Photo of a large scandinavian open plan kitchen in Other with a drop-in sink, beige cabinets, terrazzo benchtops, beige splashback, engineered quartz splashback, black appliances, light hardwood floors, a peninsula, brown floor, beige benchtop and vaulted.

The Mani

RJ Design Studio

Design ideas for a transitional u-shaped kitchen in Perth with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, black cabinets, white splashback, stone slab splashback, black appliances, dark hardwood floors, a peninsula, brown floor, white benchtop and vaulted.

Rittenhouse St Whole House Renovation

Jordan Design-Build Group

Expanding and updating the kitchen was our top priority – the new layout was designed to straddle the original house and the addition, creating work zones rather than the traditional work triangle. The modified galley layout more than doubled their countertop area and storage space. Extending the kitchen into the addition took full advantage of the vaulted ceilings and light-filled space. To improve flow and connectivity, we opened up a wall between the old kitchen and the front entry hall providing a straight path from front door to the new mudroom/drop zone and kitchen beyond. A door from the dining room into the kitchen was shifted to allow for a more generous kitchen. The beautifully veined Calacatta Eiffel quartz counters and backsplash provide visual contrast with the black cabinetry and keep the space from feeling too heavy. A continuous ledge and floating shelves replace traditional uppers for a more open and modern feel. Stained wood is used throughout, from the bench top, to shelving, trim and custom millwork; it brings in a natural element and helps unite all of the spaces. A hood with a custom Venetian plaster finish is flanked by vintage inspired sconces and provides a stunning focal point in the room. A deep nook is home to a ‘bubble box’ that dispenses cold sparkling or still water on demand – the marble tile backsplash further differentiates this beverage zone. The brushed brass hardware stands out against the dark cabinets and adds a touch of warmth. With seating for three at the counter and the inclusion of a breakfast area banquette (with drawers), the home is ideal for family time and relaxed gatherings with friends.

Cocina abierta con bodega y acceso a terraza - Sant Cugat

Renova Meridiano

Photo of a modern l-shaped kitchen in Barcelona with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, a peninsula, white benchtop and vaulted.

Contempory Kitchen with Urban Ceasarstone Benchtops

Nouvelle Kitchens & Bathrooms

This very typical layout in Australian homes, was perfectly customised for this client. Generous storage, ample bench space and specifically requested features such as the corner pantry, double ovens, sink drawers, and smaller top-drawer sets, together with plenty of seating for everyone in the family, create a beautifully customised look. The soft neutral tones of the kitchen makes a perfect backdrop for the pretty view outside, as well as for this family's collection of artwork. The pendant lights over the breakfast bar not only assist to light the area, their form also adds to the light mood of this space.

Espresso Cabinetry Kitchen

Ranieri Construction LLC

Blue glass mosaic backsplash tile and Silestone Pietra countertop material
Design ideas for a mid-sized modern u-shaped open plan kitchen in Las Vegas with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, brown cabinets, quartz benchtops, blue splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, vinyl floors, a peninsula, grey floor, grey benchtop and vaulted.

Quarry Ridge

Architecture & Interiors

Photo of a contemporary u-shaped kitchen in Napier-Hastings with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, a peninsula, brown floor, white benchtop and vaulted.

Kitchen Renovation in Clearwater (Countryside)

DCI Home Improvements

New kitchen renovation in Clearwater, FL (Countryside area). Client's kitchen was original to the home and was in need of a refresh. We opened up the space by removing a dividing wall between the kitchen and living area to create a fresh feel in the home. Added Diamond Vibe cabinets and new quartz countertops to finish it off.

Kitchen Extension

CARL Architect

Photo of a mid-sized mediterranean galley separate kitchen in Hampshire with recessed-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, ceramic floors, a peninsula, multi-coloured floor, multi-coloured benchtop and vaulted.

SG Carrara with green kitchen

Sabre Stone Ltd

A beautiful light practical space with lots of storage.
Mid-sized country l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Surrey with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, green cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, stone slab splashback, black appliances, laminate floors, a peninsula, brown floor, white benchtop and vaulted.

White Kitchen with Accent Maple Butcher Block Breakfast Bar

MAK Design + Build Inc.

While open-concept kitchens seem to be all the rage, these days. This kitchen proves that you can have a U-shaped kitchen that is also modern, functional, and beautiful. This kitchen doesn’t have a large footprint, but the combination of material choice and use of space help make it a great place to cook and entertain in. The cabinets are a white painted shaker, classic and clean, and while the maple elements on the island and window frames and the blue tile add some interest without overwhelming the space. The white built-out range hood and maple open shelving also help to make the upper level of cabinets seem light and easy on the eyes. The large maple-wrapped beam separating the kitchen from the living room perfectly ties the kitchen into the rest of the living space. Some of the functional elements that help bring this space together are the cabinet accessories and the island with built-in storage. One of the issues with U-shaped kitchens is that the layout often creates two blind corner base cabinets which usually become black pits for kitchen items to get lost in. By installing a magic corner in one and a lazy susan in the other, we were able to maximize this kitchen’s functionality. Other features, like a built-in trash pullout and integrate LED lights throughout, help make this kitchen the perfect blend of form and function.

Dachgeschosswohnung

Thalmeier Einrichtungen GmbH

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary u-shaped kitchen in Munich with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, black appliances, medium hardwood floors, a peninsula, brown floor, black benchtop and vaulted.

South Point Place

Talie Jane Interiors

Before kitchen
This is an example of a mid-sized country u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Other with raised-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, granite benchtops, brown splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, a peninsula, grey benchtop, a farmhouse sink, light hardwood floors, yellow floor and vaulted.

East Glen Medicine Hat Renovation

Design Kitchens & Countertops

Stunning Kitchen renovation. Existing base cabinets were kept in place, with new doors and drawer fronts added. New Wall cabinets added to close to ceiling with custom shelving.

Spencer Courtyard - Kennedy Twaddle

Henry Woide

Photographer: Henry Woide - www.henrywoide.co.uk Architecture: Kennedy Twaddle
Inspiration for a large contemporary open plan kitchen in London with flat-panel cabinets, green cabinets, wood benchtops, light hardwood floors, a peninsula and vaulted.

Major Renovation with Universal Design Elements

Irons Brothers Construction Inc

We remodeled this unassuming mid-century home from top to bottom. An entire third floor and two outdoor decks were added. As a bonus, we made the whole thing accessible with an elevator linking all three floors. The 3rd floor was designed to be built entirely above the existing roof level to preserve the vaulted ceilings in the main level living areas. Floor joists spanned the full width of the house to transfer new loads onto the existing foundation as much as possible. This minimized structural work required inside the existing footprint of the home. A portion of the new roof extends over the custom outdoor kitchen and deck on the north end, allowing year-round use of this space. Exterior finishes feature a combination of smooth painted horizontal panels, and pre-finished fiber-cement siding, that replicate a natural stained wood. Exposed beams and cedar soffits provide wooden accents around the exterior. Horizontal cable railings were used around the rooftop decks. Natural stone installed around the front entry enhances the porch. Metal roofing in natural forest green, tie the whole project together. On the main floor, the kitchen remodel included minimal footprint changes, but overhauling of the cabinets and function. A larger window brings in natural light, capturing views of the garden and new porch. The sleek kitchen now shines with two-toned cabinetry in stained maple and high-gloss white, white quartz countertops with hints of gold and purple, and a raised bubble-glass chiseled edge cocktail bar. The kitchen’s eye-catching mixed-metal backsplash is a fun update on a traditional penny tile. The dining room was revamped with new built-in lighted cabinetry, luxury vinyl flooring, and a contemporary-style chandelier. Throughout the main floor, the original hardwood flooring was refinished with dark stain, and the fireplace revamped in gray and with a copper-tile hearth and new insert. During demolition our team uncovered a hidden ceiling beam. The clients loved the look, so to meet the planned budget, the beam was turned into an architectural feature, wrapping it in wood paneling matching the entry hall. The entire day-light basement was also remodeled, and now includes a bright & colorful exercise studio and a larger laundry room. The redesign of the washroom includes a larger showering area built specifically for washing their large dog, as well as added storage and countertop space. This is a project our team is very honored to have been involved with, build our client’s dream home.

Shiny new counters!

Store with Style

Mid-sized transitional l-shaped kitchen in Cleveland with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, ceramic splashback, white appliances, medium hardwood floors, a peninsula, brown floor, multi-coloured benchtop and vaulted.

Marine View Kitchen

Treefrog Design

The simple Navy cabinets, pendant glass lights, and playful, scallop-patterned backsplash engage the senses by reflecting the blues of the nearby water, while the wall of white subway tile delineates the kitchen from the rest of the open area. This has the effect of drawing the eye up to the vaulted ceiling, which complements the house’s architecture instead of fighting it. The once-dingy space is now alive with light and color, adding an exciting new dimension to this waterside home.

Manhattan Apartment

Kathleen O'Donnell

Photo of a contemporary u-shaped kitchen in New York with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, blue splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, a peninsula, grey floor, white benchtop and vaulted.

Shoreline Drive Kitchen Florence

Neil Kelly Company

The new kitchen has striking walnut cabinetry, granite countertops, and banquette seating with a custom live edge walnut dining table. We incorporated the homeowners' existing blown glass pendant lighting. The cement backsplash and Luxury Vinyl Tile flooring in a walnut style compliment the cabinetry.

Kitchen with a Peninsula and Vaulted 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!