Design ideas for a large modern galley eat-in kitchen in Adelaide with flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, red splashback, brick splashback, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Hillsborough Spanish Revival

Scheinholtz Associates

Thibault Cartier
This is an example of a mediterranean u-shaped kitchen in San Francisco with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, white splashback, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

A Clean Slate in Naperville, IL

TKS Design Group

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW This client was referred to us from a past client. They are a busy 2-career household with young children and enjoy entertaining friends and family in their home. They have a beautiful open concept home but unfortunately the kitchen was not fitting for the rest of the home. They were not quite sure what to do with the space. We talked about trying to refresh it or do more of a minor remodel, but in the end they decided a full gut would get them to where they wanted to be. One problem was there was no place for guests to hang out other than the large and awkward banquette area. The brick wall and tiled hood area were feeling a bit dated and tired. The space was just not functional for their lifestyle. There was no prep space near the cooktop and no landing area for items coming out of the ovens or refrigerator, plus a big dead zone in the center of the room. Banquettes, like the one they previously had in the space, are great for small spaces, but when they get really large like this one, it makes getting in and out of the seating area awkward and uncomfortable. Plus, there was room for a large table, so we eliminated the awkward built in. We started by removing the faux brick wall between the kitchen and back entry. We relocated the entry to the garage over a couple feet in order to get every last inch out of the new kitchen. We also made the decision to close up the primary window that faced the pretty ho hum brick wall of the neighbor’s house. There was plenty of light coming in from the seating area, so we just didn’t feel the window was adding much to the room. Construction went smoothy. There was a bit of rework with electrical, flooring and HVAC, but in the end, we think it was well worth it. The clients really wanted a sleek contemporary look, and we originally had planned for a full height slab backsplash, but due to it’s size, it was a budget buster. Instead, we got creative and settled on large format porcelain tiles that have a similar feel but were a fraction of the cost. We made sure the wall was plumb and level so that the fit and finish would mimic that of slab material. The final space was quite a change. A large prep sink sits directly across from the new pro-style range with plenty additional prep space on the large island. The refrigerator and ovens now have miles of landing space, and a nice tight work triangle makes cooking a breeze. Since we wanted a more contemporary feel, not many wall cabinets were included. Instead, we outfitted some of the drawers for dish storage with a peg system. Two large pantries flanking the refrigerator hold baking supplies and small appliances. Large drawers by the cooktop hold pots and pans, and an appliance garage tucked away to the left of the range hides away miscellaneous items. The large island also houses a microwave drawer and tons of storage, most of which is drawers offering maximum convenience. The island now seats 5-6 people comfortably along with the new table in the seating area which can seat up to 8. Entertaining will be a breeze in this space. With such a clean backdrop, we knew we would need some drama with the lighting, so we chose two sets of staggered pendants, which we adjusted for the right visual balance above the island. We also included a small coffee station to the right of the main kitchen, which helps keep the coffee clutter out of the kitchen proper. Two tones of complimentary gray are featured in this kitchen. The perimeter is a light gray that reads almost white. The island is a gray stain that adds some depth and interest with the visible wood texture. The countertops are clean white quartz, and the hardware, barstools and light fixtures add warm brass tones. I see lots of cooking and entertaining with family and friends in the near future in this bright and airy new space. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Orchard Lake Kitchen Remodel

MainStreet Design Build

This Orchard Lake kitchen remodel was part of a whole house renovation. The clients wanted a large, open kitchen with room for multiple cooks and a warm, inviting space for entertaining guests and family. A custom Grabill kitchen was designed with professional grade Wolf and Thermador appliances, an oversize island and large windows highlighting the spectacular view of the lake. Kate Benjamin Photography

Capitol Hill

Heidi Caillier Design

Inspiration for a traditional galley separate kitchen in Seattle with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, wood benchtops, panelled appliances, dark hardwood floors, no island, brown floor and brown benchtop.

South Barry Avenue, Mamaroneck

Studio Dearborn

Jeff McNamara
This is an example of a large country l-shaped eat-in kitchen in New York with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, quartzite benchtops, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors and with island.

Modern Farmhouse-Upstate

Crisp Architects

Kitchen with concrete countertop island and pendant lighting.
Design ideas for a large country u-shaped kitchen in New York with a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, concrete benchtops, white splashback, timber splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and black benchtop.

Modern Traditional

MartinPatrick 3

Mid-sized transitional l-shaped kitchen in Minneapolis with recessed-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, marble benchtops, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Waconia Cottage

Mark D. Williams Custom Homes, Inc.

Photo of a mid-sized beach style l-shaped kitchen in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, wood benchtops, ceramic splashback, panelled appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island and brown floor.

Kitchens by Meridian Homes Inc.

Meridian Homes Inc.

renovated contemporary kitchen, glass pocket doors to separate the kitchen from the dining area
Mid-sized transitional single-wall open plan kitchen in DC Metro with beige splashback, stainless steel appliances, an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, granite benchtops, ceramic splashback, dark hardwood floors, with island and brown floor.

16th Street Bungalow

MPR Architecture

Open kitchen to family room with granite countertops, shaker style cabinets and windows.
This is an example of an arts and crafts galley eat-in kitchen in DC Metro with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, granite benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, a peninsula, brown floor and grey benchtop.

Painted Cabinets

Everingham Design

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Columbus with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

HEIGHTS PANTRY

Wood Customs

Photo of a large traditional l-shaped kitchen pantry in Houston with open cabinets, grey cabinets, dark hardwood floors and brown floor.

Cole

Kelly Tivey Interior Design

Photography by Brian Pettigrew
Design ideas for a large modern u-shaped open plan kitchen in San Francisco with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, quartzite benchtops, metallic splashback, metal splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors and with island.

Modern Kitchens

Colorado Homes & Design

Expansive modern l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Denver with flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island and grey floor.

Transitional Grey Kitchen Design in Livingston, NJ

Kuche+Cucina

Transitional Grey Kitchen Design in Belair, Livingston, NJ Grey cabinets, with Statuary white marble counters and backsplash. Ken Lauben
Design ideas for a large transitional u-shaped open plan kitchen in Newark with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, marble benchtops, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island and white splashback.

Katie & Drew's Kitchen

Hello Kitchen

Whit Preston
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped kitchen in Austin with flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, white splashback, a peninsula, an undermount sink, quartz benchtops, mosaic tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, brown floor and grey benchtop.

Estes Park Avenue

Inside Stories

Open concept galley modern kitchen
Large transitional galley eat-in kitchen in Denver with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, black appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Estes Park Avenue

Inside Stories

Open concept galley modern kitchen
Inspiration for a large transitional galley eat-in kitchen in Denver with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, black appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Classy Farmhouse

Atlantic Designs

Photo of a large country l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Portland Maine with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, shiplap splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop and exposed beam.

Kitchen with Grey Cabinets 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!