We are in New York City, in a wonderful vintage apartment in the luxury Upper East Side district, overlooking Central Park. New York designer Julie Hillman, in collaboration with Peter Pennoyer Architects, designed a kitchen with professional performance that was perfectly integrated with the home’s eclectic furnishing full of precious vintage details. In this elegant project, Officine Gullo created the kitchen and its furnishings by applying custom solutions that allowed the designers to meet the needs and wishes of the client. In fact, the kitchen was designed to be experienced in everyday life, as Julie Hillman tells us: “We wanted a space that could act as a kitchen but could visually appear as a room. The challenge was to separate the professional kitchen from the family space, but at the same time make it practical and in tune with the rest of the environment.” In the environment thus designed, the cooking area plays a prominent role, and Officine Gullo’s OG Professional stove is the protagonist. It is a professional high-tech cooking unit extremely functional and extremely versatile, offering multiple cooking methods thanks to its large dimensions that allow the preparation of dishes even for several guests. The two ovens available, one static and one ventilated, allow simultaneous cooking, while the hob is equipped with maxi burners and a ribbed frytop. A custom-made hood, with metal frame, glass panels and LED lights, was manufactured by Officine Gullo and installed above the cooking area. Custom wall cabinets and under-top drawers complete the furnishings with matching design. The large window illuminates the sink with marble top, hosting also the dishwasher. The central island is dedicated to washing as well. Made of wood and marble, in addition to the integrated sink, it features drawers, some of which are refrigerated. Julie commented on the choice of materials and finishes, saying: “I love unusual combinations of different materials, so we chose Jet Black (RAL 9005) for the kitchen and the special finish in dark burnished brass for the frames for their industrial look, and a natural polished oak colour, matching the same hue of the parquet, for the wooden sections.” ABOUT JULIE HILLMAN Julie Hillman’s approach to designing residential spaces focuses on a thoughtful curation of collectible items that speak to both the client’s unique interests and her eclectic aesthetic. She cultivates a creative dialogue between the architects, artisans, and craftsmen to ensure that each home tells its own story. She believes there should be harmony in every room in a home, and the best way to achieve this is to create a subtle yet unexpected mix of decorative and functional arts. She feels that every item in a room should be in conversation with one another while maintaining its own significance. Julie’s goal is to help each home possess a distinctive, timeless, and unique style that is not based on any specific criteria, but on the collaborative vision of designer and client.

Trocadéro

BAT & CO

Large contemporary open plan kitchen in Paris with an integrated sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and white benchtop.

Edle Designerküche in Marmor-Optik

Gutsmann Küchen

This is an example of an expansive contemporary single-wall open plan kitchen in Dresden with an integrated sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, solid surface benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, panelled appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island and brown floor.

Mediterranean Colonial Mansion

Marie Share Interiors

Mid-sized traditional galley eat-in kitchen in Boston with an integrated sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, marble splashback, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, multi-coloured benchtop and coffered.

Steel and Marble Kitchen with Reclaimed Wood Feature

Sustainable Kitchens

Flat panel cabinetry with a stainless steel worktop and sink. The cabinetry is painted in Farrow & Ball Railings. The tap is Perrin & Rowe Orbiq. Above the Calacatta Venato marble splashback is a copper floating shelf that holds decorative items. Charlie O'Beirne

Néo Haussmannien

VMID

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary single-wall open plan kitchen in Paris with an integrated sink, beaded inset cabinets, light wood cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, white appliances, marble floors, with island, white floor, white benchtop and recessed.

Modern Luxury in Chiswick

Plantation Shutters Ltd

Inspiration for a modern eat-in kitchen in London with an integrated sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, stainless steel benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, no island and grey floor.

Cabin Noir

Krumdieck Architecture + Interiors

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional single-wall open plan kitchen in Birmingham with shaker cabinets, wood benchtops, stainless steel appliances, with island, an integrated sink, white cabinets, white splashback, marble splashback, light hardwood floors and beige floor.

Gillespie Park

Cairn

Peter Landers
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen in London with an integrated sink, shaker cabinets, green cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, concrete floors, with island, grey floor and white benchtop.

Rénovation totale d'un 70m²

POËSIS STUDIO

L'îlot, recouvert de tasseaux en chêne teinté, permet de profiter d'une vue dégagée sur l'espace de réception tout en cuisinant. Les façades jungle de @bocklip s'harmonisent parfaitement avec le plan de travail Nolita de chez @easyplandetravailsurmesure

Meath In frame

Shalford Interiors

This beautiful custom crafted kitchen was designed for Irish jockey Barry Geraghty and his wife Paula. The bespoke solid poplar cabinetry has been handpainted in Farrow & Ball Strong White with Colourtrend Smoke Brush as a light and airy accent tone on the island. The kitchen features luxury driftwood oak internals, with the luxe theme continuing to the Calacatta marble picture-frame effect splashback and Silestone Yukon work surfaces. Appliances include an Aga range cooker a with Neff ovens for added versatility. The theme has been continued with custom cabinetry crafted for the living area and bathroom.

Blue Sky Thinking

Mowlem & Co

The concept for this characterful ‘Legacy’ kitchen was very much driven by the ideas of the client, Stephanie Rakowski, who envisioned an eclectic scheme that was classically-inspired yet very much of its times, and to her own tastes. Jane Stewart, multi award-winning Design Director of bespoke specialists Mowlem & Co, worked closely with Stephanie to create a space that reflected the individual nature of the family home while maintaining an air of authentic provenance and ageless elegance. The handsome proportions of the units are enhanced by fully framed doors and by hand-painted finishes in Farrow & Ball’s ‘Plummett’ for the wall cupboards and ‘Down Pipe’ for the island unit, which also offers a cantilevered breakfast bar. Large crittal windows and doors frame the ‘fourth wall’ with access to an enclosed terrace, echoed by a similar feature separating-yet-connecting the kitchen/living area from the rest of the interior. Features include fine Bianca Eclipsia marble worktops and splashbacks, with a recurring motif of glass; as framed inserts in certain wall units, decorative chandeliers and clear glass pendants, and a section of antiqued mirror awl cladding beneath the glassware cabinet. Distinctive details, such as the beautiful chrome bespoke ‘espagnolettes’ handles, enhance the traditional-yet-modern personality the scheme. This kitchen emanates a refined sophistication, yet is designed to be loved, worked in and enjoyed by the entire family as well as to welcome guests. Hence features such as a special wine storage and service ‘zone’, a cosy living area in the L-shaped section of the light filled room, and beloved family favourites in the form of a period dining set and a distressed free-standing cabinet, console table and grandfather clock. Lighting is also key to the ambience of the scheme, with a range of dimmable pendants, as well as task lighting. Appliances aptly chosen for the level of functionality demanded by this design include Sub Zero refrigeration and a Wolf range cooker - clear choices to match the impressive proportions of the furniture. A series of further appliances offer all of the latest conveniences, while a range of taps (over two separate sinks) include an extendable spray hose and a handy pot filler behind the professional style cooker.

Fells Point Kitchen

Federal Hill Kitchen, Bath & Closet

Contemporary eat-in kitchen in Baltimore with an integrated sink, white cabinets, white splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances and white floor.

Pure sophistication in this kitchen and pantry

User

Zesta Kitchens
This is an example of an expansive scandinavian galley open plan kitchen in Melbourne with an integrated sink, open cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, marble splashback, black appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and grey benchtop.

Квартира с зелёной кухней и романтичной ванной

Студия Волковых

Росица Переславцева
This is an example of a small traditional galley kitchen in Moscow with an integrated sink, raised-panel cabinets, green cabinets, solid surface benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, black appliances, porcelain floors, beige floor, white benchtop and a peninsula.

Golden Line

iPozdnyakov Studio

Designer: Ivan Pozdnyakov Foto: Olga Shangina
Design ideas for a small contemporary single-wall open plan kitchen in Moscow with flat-panel cabinets, solid surface benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, grey benchtop, green cabinets and an integrated sink.

Küche nach Maß

Luxural GmbH

Planung und Einbau einer modernen Küche in petrol und weiß.
Photo of a large contemporary galley separate kitchen in Berlin with white benchtop, an integrated sink, flat-panel cabinets, green cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, marble floors, no island and white floor.

Eel Brook Common Kitchen

Into interior design

Photo credit Veronica Rodriguez Interior Photography
Inspiration for a large contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen in London with an integrated sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, solid surface benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, panelled appliances, ceramic floors, with island, beige floor, white benchtop and coffered.

Brixton

Angel O'Donnell

Strong white walls contrast with deep blue lacquered kitchen units. A white Carrara marble worktop and splash back adds a touch of traditional luxury. Waney edged open shelves display a mix of ceramics, cast iron pots, cookery books and large glass jars filled with pasta. Industrial wall lights complement a reclaimed oak parquet floor. Limited addition prints add splashes of bright colour. A large copper and glass pendant light hangs over a concrete dining table with mid-century inspired chairs.

Brunswick East - Project 1

GIA Bathrooms & Kitchens

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Melbourne with an integrated sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, concrete benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, a peninsula, brown floor and white benchtop.

Kitchen with an Integrated Sink and Marble Splashback 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!