Our clients came to us with their vision and an ask to create a timeless family space grounded in their English roots. What resulted was just that: an open and bright English-inspired kitchen featuring custom inset-cabinetry in three painted finishes, aged brass hardware, a large range alcove with built-in shelving, oversized island with plenty of prep space with oversized brass bell pendants and a 12' floor to ceiling pantry. While carefully designed and expertly crafted, the kitchen is "no -fuss" in personality and quite livable for the family which were two must-haves characteristics for the homeowners. To achieve the look and flow, the former posts in the kitchen were removed and two 24' steel beams were installed to support the second floor. All beams, new and old, were sanded down and refinished with a custom stain. We created an opening into the dining room, letting light stream through throughout the day and creating sight lines from room-to-room for this busy family. Modifications were made to the framing of adjacent rooms to allow for the floor-to-ceiling pantry to be installed. New paint, refinished floors, new appliances, and windows were also a part of the overall scope.

Rift White Oak Beaded inset

Wende Woodworking LLC

Large front island with wood panel DW right of 5 foot pro style task center sink.
Photo of a large traditional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, engineered quartz splashback, black appliances, medium hardwood floors, multiple islands, brown floor, white benchtop and exposed beam.

1041 EL

Weaver Custom Homes

Inspiration for a traditional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Columbus with a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, distressed cabinets, brown splashback, mosaic tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, multi-coloured benchtop and exposed beam.

Somerset TA10

British Standard by Plain English

Spotted on Channel 4’s Renovation Nation, sympathy to the building, in the design of this kitchen, was key. Why? Because cupboards and a design that connects them to the surrounding architecture was also key. Practical for a family (multiple workstations and a generous floor plan), where the alcoves get used (noting the fridge/freezer tucked in) and an island actually bridging the space makes for a renovation journey.

Cuisine ouverte

IH Studio

réalisation d'une cuisine ouverte dans pièce de vie, la peinture délimite l'espace cuisine sous cette grande hauteur sous plafond.
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary u-shaped open plan kitchen in Paris with an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, wood benchtops, green splashback, white appliances, ceramic floors, with island, grey floor and exposed beam.

Coastal Mediterranean Remodel

Lola Interiors

Photo: Jessie Preza Photography
Photo of a large mediterranean l-shaped kitchen in Jacksonville with a double-bowl sink, beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, beige splashback, porcelain splashback, panelled appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop and exposed beam.

East Coast Traditional

Fautt Homes

Stunning white kitchen with blue center island, inset construction with white bronze hardware and a custom metal hood.
This is an example of an expansive beach style open plan kitchen in San Francisco with a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, panelled appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop and exposed beam.

Interior SVK

INT2architecture

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary single-wall open plan kitchen in Moscow with an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, engineered quartz splashback, black appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop and exposed beam.

キッチン

株式会社Y’s Style

This is an example of a scandinavian single-wall eat-in kitchen in Other with beaded inset cabinets, grey cabinets, with island, an integrated sink, light hardwood floors, solid surface benchtops, grey splashback, porcelain splashback, brown floor, brown benchtop and exposed beam.

Seventh Green

Sage Designs

Expansive Kitchen with island seating, lots of windows, blue painted cabinets and white marble countertops.
Inspiration for a large traditional u-shaped open plan kitchen in Other with a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, blue cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop and exposed beam.

Brittany

Paul Gray Homes

This gourmet kitchen is a chef's dream with a large island, professional appliances and elegant accent lighting. Photo Credit: Shane Organ Photography

Lawrence Kitchen

Mimi & Hill interiors

Transitional kitchen in New York with a farmhouse sink, medium wood cabinets, exposed beam, beaded inset cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback and grey benchtop.

Kitchen

Oakwrights

This is an example of a country u-shaped kitchen in Surrey with a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, grey cabinets, beige floor, grey benchtop and exposed beam.

Projet BEL AIR

Maurine Bellier - Architecte d’intérieur

Rénovation complète pour le RDC de cette maison individuelle. Les cloisons séparant la cuisine de la pièce de vue ont été abattues pour faciliter les circulations et baigner les espaces de lumière naturelle. Le tout à été réfléchi dans des tons très clairs et pastels. Le caractère est apporté dans la décoration, le nouvel insert de cheminée très contemporain et le rythme des menuiseries sur mesure.

Rift White Oak Beaded inset

Wende Woodworking LLC

Main shot of the kitchen. Top Knobs Honey Bronze hardware throughout this job. Wood panel ice machine in coffee bar area under glass cabinetry.
This is an example of a large traditional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, engineered quartz splashback, black appliances, medium hardwood floors, multiple islands, brown floor, white benchtop and exposed beam.

New Farmhouse in Franklin

Forte Building Group, LLC

This is an example of a large country l-shaped open plan kitchen in Nashville with a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, medium wood cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop and exposed beam.

Prospect Road Counter-Depth Fridge

Kitcheart LLC

This was a kitchen renovation of a mid-century modern home in Peoria, Illinois. The galley kitchen needed more storage, professional cooking appliances, and more connection with the living spaces on the main floor. Kira Kyle, owner of Kitcheart, designed and built-in custom cabinetry with a gray stain finish to highlight the grain of the hickory. Hardware from Pottery Barn in brass. Appliances form Wolf, Vent-A-Hood, and Kitchen Aid. Reed glass was added to the china cabinets. The cabinet above the Kitchen Aid mixer was outfitted with baking storage. Pull-outs and extra deep drawers made storage more accessible. New Anderson windows improved the view. Storage more than doubled without increasing the footprint, and an arched opening to the family room allowed the cook to connect with the rest of the family.

Country Club full house Renovation

Restor Homes

Kitchen remodel
Photo of a mid-sized transitional u-shaped kitchen in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, engineered quartz splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop and exposed beam.

Kitchen, Utility, Cloak and Garden room redesign and space plan

Kingfisher Designs

A kitchen in blue with antique copper fixings. Including a premium solid hammered copper Belfast sink, Copper island / dinning table and splashback. Cabinetry sourced from Howdens with customised doors.

Berkshire Farmhouse

Catherine Truman Architects

Before the renovation, this 17th century farmhouse was a rabbit warren of small dark rooms with low ceilings. A new owner wanted to keep the character but modernize the house, so CTA obliged, transforming the house completely. The family room, a large but very low ceiling room, was radically transformed by removing the ceiling to expose the roof structure above and rebuilding a more open new stair; the exposed beams were salvaged from an historic barn elsewhere on the property. The kitchen was moved to the former Dining Room, and also opened up to show the vaulted roof. The mud room and laundry were rebuilt to connect the farmhouse to a Barn (See “Net Zero Barn” project), also using salvaged timbers. Original wide plank pine floors were carefully numbered, replaced, and matched where needed. Historic rooms in the front of the house were carefully restored and upgraded, and new bathrooms and other amenities inserted where possible. The project is also a net zero energy project, with solar panels, super insulated walls, and triple glazed windows. CTA also assisted the owner with selecting all interior finishes, furniture, and fixtures. This project won “Best in Massachusetts” at the 2019 International Interior Design Association and was the 2020 Recipient of a Design Citation by the Boston Society of Architects. Photography by Nat Rea

Kitchen with Beaded Inset Cabinets and Exposed Beam 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!