Design ideas for a transitional u-shaped open plan kitchen in Melbourne with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, medium wood cabinets, marble benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, marble splashback, black appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

Rose Bay House

D'Cruz Design Group

Inspiration for an expansive contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Sydney with flat-panel cabinets, with island, a double-bowl sink, dark wood cabinets, marble benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, glass sheet splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, brown floor, multi-coloured benchtop and vaulted.

What is Cooking - Kitchen Renovation

Comma Design Studio

The client came to comma design in need of an upgrade to their existing kitchen to allow for more storage and cleaner look. They wanted to swap their laminate bench to a sleek stone bench tops that can provide a luxurious loo to their space. Comma design worked closely with the trades on site to achieve the results.

Kangaroo Point Apartment

Designtank

Photo of a transitional l-shaped kitchen in Brisbane with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, blue splashback, porcelain splashback, brown floor and white benchtop.

Contemporary Kitchen

Inspiration for a large contemporary galley eat-in kitchen in Perth with an integrated sink, black cabinets, marble benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, marble splashback, black appliances, porcelain floors, with island, grey floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

GEELONG 06

Ed Ewers Architecture

Photo of a contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Geelong with flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, blue splashback, mosaic tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and grey benchtop.

Ticked all the boxes

Collaroy Kitchen Centre

Design ideas for a large contemporary l-shaped kitchen pantry in Sydney with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, mirror splashback, black appliances, laminate floors, with island and multi-coloured benchtop.

St Thomas St, Clovelly

Hatch Constructions Group

Photo of a large modern l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Sydney with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, marble benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, ceramic floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Modern Coastal Home Lennox Head

Stuart Osman

Contemporary galley kitchen in Gold Coast - Tweed with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, multi-coloured splashback, mosaic tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island, grey floor and grey benchtop.

Tahmour: Kitchen NSW 2573

The Renovation Broker

This luxurious Hamptons design offers a stunning kitchen with all the modern appliances necessary for any cooking aficionado. Featuring an opulent natural stone benchtop and splashback, along with a dedicated butlers pantry coffee bar - designed exclusively by The Renovation Broker - this abode is sure to impress even the most discerning of guests!

Wiley Park

Alamay Constructions Pty Ltd

Part of a massive open planned area which includes Dinning, Lounge,Kitchen and butlers pantry. Polished concrete through out with exposed steel and Timber beams.

Haslemere Residence

Studio Amble

Photo of a mid-sized modern l-shaped kitchen pantry in Melbourne with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, blue splashback, stone slab splashback, black appliances, concrete floors, with island, grey floor and blue benchtop.

Open Plan Kitchen and Dining Room

Order & Grace

Design ideas for a large beach style u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Sydney with a drop-in sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, blue splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, no island, grey floor and white benchtop.

Blue Kitchen with Terrazzo Benchtops

Improva

A kitchen that combines sleek modern design with natural warmth. This beautifully crafted space features a curved island as its centrepiece, creating a dynamic flow that enhances both functionality and aesthetics. The island is clad with elegant terrazzo stone adding a touch of contemporary charm. The combination of the Dulux Albeit-coloured joinery and the Milano oak wall cabinets creates a captivating interplay of colours and textures, elevating the visual impact of the kitchen.

Holland Park staging project

Signature Home Styling

Photo of a transitional galley open plan kitchen in Brisbane with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, marble splashback, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Leura - Farmer Doors with Natural Stone

Kitchen Envy - Custom Kitchens

Beautifully crafted doors from Farmer's doors. The benchtop is Blue Roma Brazilian Quartzite. This amazing natural stone takes centre stage in this Blue Mountains home. Nature knows no bounds with vibrant colours and unique patterns. The dark, moody shade of blue complements the rich texture of the flat panel cabinet doors and adds a contemporary look to a farmhouse style

Green & White kitchen

Renovation Capital

This is an example of a transitional u-shaped kitchen in Perth with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, turquoise cabinets, multi-coloured splashback, white appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Rosanna Family Home

Sally Feeney Interior Design Pty Ltd

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.

Crafers Living Renovation

Plush Design Interiors

Three small rooms were demolished to enable a new kitchen and open plan living space to be designed. The kitchen has a drop-down ceiling to delineate the space. A window became french doors to the garden. The former kitchen was re-designed as a mudroom. The laundry had new cabinetry. New flooring throughout. A linen cupboard was opened to become a study nook with dramatic wallpaper. Custom ottoman were designed and upholstered for the drop-down dining and study nook. A family of five now has a fantastically functional open plan kitchen/living space, family study area, and a mudroom for wet weather gear and lots of storage.

On the Boulevard

Timber Trails Development Company

Design ideas for a transitional kitchen in Chicago with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, blue splashback, subway tile splashback, light hardwood floors, with island and white benchtop.

Kitchen with Blue Splashback 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!