Design ideas for a transitional l-shaped kitchen in Houston with flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, multi-coloured splashback, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

Modern Panorama

Jennifer Garner Interiors

Modern kitchen with bold focal granite on island, black and gold pendants, black , shaker style cabinets, contrasting white stacked subway tile backsplash, and gold hardware

Pebble Beach Residence

Kitchen Studio Monterey

White shaker cabinets adorn the perimeter of this kitchen - the perfect backdrop for the bold black cabinetry in the island. Design by Jillian Clark of Kitchen Studio of Monterey. Photography by Dave Clark

Crammond Edinburgh

Baptie Design

Our Clients were looking for a kitchen with a ‘wow factor’ design and one that would enable them, on occasions, to entertain large numbers of guests. Our client wished the cooking area to be divided from the social area. Our client was worried about having dark cabinetry but as the proposed extension was to have many windows we presented the idea of moody and dark with clever lighting. We achieved this by using a combination of dark and light stone counter tops, dark cabinetry complemented by the bespoke form of the island clad with copper mirror and smoked black glass along the sink run. Although this idea seemed risky at first it certainly paid off. Using Neff slide-and-hide ovens with the hob on the bespoke island, this gave our client the ability to socialise whilst cooking without anyone encroaching on the cooking zone.

West Springfield, Mr & Mrs H

Kitchens and Baths by Curio

This is an example of an expansive industrial u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Boston with a double-bowl sink, raised-panel cabinets, black cabinets, soapstone benchtops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island, white floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

Christmas Lake Residence

Alexander Design Group, Inc.

Inspiration for a contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, marble benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, marble splashback, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, multi-coloured benchtop and exposed beam.

Cardrona Views

Mal Corboy Design

This kitchen needs to have a day-to-day function and also function for corporate entertaining. As such, electric doors open up to a large back end, where a complete scullery can be found. Photography by Kallan MacLeod For inspiration, we drew from a palette of rich, earthy colours. Under-cabinet lighting complements these tones well, adding a softness to the clean lines and sleekness of the design. We chose hard-wearing and long-lasting Corian and black glass to create this unique look.

Marion Apartments by MOS Architects

Elizabeth Schiavello Photography

Kitchen opening to living/dining space
Small industrial single-wall open plan kitchen in Melbourne with an undermount sink, black cabinets, marble benchtops, black splashback, glass sheet splashback, stainless steel appliances, concrete floors, no island, grey floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

Morristown Columbia Park Oheka

Karla Trincanello, CID, Interior Decisions, Inc.

Elegant kitchen with black cabinetry to give its own flavor in a community with all white kitchens. The original s/s stove hood with covered in gold-brass material to add the gold accents the client loved with the black cabinetry. The backsplash is white high gloss glass accented with a gold patern. The stunning 'sputnick' pendants.are the right touch to add the glamour and romance this client desired. Island is granite and counter stools are Zebra pattern upholstered. two lucite counter stools to make seating for 6.

Our Work

HomeTown USA

Mid-sized transitional l-shaped kitchen in Boise with a drop-in sink, raised-panel cabinets, black cabinets, granite benchtops, beige splashback, porcelain splashback, white appliances, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

Kids are Grown Kitchen Remodel

Johnson Granite Inc.

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional u-shaped separate kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, black cabinets, granite benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, a peninsula, brown floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

Grey Road

Kraemer Kitchen and Bath

Large and elegantly practical island with built-m shelving and oven.
Inspiration for a large modern l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Toronto with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, black cabinets, marble benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

Northern Liberties, Philadelphia: Whole Condo Renovation

Buckminster Green LLC

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary single-wall eat-in kitchen in Philadelphia with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, quartzite benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, black appliances, bamboo floors, with island, brown floor, multi-coloured benchtop and vaulted.

22 Lowrey Street

Orange Design Build

Kitchen
Design ideas for a mid-sized modern l-shaped open plan kitchen in Ottawa with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, marble benchtops, black splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island and multi-coloured benchtop.

New Construction Design - Main Floor

Lisa Stewart Design

This modern mansion has a grand entrance indeed. To the right is a glorious 3 story stairway with custom iron and glass stair rail. The dining room has dramatic black and gold metallic accents. To the left is a home office, entrance to main level master suite and living area with SW0077 Classic French Gray fireplace wall highlighted with golden glitter hand applied by an artist. Light golden crema marfil stone tile floors, columns and fireplace surround add warmth. The chandelier is surrounded by intricate ceiling details. Just around the corner from the elevator we find the kitchen with large island, eating area and sun room. The SW 7012 Creamy walls and SW 7008 Alabaster trim and ceilings calm the beautiful home.

A Whirlwind of Activity

Infinity Construction, llc.

Ahhhhhh so much better than before
Design ideas for a large contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, black cabinets, granite benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, ceramic floors, brown floor, multi-coloured benchtop and a peninsula.

Modern Minimal Residence

Platte Architecture + Design

Photography by Ross Van Pelt
Photo of a large contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Cincinnati with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, onyx benchtops, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

Alaska White Granite Kitchen Countertops

Stoneshop

These Alaska White granite countertops are the highlight of this contemporary kitchen. The matte black cabinetry and subtle 2" x 4" porcelain tile backsplash pair with the granite beautifully. Photos by Graphicus 14 Productions, LLC.

Accented by Brass

Bilotta Kitchen & Home

Contemporary took a 180 turn with this warm trio of white, light wood and black, instead of a stark all-white color scheme. Perimeter bases and uppers flanking the sink are painted “Simple White”; the island and tall cabinets are light-stained rift cut white oak; the hood and its accompanying uppers are painted black. Slab doors get a fresh take with a narrow square trim encircling the doors and drawers. The focal point is a wide brass strip around the hood. Brass is repeated in the honey bronze pulls and T-shaped knobs. Black-framed wall cabinets have white interiors with LED light trips on the sides; tall cabinets with glass doors received matching rift cut white oak interiors. Calacatta-patterned quartz accents the perimeter tops, the double waterfall island, and the slab backsplashes. The workhorse of this kitchen is the wall of tall white oak cabinets. There’s a desk with open storage above; closed pantries with rollouts; glass-fronted cabinets displaying serving pieces and collectables; a built-in oven and convection-microwave; and a 48” stainless steel refrigerator. The island does its part as well, with a prep sink, paneled dishwasher, and room for four stools. Stainless undermount sinks feature matte black faucets highlighted with brass.

Ebony and Ivory

Kitchen Distributors, Inc-Arkansas

Design ideas for a contemporary open plan kitchen in Other with flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, marble benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, with island, white floor, multi-coloured benchtop and stone slab splashback.

Kitchen with Black Cabinets and Multi-Coloured Benchtop 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!