With expansive fields and beautiful farmland surrounding it, this historic farmhouse celebrates these views with floor-to-ceiling windows from the kitchen and sitting area. Originally constructed in the late 1700’s, the main house is connected to the barn by a new addition, housing a master bedroom suite and new two-car garage with carriage doors. We kept and restored all of the home’s existing historic single-pane windows, which complement its historic character. On the exterior, a combination of shingles and clapboard siding were continued from the barn and through the new addition.

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 The kitchen and bathrooms were outdated but it had plenty of space and potential.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.

Goldsmith

Duet Design Group

French Country Farmhouse Kitchen, Photography by Susie Brenner
Large country galley eat-in kitchen in Denver with a double-bowl sink, white cabinets, solid surface benchtops, blue splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Punch of Blue

Metropolitan Cabinets & Countertops

Cabinets: Custom ShowHouse Collection Shaker Cabinets in Designer White Countertops: Brooks Eco Pro Walnut (Island), Caesarstone Symphony Grey (Perimeter) eric roth photography

White Macaubas Whimsical

Aria Stone Gallery

This beautiful new build colonial home was enhanced by the choice of this honed White Macaubas quartzite. This is an extremely durable material and is perfect for this soon to be mother of 3. She accented the kitchen with a turquoise hexagon back splash and oversized white lanterns

Colorful Creation

Deborah Gordon Designs

David Verdugo
Large mediterranean l-shaped open plan kitchen in San Diego with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, yellow cabinets, quartz benchtops, blue splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors and with island.

Contemporary Family Space

Lorin Hill, Architect

Range & Hood Detail with Skylights Above
Design ideas for a contemporary l-shaped open plan kitchen in San Francisco with an undermount sink, glass-front cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, blue splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors and with island.

Transitional with a Touch of Navy

Curtis Lumber Delmar

This stunning Transitional kitchen designed by Curtis Lumber Co. gave the homeowners exactly what they desired, a kitchen matching their personal style with an improved layout and more efficient storage. The built-in pantry was removed and replaced with a pantry cabinet with pull outs, creating space for a much-needed larger refrigerator for this active family of 5. In the space where the refrigerator used to be, double wall ovens were installed. Removing the soffit allowed for cabinets to reach the ceiling, providing more storage space. They opted for Merillat Masterpiece cabinetry with the Knoxville door style. The perimeter is finished in Dove White and the Island in Midnight. Storage solutions include a mixer shelf, double wastebasket, base roll outs for utensils and spices, sliding bread box and divided utensil drawers. The gorgeous countertop is Sutherland by Cambria. Door hardware is from Atlas, Elizabeth in Brushed Nickel.

Esher Traditional Shaker Kitchen

Higham Furniture

Bespoke, painted Shaker kitchen with cockbeaded frames, painted in French Grey (113) and the island in Mid Lead (114), both by Little Greene Paint Company. The polished nickel Armac Martin Cotswold Drawer Pull cup handles and the Cotswold Ball Knobs look great with the grey painted cabinets. The curved corners on the island help to soften it and the curved oak worktop at the seating end is perfect as a breakfast bar. The Quarella 'Blanco Paloma' worktops work nicely with the colour scheme, matching the white pendants whilst the oak floor adds warmth.

Skylight brightens the space with natural light

Denver Design Group

The installation of a skylight floods the space with natural light. photo by Myndi Pressly
Inspiration for a small midcentury u-shaped kitchen in Denver with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, blue splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, ceramic floors, grey floor and white benchtop.

Industrial Chic Kitchen

Bobeche Interiors

A closeup of the hex tile backsplash.
Photo of a mid-sized modern l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Toronto with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, blue splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, no island and grey floor.

Karen & Jonathan

The Cabinetry

Photography by Tara L. Callow
Mid-sized traditional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Boston with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, blue splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors and with island.

Freeport Farmhouse

Tyler Karu Design + Interiors

A modern, colorful farmhouse in Freeport, Maine. Photos by Justin Levesque
Design ideas for a country l-shaped open plan kitchen in Portland Maine with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, blue splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and black benchtop.

Historic Kroger Residential Restoration

Alto Design

David Steinbrunner, photographer.
Inspiration for a country l-shaped open plan kitchen in Cincinnati with a farmhouse sink, white cabinets, blue splashback, with island, shaker cabinets, solid surface benchtops, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances and dark hardwood floors.

Munsey Park

Artista Kitchen & Bath Design

Open concept comprising kitchen, dining room, and family room
Transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in New York with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, blue splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop and recessed.

Modernique in Upstate New York

Bryce and Doyle Craftsmanship

Kitchen
Design ideas for a small modern galley eat-in kitchen in New York with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, blue splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island, grey floor and white benchtop.

White Macaubas Whimsical

Aria Stone Gallery

McKinney Kitchen Remodel

Design Lifestyles, LLC

Michael Hunter Photography
Photo of a mid-sized transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Dallas with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartzite benchtops, blue splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island and brown floor.

Malvern Kitchen and Breakfast Room

Glenna Stone Interior Design

Kitchen and breakfast room
Inspiration for an eat-in kitchen in Philadelphia with blue splashback, porcelain splashback and with island.

Mid Century Modern Kitchen Renovation

Denver Design Group

This kitchen remodel respects the mid-20th century lines of the home while giving it a 21st century freshness. photo by Myndi Pressly
Design ideas for a small midcentury u-shaped kitchen in Denver with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, blue splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, ceramic floors, grey floor and white benchtop.

Kitchen with Blue Splashback 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!