Mid-sized contemporary l-shaped kitchen in Orange County with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, quartzite benchtops, black splashback, stone tile splashback, panelled appliances, cement tiles, multiple islands, grey floor, black cabinets and grey benchtop.

Desert Retreat

Friedman & Shields

Design ideas for a large contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Phoenix with flat-panel cabinets, glass tile splashback, panelled appliances, multiple islands, an undermount sink, dark wood cabinets, solid surface benchtops, grey splashback, cement tiles, grey floor and black benchtop.

Modern Kitchen

SEK Architects

Image by Peter Rymwid Architectural Photography © 2014
Photo of a large contemporary kitchen in New York with an integrated sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, concrete benchtops, panelled appliances, cement tiles, multiple islands, grey floor and grey benchtop.

Traditional Projects

Planning and Building, Inc

This is an example of a large traditional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Miami with raised-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, an undermount sink, quartz benchtops, beige splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, cement tiles, multiple islands and beige floor.

Modern HistoryWood

SANOMA Kitchen & Bath

This is an example of a large contemporary galley separate kitchen in Miami with flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, stone slab splashback, multiple islands, an undermount sink, panelled appliances, cement tiles and white floor.

Butterfly Beige Granite Kitchen

Stone Action

Butterfly Beige granite is shown in this project! Search "Butterfly Beige" granite, see more granite or other stone options: http://www.stoneaction.com Learn more about granite to see if it’s right for you: Granite countertops can last a lifetime. It contains no harmful chemicals and do not emit harmful radiation or gasses. Granite is heat resistant and is one of the most heat-resistant countertops on the market. You can place a hot pan out of the oven directly onto the countertop surface. Experts do recommend the use of a trivet when using appliances that emit heat for long periods of time, such as crockpots. Since the material is so dense, there is a small possibility heating one area of the top and not the entire thing, could cause the countertop to crack. Granite is scratch resistant. You can cut on it, but it will dull your knives! Granite scores a seven on Moh’s hardness scale. Granite countertops are considered to be a low maintenance countertop surface. The likelihood of needing to be repaired or resurfaced is low. Granite is a porous material. Most fabricators will apply a sealer to granite countertops before they are installed which will protect them from absorbing liquids too quickly. Many sealers last more than 10 years before needing to be reapplied. When they do need to be reapplied, it is something that most homeowners can do on their own as the process is similar to cleaning. Darker granites are very dense and sometimes don’t even require a sealer. When it comes to pricing, there are a lot of variables such as edge profile, total square footage, backsplash, etc. Don’t be fooled by the stereotype that all granite is expensive. Lower-range granites will cost less than high-range laminate. Though granite countertops are not considered “low range” in pricing, there are a lot of affordable options. If you are looking for something truly unique, consider an exotic granite. Some quarries are not easily accessible and/or only able to be quarried for short periods of time throughout the year. If these circumstances exist in a quarry with gorgeous stone, the price will be driven upward. You won’t find a lot of solid patterns or bright colors, but both do exist. Also, watch for a large range of color and pattern within the same color of stone. It’s always a good idea to view the exact slab(s) that will be fabricated for your kitchen to make sure they are what you expected to see from the sample. Another factor is that many exotic types of granite have huge flowing waves, and a small sample will not be an accurate representation of the whole slab. Granite countertops are very resistant to chemicals. Acids and bases will not harm the material.

Oceanside Storage Wall Pullout Pantry

Cabinets & Designs

The Wood-Mode Custom Cabinetry Tall Pullout Towers were used at each end of this run of tall cabinets. By special request, the items were done in back painted glass. This is an elegance alternative to a traditional pantry. Another tall cabinet panel was used as an appliance front panel for the Sub-Zero refrigeration units.

Kitchen Renovation Co.Louth

Hestia

Contemporary kitchen design with greige shaker doors, styled with brass hexagon handles and white dekton countertop, double belfast sink with brass quooker tap. Double pantry styled with U shape shelving, worktop and engraved drawers along with reeded glass. Black island with induction hob.

Custom Modern Kitchen in Coto De Caza

Jeffrey V. Riggs, Architect

Expansive modern l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Orange County with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, quartzite benchtops, grey splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, cement tiles, multiple islands, grey floor, multi-coloured benchtop and vaulted.

Quail Ridge

CRC Builders Inc.

Open kitchen with custom cabinets, open beam ceiling
Photo of an expansive country galley eat-in kitchen in San Francisco with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, marble benchtops, beige splashback, glass tile splashback, coloured appliances, cement tiles, multiple islands, grey floor, white benchtop and exposed beam.

Anchorage at The Bower Medowie

McDonald Jones Homes

Photo of a large beach style galley kitchen pantry in Sydney with a drop-in sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, solid surface benchtops, glass sheet splashback, white appliances, cement tiles, multiple islands, grey floor and white benchtop.

bulthaup b1 Projekt Palais du Rhin

bulthaup blaser & höfer

Mid-sized contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Cologne with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, black appliances, cement tiles, multiple islands and beige floor.

Castle Hill House by StudioJLA

Justin Loe Architects

This kitchen has a custom designed Ceaserstone island benchtop with additional timber island to allow its occupants a more relaxed dining & working area. The kitchen also encompasses (hidden behind the joinery) a walk-in pantry and laundry space. The design of this residence aims to address the sites irregular shape sloping block. The residence has been sited well back from the street to allow for a wider frontage home. The home has been designed to have private outdoor spaces to the front and rear of the house to provide a summer and winter private open space for outdoor living and maximise solar access. The use of sustainable materials and passive approach to thermal comfort ensure the house remains energy efficient and less reliant on natural resources.

Modern Santiago

Chelsea Lauren Interiors

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Orange County with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartzite benchtops, black splashback, stone tile splashback, panelled appliances, cement tiles, multiple islands, grey floor and white benchtop.

Desert Retreat

Friedman & Shields

Inspiration for a large contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Phoenix with flat-panel cabinets, multiple islands, an undermount sink, dark wood cabinets, solid surface benchtops, grey splashback, glass tile splashback, panelled appliances, cement tiles, grey floor and black benchtop.

Aldine Westfield

SCM Design Group

This classic gray kitchen with white oak island is a great combination of classic and modern style. The gray cabinets and walls create a timeless look that blends in with any style of home. The white oak island adds an extra touch of elegance while providing a natural contrast to the gray walls. The countertops of the island feature a sleek marble material that provides a smooth surface for meal preparation. The combination of the gray and white elements creates a cohesive and stylish look that will look beautiful for years to come.

URBAN - Living with island and herb garden

User

This is an example of a mid-sized modern single-wall eat-in kitchen in Sydney with open cabinets, dark wood cabinets, cement tiles, multiple islands and grey floor.

Butterfly Green Granite Kitchen

Stone Action

Butterfly Green granite is shown in this project! Search "Butterfly Greenl" granite, see more granite or other stone options: http://www.stoneaction.com Learn more about granite to see if it’s right for you: Granite countertops can last a lifetime. It contains no harmful chemicals and do not emit harmful radiation or gasses. Granite is heat resistant and is one of the most heat-resistant countertops on the market. You can place a hot pan out of the oven directly onto the countertop surface. Experts do recommend the use of a trivet when using appliances that emit heat for long periods of time, such as crockpots. Since the material is so dense, there is a small possibility heating one area of the top and not the entire thing, could cause the countertop to crack. Granite is scratch resistant. You can cut on it, but it will dull your knives! Granite scores a seven on Moh’s hardness scale. Granite countertops are considered to be a low maintenance countertop surface. The likelihood of needing to be repaired or resurfaced is low. Granite is a porous material. Most fabricators will apply a sealer to granite countertops before they are installed which will protect them from absorbing liquids too quickly. Many sealers last more than 10 years before needing to be reapplied. When they do need to be reapplied, it is something that most homeowners can do on their own as the process is similar to cleaning. Darker granites are very dense and sometimes don’t even require a sealer. When it comes to pricing, there are a lot of variables such as edge profile, total square footage, backsplash, etc. Don’t be fooled by the stereotype that all granite is expensive. Lower-range granites will cost less than high-range laminate. Though granite countertops are not considered “low range” in pricing, there are a lot of affordable options. If you are looking for something truly unique, consider an exotic granite. Some quarries are not easily accessible and/or only able to be quarried for short periods of time throughout the year. If these circumstances exist in a quarry with gorgeous stone, the price will be driven upward. You won’t find a lot of solid patterns or bright colors, but both do exist. Also, watch for a large range of color and pattern within the same color of stone. It’s always a good idea to view the exact slab(s) that will be fabricated for your kitchen to make sure they are what you expected to see from the sample. Another factor is that many exotic types of granite have huge flowing waves, and a small sample will not be an accurate representation of the whole slab. Granite countertops are very resistant to chemicals. Acids and bases will not harm the material.

Greenlake Whistler

Sofo Kitchens

Photo of an expansive country l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Vancouver with an integrated sink, raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, brick splashback, stainless steel appliances, cement tiles, multiple islands, grey floor, grey benchtop and vaulted.

Modern Kitchen

SEK Architects

Image by Peter Rymwid Architectural Photography © 2014
Large contemporary kitchen in New York with an integrated sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, concrete benchtops, panelled appliances, cement tiles, multiple islands, grey floor and grey benchtop.

Kitchen with Cement Tiles and multiple Islands 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!