A shaker kitchen island with the cabinets painted in Farrow & Ball Hague blue with antique brass knobs and catches. The worktop is Arabescato Corcia Marble. An induction hob sits on the island with three hanging pendant lights. Two moulded dark blue bar stools provide seating at the overhang worktop breakfast bar. The flooring is dark oak parquet. An eames style turquoise chair sits in the bay window with a print cushion and a plant on the floor. Photographer - Charlie O'Beirne

Bohemian Elegance Kitchen Remodel

Hope Pinc Design

Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Denver with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, with island, brown floor, quartz benchtops, cement tile splashback, dark hardwood floors, an undermount sink and multi-coloured splashback.

Stylish/Neutral Kitchenhood

Kimberly Barr Interior Design

Photo of a large transitional galley eat-in kitchen in Philadelphia with a drop-in sink, shaker cabinets, beige cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, cement tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island and white benchtop.

Cobble Hill Townhouse

Aman Architecture

Photo of a mid-sized transitional galley eat-in kitchen in New York with glass-front cabinets, beige cabinets, quartz benchtops, blue splashback, cement tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, no island, brown floor and beige benchtop.

Mid Century Remodel

G. Christianson Construction, Inc.

Design ideas for a mid-sized midcentury u-shaped open plan kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, concrete benchtops, grey splashback, cement tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors and no island.

10. Minnneapolis Residence

CHRISTIAN DEAN ARCHITECTURE, LLC

Photo by: Chad Holder
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Minneapolis with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, stainless steel benchtops, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island and cement tile splashback.

Federal Colonial Restoration

Design Resource

This is an example of a traditional u-shaped separate kitchen in Boston with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, marble benchtops and cement tile splashback.

Traditional Kitchen

Mid-sized traditional l-shaped separate kitchen in Chicago with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, cement tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors and with island.

Treehouse atop Madison Valley I Seattle, Washington

Syltebo Wight Homes & Jon Syltebo Painting Company

Large contemporary l-shaped open plan kitchen in Seattle with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, marble benchtops, grey splashback, cement tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island and brown floor.

Kitchen

Latala Homes

Design ideas for a mid-sized arts and crafts l-shaped open plan kitchen in San Francisco with a farmhouse sink, white cabinets, granite benchtops, white splashback, cement tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors and with island.

Chicago Residence

Reddington Designs

Custom eclectic kitchen with combination cabinetry of slab Rift Oak and stepped, painted flat panel. Brick veneered groin vault ceiling, custom hood and handmade ceramic backsplash tile.

Traditional Kitchen with Extras - Norwell, MA

Transitions Kitchens and Baths

This traditional kitchen design is packed with features that will make it the center of this home. The white perimeter kitchen cabinets include glass front upper cabinets with in cabinet lighting. A matching mantel style hood frames the large Wolf oven and range. This is contrasted by the gray island cabinetry topped with a wood countertop. The walk in pantry includes matching cabinetry with plenty of storage space and a custom pantry door. A built in Wolf coffee station, undercounter wine refrigerator, and convection oven make this the perfect space to cook, socialize, or relax with family and friends. Photos by Susan Hagstrom

36Th Street

South Bay Green

Amazing bright kitchen designed by Arianna Sabra Interiors. Materials sourced by South Bay Green. Heath tile backsplash and quart counter tops.
Design ideas for a large beach style galley open plan kitchen in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, blue splashback, cement tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, black floor and white benchtop.

Bohemian Elegance Kitchen Remodel

Hope Pinc Design

Mid-sized transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Denver with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island, brown floor, quartz benchtops, cement tile splashback, dark hardwood floors and an undermount sink.

Marvista Remodel

BuildAppeal Design & Remodel

Inspiration for a mid-sized modern l-shaped open plan kitchen in Los Angeles with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, cement tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island and a double-bowl sink.

Harleysville Kitchen & Cabinetry

Plowman Kitchen and Bath

Shallow cabinets on fridge side to maximize storage without losing floor space.
Large u-shaped eat-in kitchen with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, with island, white splashback, cement tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, multi-coloured benchtop, an undermount sink, dark hardwood floors and brown floor.

Modern ADU Guesthouse

Modal Living

This is an example of a modern single-wall eat-in kitchen in Orange County with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, cement tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, no island, black floor, white benchtop and vaulted.

Modern Farmhouse in Plant City, FL

MM Design and Decor, LLC

Andi Shiver Photography
Design ideas for a mid-sized country l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Tampa with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, distressed cabinets, wood benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, cement tile splashback, panelled appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island and brown floor.

Santa Barbara Retreat

Guided Home Design

Joe Cotitta Epic Photography joecotitta@cox.net:
This is an example of a large country galley eat-in kitchen in Phoenix with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, red splashback, cement tile splashback, panelled appliances, dark hardwood floors and with island.

Sorrento House Kitchen

Rob Mills Architecture & Interiors

The consistent use of concrete, honed basalt and hand-hewn timbers delivers a signature RMA palette where the honesty and character of the materials is evident. Photography Earl Carter

Kitchen with Cement Tile Splashback and Dark Hardwood Floors 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!