Cramped kitchen be gone! That was the project motto and top priority. The goal was to transform the current layout from multiple smaller spaces into a connected whole that would activate the main level for our clients, a young family of four. The biggest obstacle was the wall dividing the kitchen and the dining room. Removing this wall was central to opening up and integrating the main living spaces, but the existing ductwork that ran right through the center of the wall posed a design challenge, er design opportunity. The resulting design solution features a central pantry that captures the ductwork and provides valuable storage- especially when compared to the original kitchen's 18" wide pantry cabinet. The pantry also anchors the kitchen island and serves as a visual separation of space between the kitchen and homework area. Through our design development process, we learned the formal living room was of no service to their lifestyle and therefore space they rarely spent time in. With that in mind, we proposed to eliminate the unused living room and make it the new dining room. Relocating the dining room to this space inherently felt right given the soaring ceiling and ample room for holiday dinners and celebrations. The new dining room was spacious enough for us to incorporate a conversational seating area in the warm, south-facing window alcove. Now what to do with the old dining room?! To answer that question we took inspiration from our clients' shared profession in education and developed a craft area/homework station for both of their boys. The semi-custom cabinetry of the desk area carries over to the adjacent wall and forms window bench base with storage that we topped with butcher block for a touch of warmth. While the boys are young, the bench drawers are the perfect place for a stash of toys close to the kitchen. The kitchen begins just beyond the window seat with their refrigerator enclosure. Opposite the refrigerator is the new pantry with twenty linear feet of shelving and space for brooms and a stick vacuum. Extending from the backside of the pantry the kitchen island design incorporates counter seating on the family room side and a cabinetry configuration on the kitchen side with drawer storage, a trashcan center, farmhouse sink, and dishwasher. We took careful time in design and execution to align the range and sink because while it might seem like a small detail, it plays an important role in supporting the symmetrical configuration of the back wall of the kitchen. The rear wall design utilizes an appliance garage mirrors the visual impact of the refrigerator enclosure and helps keep the now open kitchen tidy. Between the appliance garage and refrigerator enclosure is the cooking zone with 30" of cabinetry and work surface on either side of the range, a chimney style vent hood, and a bold graphic tile backsplash. The backsplash is just one of many personal touches we added to the space to reflect our client's modern eclectic style and love of color. Swooping lines of the mid-mod style barstools compliment the pendants and backsplash pattern. A pop of vibrant green on the frame of the pantry door adds a fresh wash of color to an otherwise neutral space. The big show stopper is the custom charcoal gray and copper chevron wall installation in the dining room. This was an idea our clients softly suggested, and we excitedly embraced the opportunity. It is also a kickass solution to the head-scratching design dilemma of how to fill a large and lofty wall. We are so grateful to bring this design to life for our clients and now dear friends.

2 Scottsdale MON

London Design Build

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Seattle with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, cement tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, vinyl floors, no island, grey floor and grey benchtop.

Playful Patterned Home

Reyne Design

Refurbishment of whole home to create a sociable, open plan kitchen dining room. Our bold clients love colour and pattern so that's what we gave them. The original layout and cabinets of the kitchen were retained but updated with new doors and frontages and the addition of a breakfast bar.

Nakan Signature | Modin Rigid LVP Collection Customer Space | AZ

Flooret

Inspired by sandy shorelines on the California coast, this beachy blonde vinyl floor brings just the right amount of variation to each room. With the Modin Collection, we have raised the bar on luxury vinyl plank. The result is a new standard in resilient flooring. Modin offers true embossed in register texture, a low sheen level, a rigid SPC core, an industry-leading wear layer, and so much more.

Custom Build

Genyou Builders

This is an example of a mid-sized country l-shaped open plan kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, laminate benchtops, white splashback, cement tile splashback, black appliances, vinyl floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Rustic Craftsman - Jackson's Grant on William's Creek

Old Town Design Group

The deep brown cabinets warm this rustic kitchen. A perfect mixture of the colors peaking through the granite's surface are matched to the two-toned cabinets. Photo Credit: Thomas Graham

Tile Effect Vinyl in Glounthane

Select Floors and Tiles

This customer chose to have the Pergo Click Vinyl flooring in the tile effect - Dark Grey Concrete. This soft and non-slip floor covering is 100% waterproof and perfect for any renovation project as it can be laid on-top of most existing floors without having to remove them. These products can also be fitted on stairs, making them the optimal product for the entire home.

Strathcona

Cucina Bella Ltd. - Rebecca Gagne CKD

Simple stainless steel appliance add a little shine to the space without taking away from the cabinetry.
Design ideas for a small country l-shaped separate kitchen in Edmonton with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, wood benchtops, white splashback, cement tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, vinyl floors, a peninsula, brown floor and brown benchtop.

Yuzen Signature | Modin Rigid LVP Collection Customer Space | PA

Flooret

Clean and bright vinyl planks for a space where you can clear your mind and relax. Unique knots bring life and intrigue to this tranquil maple design. With the Modin Collection, we have raised the bar on luxury vinyl plank. The result is a new standard in resilient flooring. Modin offers true embossed in register texture, a low sheen level, a rigid SPC core, an industry-leading wear layer, and so much more.

South Long Springs Butte Kitchen

TVL Creative Ltd.

This kitchen took a tired, 80’s builder kitchen and revamped it into a personalized gathering space for our wonderful client. The existing space was split up by the dated configuration of eat-in kitchen table area to one side and cramped workspace on the other. It didn’t just under-serve our client’s needs; it flat out discouraged them from using the space. Our client desired an open kitchen with a central gathering space where family and friends could connect. To open things up, we removed the half wall separating the kitchen from the dining room and the wall that blocked sight lines to the family room and created a narrow hallway to the kitchen. The old oak cabinets weren't maximizing storage and were dated and dark. We used Waypoint Living Spaces cabinets in linen white to brighten up the room. On the east wall, we created a hutch-like stack that features an appliance garage that keeps often used countertop appliance on hand but out of sight. The hutch also acts as a transition from the cooking zone to the coffee and wine area. We eliminated the north window that looked onto the entry walkway and activated this wall as storage with refrigerator enclosure and pantry. We opted to leave the east window as-is and incorporated it into the new kitchen layout by creating a window well for growing plants and herbs. The countertops are Pental Quartz in Carrara. The sleek cabinet hardware is from our friends at Amerock in a gorgeous satin champagne bronze. One of the most striking features in the space is the pattern encaustic tile from Tile Shop. The pop of blue in the backsplash adds personality and contrast to the champagne accents. The reclaimed wood cladding surrounding the large east-facing window introduces a quintessential Colorado vibe, and the natural texture balances the crisp white cabinetry and geometric patterned tile. Minimalist modern lighting fixtures from Mitzi by Hudson Valley Lighting provide task lighting over the sink and at the wine/ coffee station. The visual lightness of the sink pendants maintains the openness and visual connection between the kitchen and dining room. Together the elements make for a sophisticated yet casual vibe-- a comfortable chic kitchen. We love the way this space turned out and are so happy that our clients now have such a bright and welcoming gathering space as the heart of their home!

IKEAキッチンでできます！自宅カフェ

IKEAで楽しくリフォームできるお店　　【オガケンギョウ】

木造２階建ての一室をリフォームしてカフェに。もともと水廻りの無いお部屋でしたので、電気、水道、ガスの設備工事とカフェ用の玄関、アプローチになるウッドデッキも造作させていただきました(*^^*) いい雰囲気でしょ。
Design ideas for a scandinavian galley eat-in kitchen in Tokyo with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, solid surface benchtops, brown splashback, cement tile splashback, panelled appliances, vinyl floors, brown floor and black benchtop.

Boho Bungalow Kitchen

Nicolette Jarquin, CKD

A corner lazy susan can give you big gains in storage space. Especially good for small appliances and tall pots. This lazy susan features a chrome rail edge for easy grip.

Rustic Craftsman - Jackson's Grant on William's Creek

Old Town Design Group

The deep brown cabinets warm this rustic kitchen. A perfect mixture of the colors peaking through the granite's surface are matched to the two-toned cabinets. Photo Credit: Thomas Graham

Kitchen

Gilbert Design Group

Mid-sized beach style u-shaped open plan kitchen in Orange County with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, grey splashback, cement tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, vinyl floors, with island, beige floor and grey benchtop.

Hawai'i Modern

Ko'olau Builders

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Hawaii with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, cement tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, vinyl floors, a peninsula, brown floor, white benchtop and vaulted.

Marsh Lane

LoneStar Design Build

Sonja Quintero
Design ideas for a mid-sized midcentury galley eat-in kitchen in Dallas with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, cement tile splashback, stainless steel appliances and vinyl floors.

Stougard, Kent, WA

Cabinets by Trivonna

Photo by Ross Irwin --- The cabinets are part of the Bellmont 1600 series and the door style is the classy Society painted in Silverplate. The countertop is Bianco Avorio Satin granite.

Mineral Drive Kitchen Renovation

TVL Creative Ltd.

Floral Park Kitchen Remodel

DJ's Home Improvements

Matthew D. Burdi
Photo of a mid-sized transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in New York with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, cement tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, vinyl floors, no island and grey floor.

Yuzen Signature | Modin Rigid LVP Collection Customer Space | PA

Flooret

Kitchen with Cement Tile Splashback and Vinyl 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!