This is an example of a small scandinavian l-shaped open plan kitchen with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, wood benchtops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, black appliances, vinyl floors, no island, beige floor and beige benchtop.

Custom Lake House

Amy Lynn - Interiors

Photographer: Keitaro Yoshioka
Inspiration for a large modern l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Boston with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and white benchtop.

Whole Home Renovation

MSH Signature Home Improvements

Whole-Home Renovation; modern contemporary style
This is an example of a large contemporary galley open plan kitchen in DC Metro with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, vinyl floors, with island, grey floor and grey benchtop.

Custom Barn Conversion

Ailtire Studio llc

Cable railing at the loft and stairs.
Mid-sized country galley open plan kitchen in Philadelphia with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop and exposed beam.

Trendy Blue Cottage

Six Walls Inc

Photo of a large transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Seattle with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

High Line Remodel

Vesta Design Studio, LLC

Full kitchen remodel with expanded eat-in island, larger footprint, targeted storage, and all new finishes and cabinetry.
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Denver with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, quartzite benchtops, blue splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, beige benchtop and vaulted.

Touch 334/341

PremiumLife

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped open plan kitchen in Other with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, laminate benchtops, grey splashback, porcelain splashback, black appliances, porcelain floors, no island, grey floor and brown benchtop.

Chef's Paradise

Peregrine Design Build

Photo of a large transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Burlington with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and white benchtop.

Clean & Classic

Emily Lee Interior Design

Design ideas for a small country l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Other with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and brown floor.

Halstead's Bay Modern

Modern Design Cabinetry

Design ideas for a large modern single-wall eat-in kitchen in Minneapolis with flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, white splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island, white floor and grey benchtop.

Valley Kitchen Remodel

Kimberlee Kristine

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Seattle with a drop-in sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, solid surface benchtops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

The Best of the Galley Kitchen

Creative Living

Wellborn Premier Prairie Maple Shaker Doors, Bleu Color, Amerock Satin Brass Bar Pulls, Delta Satin Brass Touch Faucet, Kraus Deep Undermount Sik, Gray Quartz Countertops, GE Profile Slate Gray Matte Finish Appliances, Brushed Gold Light Fixtures, Floor & Decor Printed Porcelain Tiles w/ Vintage Details, Floating Stained Shelves for Coffee Bar, Neptune Synergy Mixed Width Water Proof San Marcos Color Vinyl Snap Down Plank Flooring, Brushed Nickel Outlet Covers, Zline Drop in 30" Cooktop, Rev-a-Shelf Lazy Susan, Double Super Trash Pullout, & Spice Rack, this little Galley has it ALL!

Blue Base Cabinets with White Upper Cabinets in Houston

Scott Haig, CKD

Scott Haig, CKD
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Houston with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island and grey floor.

Shepherd's Bush

The Main Company

Design ideas for a mid-sized modern galley kitchen in London with a drop-in sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, copper benchtops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, panelled appliances and with island.

Historic Stanton Park Renovation in Capitol Hill, DC

Finesse Design Remodeling

This is an example of a small traditional single-wall separate kitchen in DC Metro with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, ceramic floors, no island, black floor and white benchtop.

Built-in Bliss - Project 4528

Design 1 Kitchen & Bath

The existing white laminate cabinets, gray counter tops and stark tile flooring did not match the rich old-world trim, natural wood elements and traditional layout of this Victorian home. The new kitchen boasts custom painted cabinets in Blue Mill Springs by Benjamin Moore. We also popped color in their new half bath using Ravishing Coral by Sherwin Williams on the new custom vanity. The wood tones brought in with the walnut island top, alder floating shelves and bench seat as well as the reclaimed barn board ceiling not only contrast the intense hues of the cabinets but help to bring nature into their world. The natural slate floor, black hexagon bathroom tile and custom coral back splash tile by Fire Clay help to tie these two spaces together. Of course the new working triangle allows this growing family to congregate together with multiple tasks at hand without getting in the way of each other and the added storage allow this space to feel open and organized even though they still use the new entry door as their main access to the home. Beautiful transformation!!!!

Oak Park Two Story Addition

Leader Builders

New kitchen featuring a BM Hale Navy island and SW Gray Screen cabinets. Photography by Lauren Nemtsev
This is an example of a transitional u-shaped open plan kitchen in Boston with an integrated sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, granite benchtops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, panelled appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island and brown floor.

Silverlake/Brier

Landmark Building Inc

Custom kitchen by Landmark Building Inc.
This is an example of a mid-sized arts and crafts single-wall eat-in kitchen in Los Angeles with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, coloured appliances, light hardwood floors and with island.

Deep Blue Kitchen & Utility Room

Planet Furniture

The super-smart, Shaker kitchen includes all sorts of classic Planet features; deep, accessible dove tail drawers, beautiful yet functional kitchen island, cocktail cabinet with bespoke wine racks and hand-built cabinetry that’s built to last. The classic pairing of dark navy and bright white is a winning combination which will stand the test of time whilst looking fresh and contemporary. And, who would object to all the Xmas prep if you had this utility room to work in? The large, spacious farmhouse sink with Quooker Flex tap are just what you need for messy pans (and dogs!) and the hanging rail above the worktop is genius for hanging freshly ironed shirts. We give the design of our utility rooms as much thought as we do the kitchen as it’s such a functional space – known by some as the engine room of a family home!

Kitchen with a View

Waterview Kitchens

Gorgeous all blue kitchen cabinetry featuring brass and gold accents on hood, pendant lights and cabinetry hardware. The stunning intracoastal waterway views and sparkling turquoise water add more beauty to this fabulous kitchen.

Kitchen with Blue Cabinets and Porcelain 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!