Inspiration for a contemporary u-shaped separate kitchen in Other with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, wood benchtops, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and brown benchtop.

Dartmouth House

Shane Marsh Architects

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Brisbane with a double-bowl sink, recessed-panel cabinets, black cabinets, wood benchtops, white splashback, window splashback, stainless steel appliances, slate floors, with island, grey floor, brown benchtop and exposed beam.

Boscastle Road

Finkernagel Ross GmbH

This is an example of a large contemporary galley open plan kitchen in London with flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, wood benchtops, grey splashback, with island, a drop-in sink, panelled appliances, concrete floors, grey floor and brown benchtop.

Chestnut Street Kitchen

Venegas and Company

Foley Fiore Architecture
Inspiration for a traditional kitchen in Boston with recessed-panel cabinets, a farmhouse sink, wood benchtops, beige cabinets and brown benchtop.

NOIR MAT & PAON | Une maison très tendance

Skéa - décoration et architecture d'intérieur

Avec son effet bois et son Fenix noir, cette cuisine adopte un style tout à fait contemporain. Les suspensions cuivrées et les tabourets en bois et métal noir mettent en valeur l'îlot central, devant le plan de travail principal.

Farmhouse Kitchen

Photo of a mid-sized country l-shaped kitchen in Other with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, wood benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and brown benchtop.

Cupboard Kitchen and Bath Discounter

Cupboards Kitchen Bath Discounters

Photo of a large country l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Other with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, wood benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and brown benchtop.

Simple and clean one bedroom apartment

Maxim Maximov

На небольшом пространстве удалось уместить полноценную кухню с барной стойкой. Фартук отделан терраццо
Inspiration for a small scandinavian l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Saint Petersburg with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, pink cabinets, wood benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and brown benchtop.

Stonebridge Residence

Beard + Riser Architects

Design ideas for a large country l-shaped kitchen in Jackson with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, wood benchtops, grey splashback, brick floors, with island, multi-coloured floor, brown benchtop and wood.

Chez moi, Fontagard

Adrien Granchere

Design ideas for a large eclectic galley kitchen in Other with black cabinets, wood benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, with island, brown floor, brown benchtop, flat-panel cabinets and medium hardwood floors.

Студия 38м2 в стиле лофт для сдачи в аренду

$Бриц Анна \ Brits.design$ Бриц Анна \ Brits.design

Design ideas for a small contemporary u-shaped open plan kitchen in Moscow with a drop-in sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, wood benchtops, white splashback, white appliances, a peninsula, brown benchtop and multi-coloured floor.

Pantry... well stocked

KuDa Photography

Photo by KuDa Photography
This is an example of a country u-shaped kitchen pantry in Portland with recessed-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, wood benchtops, light hardwood floors, grey floor and brown benchtop.

Soulful Home

Staprans Design

R. Brad Knipstein Photography
Inspiration for a contemporary galley kitchen in San Francisco with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, wood benchtops, white splashback, coloured appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and brown benchtop.

East Coast

Robyn McQuiston Design

Beach style u-shaped kitchen in Jacksonville with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, black cabinets, wood benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, a peninsula, brown floor and brown benchtop.

The Cottage

LOCKHART SUVER

Design ideas for a country l-shaped kitchen in Seattle with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, wood benchtops, white splashback, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and brown benchtop.

Kings Cross Studio Flat

Philip Raymond Photography

Philip Raymond
This is an example of a small contemporary kitchen in London with flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, brick splashback, a peninsula, brown benchtop, a drop-in sink, wood benchtops and black appliances.

Loft Conversion

User

Photo of a contemporary l-shaped open plan kitchen in Other with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, wood benchtops, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and brown benchtop.

Colleton River

Randolph Stewart

Design ideas for a large mediterranean u-shaped kitchen in Atlanta with shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, wood benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island, a farmhouse sink, terra-cotta floors and brown benchtop.

Open, airy kitchen in Rutland, UK

Hill Farm Furniture Ltd

Bright, open and airy Knocking through a few rooms to create a large open-plan area, the owners of this sleek kitchen wanted to create a free, fluid space that made the kitchen the unequivocal hub of the home whilst at the same time stylistically linking to the rest of the property. We were tasked with creating a large open-plan kitchen and dining area that also leads through to a cosy snug, ideal for relaxing after a hard afternoon over the Aga!! The owners gave us creative control in the space, so with a loose rein and a clear head we fashioned a faultless kitchen complete with a large central island, a sunken sink and Quooker tap. For optimum storage (and a dash of style) we built a number of large larders, one of which cleverly conceals a television, as well as a false chimney surround to frame the Aga and a bespoke drinks unit. All the units are hand-crafted from Quebec Yellow Timber and hand-painted in Zoffany ‘Smoke’ and ‘Elephant Gray’ Walnut worktops, with Silestone ‘Lagoon’ Worktops around the outside and American Black Walnut on the island. Photo: Chris Ashwin

Seaside whimsy in Centerville, MA

Artisan Kitchens Inc.

A special way to keep dog dishes out from underfoot. Dogbone drawers hold treats, leashes and other supplies. Pullout cabinet on left of island holds bulk dogfood.

Kitchen with Wood Benchtops and Brown 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!