Chester sits patiently in the Herbau apron front sink! Wolf ovens below the counter in the island. Photo Bruce Van Inwegen
Design ideas for an expansive traditional u-shaped separate kitchen in Chicago with a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, grey cabinets, granite benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, porcelain splashback, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island and brown floor.

Pantry with Roll out shelves

Karen Childress Designs

A new pantry cabinet with pull-out shelves provides more storage in less space. Photo Credit: Melinda Ortley
Inspiration for a mid-sized country l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Austin with an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances and with island.

Kitchen Installations

Wet Dog Tile Co.

(1) An absolutely stunning, bright, and wide shot of this beautiful kitchen. 3 large pendant lights hang down from the ceiling above a long and sleek kitchen island with three beautiful olive green chairs surrounding. Above the stainless steel range is a mural we created using stone, glass, and ceramic decoratives. We made a one-of-a-kind backsplash mural for a one-of-a-kind kitchen!

Custom Kitchen Remodel and Dining Area in Birmingham, MI

MainStreet Design Build

This Quarton Lake architectural gem was built merely 8 years ago. The original kitchen never met the homeowner's needs. As a result they hired MainStreet to design and build a two story addition off of the rear of the home, gaining much needed space in the kitchen and master closet. The new custom kitchen features a copper and limestone hood, mocha glazed character cherry and hand painted cabinetry from Plato Woodwork, along with contrasting flamed granite countertops. The Brazilian walnut floor adds to the unique character of this lovely home. Beth Singer Photography

New Vernon Custom Home

Signature Home Builders

Inspiration for a traditional l-shaped kitchen in New York with beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, multi-coloured splashback, cement tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Superstition Mountain Residence

PHX Architecture

Photo Credit: Pam Singleton/IMAGE PHOTOGRAPHY LLC
Photo of a mediterranean kitchen in Los Angeles with beaded inset cabinets, dark wood cabinets, multi-coloured splashback, stainless steel appliances and with island.

Bastide fitted kitchen

AGA & Fired Earth Danmark

As kitchens grew larger throughout the 20th century to accommodate new inventions such as automatic washing machines, and smaller rooms like sculleries and larders were incorporated into the kitchen itself, a greater emphasis on utility and function ensued. In the post-war world the urge for a bright new future also made the most of new materials like plastic laminates which changed the face of kitchens in Europe for years to come. We wanted to reverse this trend and introduce a warmer and more liveable kitchen designed around our lifestyles. Bastide was born from this demand for beauty with utility; combining form and function with a continental twist. Capturing the simplicity and charm of a country kitchen, Bastide is timeless, robust and built for a lifetime at the heart of your home, by applying heritage ideas to modern culture.

Saddle Hill English Inspired Renovation

Walczak Design And Build

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.

Mini studio à Neuilly Plaisance

AGENCE MARN DÉCO

Un rendu sur mesure avec des meubles du commerce.
This is an example of a small modern single-wall open plan kitchen in Paris with a single-bowl sink, beaded inset cabinets, light wood cabinets, laminate benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, ceramic splashback, panelled appliances, terrazzo floors, multi-coloured floor and white benchtop.

Country Cucina

This is an example of a country kitchen in Other with a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, beige cabinets, marble benchtops, multi-coloured splashback and ceramic splashback.

17th Century Thatched Cottage

User

This Bespoke Cabinetry by the English Kitchen Company creates a classic/contemporary kitchen in this 17th century thatched cottage. The worktops are in blue eyes granite the floor tiles are Chateau Quest limestone. The track lighting and pendants allow both ambient and task lighting in the desired areas. The Aga gives a traditional feel in this light and airy kitchen. Photos by Steve Russell Studios

Clinton - "Pool House"

Tiezzi Construction, LLC

Entertaining, relaxing and enjoying life…this spectacular pool house sits on the water’s edge, built on piers and takes full advantage of Long Island Sound views. An infinity pool with hot tub and trellis with a built in misting system to keep everyone cool and relaxed all summer long!

Hopkinton kitchen, Transitional kitchen with two islands

Westborough Design Center, Inc.

Mid-sized traditional l-shaped kitchen pantry in Boston with an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, multiple islands and brown floor.

Farm Meets City Sleek

Peter Salerno Inc

Design ideas for a transitional kitchen in New York with beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, multi-coloured splashback, matchstick tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, orange floor and stainless steel benchtops.

West Chop Compound

User

Eclectic single-wall eat-in kitchen in Boston with a single-bowl sink, beaded inset cabinets, blue cabinets, granite benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors and with island.

RUSTIC FARMHOUSE

James D. Rogers, Builder

This Orinda Mediterranean kitchen is warmed by a cooking fireplace as it serves up family meals to the large farmhouse table.
This is an example of an expansive mediterranean eat-in kitchen in San Francisco with beaded inset cabinets, medium wood cabinets, granite benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, terra-cotta floors and with island.

Mullet Lake Timber Design

Edgewater Design Group

We love it when a home becomes a family compound with wonderful history. That is exactly what this home on Mullet Lake is. The original cottage was built by our client’s father and enjoyed by the family for years. It finally came to the point that there was simply not enough room and it lacked some of the efficiencies and luxuries enjoyed in permanent residences. The cottage is utilized by several families and space was needed to allow for summer and holiday enjoyment. The focus was on creating additional space on the second level, increasing views of the lake, moving interior spaces and the need to increase the ceiling heights on the main level. All these changes led for the need to start over or at least keep what we could and add to it. The home had an excellent foundation, in more ways than one, so we started from there. It was important to our client to create a northern Michigan cottage using low maintenance exterior finishes. The interior look and feel moved to more timber beam with pine paneling to keep the warmth and appeal of our area. The home features 2 master suites, one on the main level and one on the 2nd level with a balcony. There are 4 additional bedrooms with one also serving as an office. The bunkroom provides plenty of sleeping space for the grandchildren. The great room has vaulted ceilings, plenty of seating and a stone fireplace with vast windows toward the lake. The kitchen and dining are open to each other and enjoy the view. The beach entry provides access to storage, the 3/4 bath, and laundry. The sunroom off the dining area is a great extension of the home with 180 degrees of view. This allows a wonderful morning escape to enjoy your coffee. The covered timber entry porch provides a direct view of the lake upon entering the home. The garage also features a timber bracketed shed roof system which adds wonderful detail to garage doors. The home’s footprint was extended in a few areas to allow for the interior spaces to work with the needs of the family. Plenty of living spaces for all to enjoy as well as bedrooms to rest their heads after a busy day on the lake. This will be enjoyed by generations to come.

Artfully Weathered, Great Neck Kitchen

Kitchen Designs by Ken Kelly, Inc. (CKD, CBD, CR)

Photo of a large traditional single-wall eat-in kitchen in New York with a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, multi-coloured splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Custom Wood Hood with Leaded Glass Insert and Cooktop Bump Out

Denise Quade Design

The cooktop cabinet was pulled forward 3" and spindles were placed on both sides. An arched valance toe was added to the bottom. The wood hood above was made to incorporate a piece of stained glass that the couple got for their wedding that was made by a family member. A niche was built into the wall behind the cooktop to house oils, salt and pepper grinders, and other cooking tools. The microwave and oven tower was built in to a corner cabinet, a pantry cabinet placed to the left, and the paneled 48" subzero refrigerator was placed on the end. A drop zone/phone center was placed next to the doorway into the kitchen and features a TV, mail slots, a charging station, and the back panel is framed cork for important papers and family pictures.

West Chop Compound

User

Inspiration for a mid-sized eclectic single-wall eat-in kitchen in Boston with a single-bowl sink, beaded inset cabinets, blue cabinets, granite benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors and with island.

Kitchen with Beaded Inset Cabinets and Multi-Coloured 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!