Two-tone Transitional Kitchen: Wedgewood Blue Kitchen Island

Tesi Design, Inc. Interiors and Cabinetry

The kitchen island's door style mimics the raised panel of the perimeter's cabinetry. This island was crucial to the design of this kitchen. It provided additional drawer storage for smaller items, a much needed work surface, a casual dining space and a home for the client's wine refrigerator. Photography: Vic Wahby Photography

Levons Small Kitchen

Blue Lotus Designs

Design ideas for a small transitional single-wall separate kitchen in Philadelphia with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz benchtops, yellow splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, limestone floors, no island, beige floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

Bachelor Pad Remodel

AMD Interiors, LLC

This 1300 square foot home built in the 60's got a new lease on life after this full remodel took it from dark and dated to bright, fresh and functional. Hallways were widened and used as storage corridors and looked at as a continuation of the space, in order to give each room a more spacious feel. The homeowners love of blue was used tastefully, to inspire the concept of the kitchen. Standard euro-style cabinetry was given a custom inset look with the application of recessed crown and light rail. 3 different styles of cabinet pulls were mixed beautifully, to style up the cabinets even more. This remodel was packed with functional details, the dining table even doubles as a game table for boys night!

Washington, MO (Blue Kitchen)

Premium Interiors - Custom Cabinets & More

Design ideas for a small eclectic u-shaped eat-in kitchen in St Louis with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, mosaic tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors and a peninsula.

8001 Residence

Studio Build

Bob Greenspan
Design ideas for a mid-sized midcentury u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Kansas City with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors and a peninsula.

Navy and white Kitchen with Copper Accents

Karr Bick Kitchen and Bath

Mid-sized contemporary l-shaped eat-in kitchen in St Louis with an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island and brown floor.

Coastal Farmhouse

Back 9 Development, Inc.

Tim Sigle
Photo of a large beach style l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Other with shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, a double-bowl sink and subway tile splashback.

Deep Blue Kitchen Larchmont Manor

Studio Dearborn

A hip young family moving from Boston tackled an enormous makeover of an antique colonial revival home in downtown Larchmont. The kitchen area was quite spacious but benefitted from a small bump out for a banquette and additional windows. Navy blue island and tall cabinetry matched to Benjamin Moore’s Van Deusen blue is balanced by crisp white (Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace) cabinetry on the perimeter. The mid-century inspired suspended fireplace adds warmth and style to the kitchen. A tile covered range hood blends the ventilation into the walls. Brushed brass hardware by Lewis Dolan in a contemporary T-bar shape offer clean lines in a warm metallic tone. White Marble countertops on the perimeter are balanced by white quartz composite on the island. Kitchen design and custom cabinetry by Studio Dearborn. Countertops by Rye Marble. Refrigerator--Subzero; Range—Viking French door oven--Viking. Dacor Wine Station. Dishwashers—Bosch. Ventilation—Best. Hardware—Lewis Dolan. Lighting—Rejuvenation. Sink--Franke. Stools--Soho Concept. Photography Adam Kane Macchia.

Tennessee Tudor Kitchen

Standard Kitchen & Bath

Photo of a small transitional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Other with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, white appliances, medium hardwood floors, a peninsula and brown floor.

Junior League 2017 Decorator Showhouse - Buffalo, NY

Artisan Kitchens and Baths

This kitchen designed for the Junior League of Buffalo 2017 Decorator Showhouse was a full gut of the space. There were plumbing and HVAC pipes in the space that required custom modifications to cabinetry. Part of the hearth has a false back on the cabinet to accommodate some of the pipes. Additionally, the 10’ ceilings required a custom combination of cabinets and crown molding to reach the ceiling. The space contained 4 doorways so the use of angled cabinetry allowed for easier access in and out of the space. The room includes special design features such as the wood hearth to house the ventilation for over the range, custom under cabinet lighting and a wet bar housing a beverage center and an appliance for growing microgreens.

Palo Alto Contemporary 2015

Tali Hardonag Architect

Kitchen island is anchored by a 'tower' that offers open shelves hidden from view of the great room Photography: Mark Pinkerton vi360
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary galley open plan kitchen in San Francisco with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors and with island.

Laurel Remodel

Edward Deegan Architects

Mid-sized traditional u-shaped separate kitchen in Chicago with an integrated sink, flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz benchtops, panelled appliances and dark hardwood floors.

Denver Home Remodel

Laura Medicus Interiors

This was such a fun project to work on! We took out walls enclosing the previously windowless kitchen and changed the dynamic of the home. The client can cook, interact with kids and friends and see outside - all basic and important things to maintaining happiness.

Queen Anne Bungalow Kitchen

Savvy Cabinetry Design Interiors

A mix of Dura Supreme custom cabinets, including this beautiful blue which is part of their custom paint program. The dishwasher and refrigerator have custom panels. The white bead board on the wall and ceiling enhance the bungalow's charm.

Deep Blue Kitchen Larchmont Manor

Studio Dearborn

New Kitchen, Fresh Start

Drury Design

THE SETUP “You have to figure out how to rebuild a life worth living,” Basia Kozub’s client says. Her husband passed away suddenly three years ago. Holidays with family became more important, and she found herself struggling with a 37-year old kitchen that was falling apart. “I made a decision to move forward,” she says. “I went, ‘You know what? I’m redoing the kitchen.'” The big task of getting started was as easy as having a conversation – literally. Basia was on the job, helping the client sort through priorities, wishes and ideas. Basia’s client is 5′ 4″, likes keeping an eye on the kiddoes in the backyard and wanted certain things to have their own place. THE REMODEL The objectives were: Enlarge and open the space Find a classic look that incorporates blues Upgrade to easy-to-use appliances Hide an office space within the space Ample storage for dishes Design challenges: Uneven window alignment on the back wall Original kitchen smaller than desired, stuctural concerns if walls to be moved Keep folks close – figure out seating for entertaining Main sink in corner is ideal, but windows are hard to reach Lots of storage needed for dishes, glass collection, pantry items, bar bottles and office supplies Specific storage needs for oft-used spices and utensils THE RENEWED SPACE Design solutions: Replace back wall windows, establish window size continuity Take out two walls to open up the space, tall shallow cabinet and a tall filler added to conceal a new header Large island that seats six easily Custom corner sink cabinet with recessed edge allows vertically challenged homeowner to reach the windows Mindful storage planning features: plenty of cabinets, pull-out bar bottle storage, file drawers & cubbies with pocket doors for office appliances, magic corner pullouts, and appliance garages with pocket doors Shelf behind range for easy access to daily-use spices and oils. Also: spice and utensil pullouts on either side of range The clients says every priority and wish box got checked. The highly functional design absorbed everything that used to be in that area of the house, but now those things are out of the way. “In the past, we were all spread out when we gathered for the holidays, because we had to spread out. Now, we’re all in here together, including my 92-year old mother. We’re visiting, cooking, laughing… everyone is here. And I’m really learning how to use these appliances. This kitchen has given me a whole new life.”

Terrace Kitchen

HDR Remodeling Inc.

Photo of a large transitional galley open plan kitchen in San Francisco with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, brown floor and white benchtop.

Modern Farmhouse

Adapt Interior Design

Caleb Vandermeer Photography
Inspiration for a large country galley open plan kitchen in Portland with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, timber splashback, stainless steel appliances, vinyl floors, with island and brown floor.

CHAPALA | Kitchen Renovation + Styling

Designology Studio LLC

Beach style eat-in kitchen in Santa Barbara with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and beige benchtop.

Cambridge Chateau - Burnaby Renovation

JDL Homes Vancouver

This is an example of a large traditional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Vancouver with a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Kitchen with Blue Cabinets and Quartz Benchtops 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!