Katheryn Moran Photography
Photo of a small country l-shaped open plan kitchen in Seattle with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, quartzite benchtops, red splashback, brick splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Franklin, TN Estate

Noble Johnson Architects

Photography: Garett + Carrie Buell of Studiobuell/ studiobuell.com
Photo of a large transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Nashville with a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, panelled appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island and white benchtop.

Palm Beach Waterfront

Knowles Design

Jessica Glynn Photography
Design ideas for a beach style u-shaped kitchen in Miami with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, multi-coloured splashback and multi-coloured benchtop.

A Stunning 90’s Kitchen Transformation

Medford Remodeling

Another item on the client’s wish list was a built-in doggie station for their two large dogs. This custom unit was designed with convenience in mind: a handy pot-filler was hard piped in for easy water bowl refills. The same glass backsplash tile and granite counter top were used to match the rest of the kitchen, and LED lights brighten the space the same way the undercabinet lights do. Rubber-bottomed dog bowls prevent any accidental spills, which are easy to clean up should they occur. Now the dogs have their own place to eat and drink, and the clients won’t be tripping over dog bowls in the floor! Final photos by www.Impressia.net

Midtown, NYC

Tri State Kitchens

Welcome to this Midtown Manhattan apartment! Located on the 17th floor the narrow space is maximized to its capacity. In addition the the window, the white cabinets provide a bright and airy feel. Pantries, drawers and cabinets provide enough storage space, as well as counter working space, achieved by the extending the bottom cabinets into family area. There's even a niche that can be used for mail and kids schoolwork!

Clean & Simple, Maximize Space

Kleppinger Design Group, Inc.

Photographed by: Bob Narod
Inspiration for a transitional u-shaped kitchen in DC Metro with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, with island, white benchtop, an undermount sink, grey splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors and brown floor.

Sennett Residence

Living Stone Design + Build

Large midcentury u-shaped open plan kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and beige benchtop.

The Moorelands

Broadway Design

Inspiration for a traditional open plan kitchen in Seattle with glass-front cabinets, beige cabinets, multi-coloured splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and beige benchtop.

Old Mission penninsula

Design Strategies

Transitional/traditional design. Hand scraped wood flooring, wolf & sub zero appliances. Antique mirrored tile, Custom cabinetry
Expansive traditional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Other with a farmhouse sink, white cabinets, granite benchtops, beige splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, recessed-panel cabinets, brown floor and beige benchtop.

Farmhouse Kitchen

Elle Interiors

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Phoenix with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, white splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop, solid surface benchtops and subway tile splashback.

Modern Coastal

Grant Duckworth Photography

Design ideas for a beach style l-shaped kitchen in Houston with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, grey splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Asheville Residence

Young & Young Interiors

Design ideas for a country kitchen with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, white splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and grey benchtop.

Guest Cottage Kitchen

Schock Construction Inc

Design ideas for a small country l-shaped open plan kitchen in Seattle with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, no island, grey floor and black benchtop.

Bloomfield Hills, MI (II)

DesRosiers Architects

James Haefner Photography
Photo of a contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Detroit with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, grey splashback, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and grey benchtop.

Refined - Main Level Beverage Center | Che Bella Interiors

Che Bella Interiors Design + Remodeling

A few of the cabinet with retractable doors open Photos by Spacecrafting Photography.
Inspiration for an expansive transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Minneapolis with multiple islands, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, quartz benchtops, brown floor, white benchtop and dark hardwood floors.

Knotty Alder Kitchen & Bath

Riddle Construction & Design

Blending knotty alder cabinets with classic quartz countertops, subway tile and rich oak flooring makes this open plan kitchen a warm retreat. Wrapped posts now replace previous structural walls and flank the extra-large island. Pro appliances, an apron sink and heavy hardware completes the rustic look. The adjacent bathroom features the same materials along with trendy encaustic floor tile for fun.

Transitional Kitchen with Large Island

KraftMaster Renovations

This kitchen has a large island and plenty of cabinet storage. Photos by Chris Veith.
Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in New York with a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, beige cabinets, granite benchtops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island, brown floor, white benchtop and dark hardwood floors.

Award-winning Kitchen Remodel

Pineapple House Interior Design

-The kitchen was isolated but was key to project’s success, as it is the central axis of the first level -The designers renovated the entire lower level to create a configuration that opened the kitchen to every room on lower level, except for the formal dining room -New double islands tripled the previous counter space and doubled previous storage -Six bar stools offer ample seating for casual family meals and entertaining -With a nod to the children, all upholstery in the Kitchen/ Breakfast Room are indoor/outdoor fabrics -Removing & shortening walls between kitchen/family room/informal dining allows views, a total house connection, plus the architectural changes in these adjoining rooms enhances the kitchen experience -Design aesthetic was to keep everything neutral with pops of color and accents of dark elements -Cream cabinetry contrasts with dark stain accents on the island, hood & ceiling beams -Back splash is over-scaled subway tile; pewter cabinetry hardware -Fantasy Brown granite counters have a "leather-ed" finish -The focal point and center of activity now stems from the kitchen – it’s truly the Heart of this Home. Galina Coada Photography

SANTA FE'S HISTORIC EASTSIDE

Tierra Concepts

Design ideas for a large eclectic l-shaped kitchen in Albuquerque with flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop, grey splashback and cement tile splashback.

Luxe Modern Kitchen

Zieba Builders, Inc.

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary kitchen in Los Angeles with flat-panel cabinets, quartz benchtops, porcelain splashback, panelled appliances, with island, white benchtop, an undermount sink, dark wood cabinets, white splashback and dark hardwood floors.

Kitchen with 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!