Photo of a transitional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Atlanta with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors and with island.

Mill Valley, CA Remodel

Michael Hospelt Photography

Architect : Heidi Richardson, Photo : Michael Hospelt
Design ideas for a transitional l-shaped kitchen in San Francisco with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors and with island.

Kensington Remodel

Michaelson Homes LLC

The pantry just off the kitchen has an old world feel with its brick accents and antique doors. The brick walls, previously the back exterior of the home, give this pantry lots of character. The cabinetry and gorgeous wood countertops are courtesy of Riverside Custom Cabinetry. Designer: Meg Kohnen Photography by: William Manning

Fairfax Virginia Kitchen 15

Murphy's Design

Photography by Bob Narod, Photographer, LLC. Remodeled by Murphy's Design.
This is an example of a large transitional u-shaped open plan kitchen in DC Metro with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, grey splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island and marble benchtops.

Maitland, Classic Two-Toned Kitchen

Central Kitchen & Bath

Large traditional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Orlando with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, beige splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors and with island.

2018 Showcase of Homes

E Tanny Design, llc

Inspiration for a transitional l-shaped kitchen in Boston with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island and brown floor.

The Grange

Feldman Architecture, Inc.

Matthew Milman
Design ideas for a country galley kitchen in San Francisco with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, white splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, multiple islands, brown floor and white benchtop.

Merchandise Lofts

Croma Design Inc.

Donna Griffith Photography
Mid-sized industrial l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Toronto with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, marble benchtops, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown splashback and brown floor.

Osterville Captain's House

Patrick Ahearn Architect

Eric Roth
Design ideas for a large beach style u-shaped separate kitchen in Boston with an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, dark hardwood floors, granite benchtops and no island.

Coachwood

Morriarchi Architecture

Andy Macpherson Studio
Design ideas for a country l-shaped kitchen in Sunshine Coast with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, black cabinets, wood benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, black appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and brown benchtop.

san francisco townhouse

building Lab, inc.

The remodeling of the kitchen and bathroom forms the core of this interior renovation. The existing peninsula design and cabinetry broke up the ‘great room’ and stood the kitchen as a distinct element within the room. Our design strategy operates more on a principle of integration. As such, we created a galley condition with a spine of cabinetry and appliances that anchors to the long wall of the room. The feature design element is the solid Caesarstone backsplash which appears to be carved from the wall itself. The particular challenge in the windowless bathroom was how to create an inviting, expanded sense of depth without a resulting cave-like feel. Removal of a half wall, soffit and tub unified the space overall. We reinforced the unification with the deployment of a single large format tile spec. Smaller details such as touch latch cabinetry hardware and flush conditions between tile, wall and mirror further the principle that simpler is bigger, deeper and more inviting. We were also charged with elevating what was a pedestrian 1990’s townhouse to something more sophisticated and engaging. Our approach was to first remove builder grade detailing around windows and railings. Then, we introduced simplified profiles and glass guardrails that would extend a consistency established in the new kitchen and bathroom designs. photo by Scott Hargis

Thornapple Modern Prairie

42 North - Architecture + Design

Design ideas for a contemporary kitchen in Grand Rapids with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, white splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island and brown floor.

Treat Avenue Kitchen

User

Jean Bai / Konstrukt Photo
Design ideas for a transitional l-shaped kitchen in San Francisco with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, grey splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Sag Harbor

Interiors Studio Martha's Vineyard

This is an example of a beach style l-shaped open plan kitchen in Boston with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors and with island.

Blanco St

Duckworth Properties

Contemporary l-shaped kitchen in Austin with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors and with island.

Barton Valley Home

Skelly Build

This is an example of a traditional u-shaped kitchen in Austin with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, white splashback, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop and exposed beam.

Thibeault

Réno-Assistance

Remy Assal
This is an example of a large contemporary l-shaped kitchen in Montreal with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors and with island.

My Houzz #2

Hurst Design Build Remodeling

Photo: Amy Rizer Photography © 2018 Houzz
Design ideas for a transitional u-shaped open plan kitchen with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, brown splashback, timber splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Modern farmhouse

City Homes, LLC

Troy Thies Photography
Photo of a country l-shaped kitchen in Minneapolis with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors and with island.

Osterville Captain's House

Patrick Ahearn Architect

Eric Roth
This is an example of a mid-sized beach style single-wall separate kitchen in Boston with a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, white splashback, subway tile splashback, panelled appliances, dark hardwood floors, wood benchtops and no island.

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!