This compact end cabinet is the perfect place for storing kitchen floor cleaning supplies. Photos by Chris Veith.
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in New York with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, grey splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island and multi-coloured benchtop.

Lake of the Isles Kitchen

M. Victoria Johnson Interiors

This is an example of a beach style u-shaped open plan kitchen in Minneapolis with a single-bowl sink, recessed-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, multi-coloured benchtop and vaulted.

Colorful & Organized Small Kitchen

Tracey Stephens Interior Design Inc

The in-law suite kitchen could only be in a small corner of the basement. The kitchen design started with the question: how small can this kitchen be? The compact layout was designed to provide generous counter space, comfortable walking clearances, and abundant storage. The bold colors and fun patterns anchored by the warmth of the dark wood flooring create a happy and invigorating space. SQUARE FEET: 140

Okura

LaBella Kitchens Ltd.

Photo of a small contemporary u-shaped separate kitchen in Auckland with a single-bowl sink, beaded inset cabinets, black cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, engineered quartz splashback, black appliances, dark hardwood floors, no island, brown floor, multi-coloured benchtop and timber.

Transitional Farmhouse

Woodharbor Custom Cabinetry

Chelsea door, Slab & Manor Flat drawer fronts, Designer White enamel.
Mid-sized country u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, multi-coloured splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

Butternut Traditional Painted Island Kitchen Remodel

Thyme & Place Design LLC

The existing 1970’s kitchen contained once DIY painted cabinets with drop ceilings, poor lighting, inaccessible storage, failing appliances and an outdated floor plan. The client desired a new and improved kitchen designed for a cook which was not only functional but would beautifully integrate into the design style of the home. State of the art appliances, customized storage for all things cooking and entertaining, subtle latte colored cabinets with a contrasting island, and much improved lighting and ventilation came together to create the clients dream kitchen. Designing an Island layout was the key in the transformation from an outdated room to an outstanding reimagined kitchen.

Rustic Refined Remodel

Gardner/Fox Associates, Inc

Mid-sized transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Philadelphia with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, blue splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

ShelfGenie Full Kitchen

ShelfGenie of Central & Coastal VA

Kitchen overview with ShelfGenie solutions on display.
Photo of a mid-sized traditional u-shaped separate kitchen in Richmond with an undermount sink, granite benchtops, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, brown floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

Mona Home Remodel

Designs By Liv

Inspiration for a large transitional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Detroit with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, grey splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

Walker Kitchen

Longhouse Architects

Small galley separate kitchen in DC Metro with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, wood benchtops, metallic splashback, metal splashback, white appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, black floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

N. Clovis Custom Kitchen and Bath

Delerio Construction

Custom dining room nook.
Design ideas for a large mediterranean l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Other with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, distressed cabinets, quartz benchtops, beige splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

Orchard Lake Whole House Remodel

MainStreet Design Build

A custom Grabill kitchen was designed with professional grade Wolf and Thermador appliances for an enjoyable cooking and dining experience. Kate Benjamin Photography

Kitchen view of the island from the sitting area

Erotas Custom Building

Grand architecturally detailed stone family home. Each interior uniquely customized. Architect: Mike Sharrett of Sharrett Design Interior Designer: Laura Ramsey Engler of Ramsey Engler, Ltd.

Worn and Distressed Kitchen

Woodways

This Traditional style kitchen includes off-white distressed cabinetry, hand constructed and finished by Woodways builders. Corner cabinet maximizes storage space and includes a countertop appliance condo to hide toasters, coffee makers, etc. A roll out tray is an effective element to make access into the corner easy and effortless. Undercabinet lighting adds light to work surfaces and emphasizes the backsplash tile of choice.

Highcroft Home Remodel

Studio M Kitchen & Bath

The kitchen's large farmhouse sink is perfect for getting dishes done quickly and efficiently! The sink's location being embedded in the center island also makes cooking a breeze. Great for washing, peeling, and chopping fruits and vegetables!

ShelfGenie Full Kitchen

ShelfGenie of Central & Coastal VA

Kitchen overview with ShelfGenie solutions on display.
Mid-sized traditional u-shaped separate kitchen in Richmond with an undermount sink, granite benchtops, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, brown floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

Dramatic Kitchen Gut Renovation

TDV Design

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary single-wall eat-in kitchen in New York with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, granite benchtops, white splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, black floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

Walker Kitchen

Longhouse Architects

Photo of a small galley separate kitchen in DC Metro with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, wood benchtops, metallic splashback, metal splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, black floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

Wimberley Southwestern Retreat

Jennifer Garner Interiors

Southwestern Kitchen in blue and white featuring hand painted ceramic tile, chimney style plaster vent hood, granite and wood countertops Photography: Michael Hunter Photography

Creative Concepts Kitchen & Bath Design

Photo of a large transitional l-shaped kitchen in Bridgeport with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, granite benchtops, beige splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

Kitchen with Dark Hardwood Floors and Multi-Coloured 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!