste. Rodolf Noel - Photographer.
Photo of a small modern single-wall open plan kitchen in Montreal with with island, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, a double-bowl sink, laminate benchtops, green splashback, stainless steel appliances and light hardwood floors.

Leland Cottage

Bradley Wheeler Architecture & Construction, Inc.

Bradley Wheeler, AIA, LEED AP
This is an example of a small transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Other with a double-bowl sink, beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, laminate benchtops, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors and with island.

Kitchen Addition in Somerset, NJ

IMPROVE or MOVE

Kitchen view
This is an example of a mid-sized arts and crafts l-shaped open plan kitchen in New York with a double-bowl sink, raised-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, granite benchtops, beige splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors and with island.

Marinaside Kitchen

Level One Construction

Compatibility with existing structure This project involved rethinking the space by discovering new solutions within the same sq-footage. Through a development city permit process we were able to legally remove the enclosed solarium sliding doors and pocket-door to integrate the kitchen with the rest of the space. The result, two dysfunctional spaces now transformed into one dramatic and free-flowing space which fueled our client’s passion for entertaining and cooking. A unique challenge involved integrating the remaining wall “pillar” into the design. It was created to house the building plumbing stack and some electrical. By integrating the island’s main countertop around the pillar with 3”x6” ceramic tiles we are able to add visual flavour to the space without jeopardizing the end result. Functionality and efficient use of space Kitchen cabinetry with pull-out doors and drawers added much needed storage to a cramped kitchen. Further, adding 3 floor-to-ceiling pantries helped increase storage by more than 300% Extended quartz counter features a casual eating bar, with plenty of workspace and an undermounted sink for easy maintenance when cleaning countertops. A larger island with extra seating made the kitchen a hub for all things entertainment. Creativity in design and details Customizing out-of-the-box standard cabinetry gives full-height storage at a price significantly less than custom millwork. Housing the old fridge into an extra deep upper cabinet and incasing it with side gables created an integrated look to a “like-new” appliance. Pot lights, task lights, and under cabinet lighting was added using a 3-way remote controlled dimmer assuring great lighting on a dark day. Environmental considerations/features The kitchen features: low-flow motion sensor faucet. Low-voltage pot lights with dimmers. 3, 3-way dimmer switches with remote control technology to create amazing ambiance in an environmentally friendly way. This meant we didn’t need to run new 3-way wiring, open walls, thus, avoiding extra work and debris. Re using the “like-new” Energy-efficient appliances saved the client money.

Tuscan Kitchen #1

Bartlett's Fine Cabinetry

Inspiration for a large mediterranean u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Santa Barbara with a double-bowl sink, beaded inset cabinets, medium wood cabinets, granite benchtops, beige splashback, panelled appliances, ceramic floors and with island.

AoteaKitchen

Simone van der Plas Encompass Ideas

Paul McCredie Photography
This is an example of a modern l-shaped kitchen in Wellington with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors and with island.

Santa Fe Home

K. M. Skelly, Inc

Mid-sized u-shaped open plan kitchen in Albuquerque with a double-bowl sink, raised-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, soapstone benchtops, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island and medium hardwood floors.

Project Seven

Woods Design Builders

Photo of a mid-sized mediterranean l-shaped open plan kitchen in Albuquerque with a double-bowl sink, raised-panel cabinets, beige splashback, dark hardwood floors, with island, medium wood cabinets, granite benchtops and ceramic splashback.

Lake Minnetonka update

Partners 4, Design

Gilbertson Photography
Design ideas for an expansive contemporary galley eat-in kitchen in Minneapolis with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, white splashback, granite benchtops, porcelain splashback, panelled appliances, porcelain floors and with island.

Misc

Michelle Montgomery Interiors

Thermador Kitchen Design Contest - Regional Winner
Photo of a large transitional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Salt Lake City with a double-bowl sink, dark wood cabinets, white splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, marble benchtops, stone slab splashback, with island, brown floor and recessed-panel cabinets.

A Kitchen Designed for Family Gathering

Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes

• A busy family wanted to rejuvenate their entire first floor. As their family was growing, their spaces were getting more cramped and finding comfortable, usable space was no easy task. The goal of their remodel was to create a warm and inviting kitchen and family room, great room-like space that worked with the rest of the home’s floor plan. The focal point of the new kitchen is a large center island around which the family can gather to prepare meals. Exotic granite countertops and furniture quality light-colored cabinets provide a warm, inviting feel. Commercial-grade stainless steel appliances make this gourmet kitchen a great place to prepare large meals. A wide plank hardwood floor continues from the kitchen to the family room and beyond, tying the spaces together. The focal point of the family room is a beautiful stone fireplace hearth surrounded by built-in bookcases. Stunning craftsmanship created this beautiful wall of cabinetry which houses the home’s entertainment system. French doors lead out to the home’s deck and also let a lot of natural light into the space. From its beautiful, functional kitchen to its elegant, comfortable family room, this renovation achieved the homeowners’ goals. Now the entire family has a great space to gather and spend quality time.

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."

Painted & Patterned Kitchen

Studio 76 Kitchens and Baths

A northeast Ohio kitchen gets an extreme makeover with soft painted cabinets in white and pale green color. Warm green accents and a hard-working granite composite kitchen sink in the island gives this newly remodeled kitchen a gorgeous look in summer or winter.

Renovation | Wayne, PA

Period Architecture Ltd.

Angle Eye Photography
Design ideas for a traditional l-shaped separate kitchen in Philadelphia with a double-bowl sink, beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, multi-coloured splashback, stainless steel appliances, slate splashback, soapstone benchtops, medium hardwood floors, with island and brown floor.

Hundert Residence

Manchester Architects, Inc.

Elegant stair above kitchen space. Brent Moss Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary galley eat-in kitchen in Denver with flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, a double-bowl sink, granite benchtops, medium hardwood floors and with island.

Allikristé Coastal Custom Kitchen

AlliKristé Custom Cabinetry and Kitchen Design

This elegant coastal kitchen has its roots in a cottage style and Allikristé transformed the space into an upscale clean and crisp transitional feel.
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Tampa with subway tile splashback, white appliances, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, white splashback, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and a double-bowl sink.

Urban Cottage

J Steven Kemp Architect

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional separate kitchen in Atlanta with glass-front cabinets, panelled appliances, medium wood cabinets, a double-bowl sink, granite benchtops, white splashback, glass tile splashback, dark hardwood floors and with island.

Kitchen with a Double-bowl Sink and with Island 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!