An inviting kitchen and living space for family and friends to gather.
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary kitchen in Melbourne with an undermount sink, medium wood cabinets, granite benchtops, blue splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island and beige floor.

Carmina Rd SW17 - kitchen extension

Plus Rooms

Fine House Photography
Mid-sized transitional open plan kitchen in London with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, blue splashback, subway tile splashback, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor, beige cabinets and beige benchtop.

Van Norden Lodge

Colossus Mfg.

Cabin kitchen with light wood cabinetry, blue and white geometric backsplash tile, open shelving, milk globe sconces, and peninsula island with bar stools. Leads into all day nook with geometric rug, modern wood dining table, an eclectic chandelier, and custom benches.

Mid-Century Modern Kitchen Pops with Personality

Normandy Remodeling

Mid-Century Modern Design has been making a comeback in recent years and for good reason. The emphasis on clean lines and natural materials brings a warmth and texture that’s unfussy and uncomplicated. This couple wanted to restore their Midcentury home to its original intention, embracing the characteristics that make this style so noteworthy.

Leiblein Kitchen

Dutch Made Custom Cabinetry

This is an example of a large transitional l-shaped kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, medium wood cabinets, blue splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Contemporary Delafield Whole House

Kowalske Kitchen & Bath

This exciting ‘whole house’ project began when a couple contacted us while house shopping. They found a 1980s contemporary colonial in Delafield with a great wooded lot on Nagawicka Lake. The kitchen and bathrooms were outdated but it had plenty of space and potential. We toured the home, learned about their design style and dream for the new space. The goal of this project was to create a contemporary space that was interesting and unique. Above all, they wanted a home where they could entertain and make a future. At first, the couple thought they wanted to remodel only the kitchen and master suite. But after seeing Kowalske Kitchen & Bath’s design for transforming the entire house, they wanted to remodel it all. The couple purchased the home and hired us as the design-build-remodel contractor. First Floor Remodel The biggest transformation of this home is the first floor. The original entry was dark and closed off. By removing the dining room walls, we opened up the space for a grand entry into the kitchen and dining room. The open-concept kitchen features a large navy island, blue subway tile backsplash, bamboo wood shelves and fun lighting. On the first floor, we also turned a bathroom/sauna into a full bathroom and powder room. We were excited to give them a ‘wow’ powder room with a yellow penny tile wall, floating bamboo vanity and chic geometric cement tile floor. Second Floor Remodel The second floor remodel included a fireplace landing area, master suite, and turning an open loft area into a bedroom and bathroom. In the master suite, we removed a large whirlpool tub and reconfigured the bathroom/closet space. For a clean and classic look, the couple chose a black and white color pallet. We used subway tile on the walls in the large walk-in shower, a glass door with matte black finish, hexagon tile on the floor, a black vanity and quartz counters. Flooring, trim and doors were updated throughout the home for a cohesive look.

McConnell Neymeyr Whole House

ReCraft

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Portland with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, blue splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, no island, beige floor, grey benchtop, medium wood cabinets and quartz benchtops.

Mid Century Castle Hills Kitchen Remodel

The Inside Story Design, LLC

Design ideas for a midcentury l-shaped kitchen in Austin with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, blue splashback, with island, beige floor, white benchtop and terrazzo floors.

A Graceful White Kitchen in Encinitas

Hamilton-Gray Design, Inc.

Transitional l-shaped kitchen pantry in San Diego with open cabinets, white cabinets, blue splashback, no island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Contemporary Kitchen

Photo of a contemporary u-shaped kitchen in London with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, marble benchtops, blue splashback, glass sheet splashback, stainless steel appliances, beige floor, grey benchtop, dark wood cabinets and no island.

Floor tile: Vein cut Espresso Travertine. Backsplash tile:Sonoma Tilemakers Stel

Peridot Interiors Inc.

Rick Ricozzi Photography
Photo of a beach style l-shaped kitchen in Other with blue cabinets, blue splashback, subway tile splashback, with island, beige floor and recessed-panel cabinets.

Mohawk Products

Flooring Connections

Photo of a mid-sized transitional eat-in kitchen in Orange County with raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, concrete benchtops, blue splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and beige floor.

In The Spotlight

Morrison Interiors

The mix of stain finishes and style was intentfully done. Photo Credit: Rod Foster
Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional galley open plan kitchen in Orange County with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, granite benchtops, blue splashback, cement tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island, ceramic floors, beige floor and black benchtop.

Cotswold Family Home

Claire Halstead Interiors

Design ideas for a mid-sized country galley eat-in kitchen in Gloucestershire with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, beige cabinets, quartzite benchtops, blue splashback, ceramic splashback, coloured appliances, limestone floors, no island, beige floor, beige benchtop and exposed beam.

British Properties Condo Reno

Bavahaus Construction Ltd

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped open plan kitchen in Vancouver with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, blue splashback, matchstick tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Wood Farmhouse Kitchen | Kimball Starr Interior Design

Kimball Starr Interior Design

A modern farmhouse kitchen featuring white cabinetry accented with blue ceramic backsplash tiles and stainless steel appliances including dishwasher, oven/cooktop and hood. Dewdrop-shaped glass pendant lights dot the white ceiling.

Fenwick Shoals

Excel Builders

This is an example of a large transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, blue splashback, matchstick tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Fabulous Foursquare Whole House Remodel

Maughan Design & Remodel

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Portland with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, blue splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, a peninsula, beige floor and white benchtop.

Northwest Hills Full House Remodel

Lynn Unflat Interiors, LLC

photo credit Matthew Niemann
Inspiration for a large midcentury l-shaped kitchen in Austin with flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, quartz benchtops, blue splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, grey benchtop, a single-bowl sink and beige floor.

Redondo Beach, Young Family Home

User

Inspiration for a mid-sized beach style l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Los Angeles with a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, blue splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

Kitchen with Blue Splashback and Beige Floor 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!