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.

Modern Colorado Home

Kitchen Bath & Home

David Iwane
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary single-wall eat-in kitchen in Denver with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and white floor.

Bob et Josée

Armoires Créabec Inc.

Inspiration for a large contemporary u-shaped kitchen in Montreal with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, solid surface benchtops, beige splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island and grey floor.

Waypoint Cabinets Products

Kitchens and Baths, LLC

This is an example of a small traditional galley open plan kitchen in Milwaukee with shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, beige splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors and with island.

Old World with Gothic Influence

Cabinet Concepts by Design

Inspiration for a large traditional single-wall open plan kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, granite benchtops, with island, dark wood cabinets, beige splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances and porcelain floors.

Earthy Kitchen - Condo Renovation

HAVEN design+building llc

Warm and cool tones, wood and metallic surfaces and light and dark materials contrast nicely to give a warm earthy feel to this condo renovation in Burlington VT. photos:erica ell

Projet Maison Carignan

Monique Castonguay Design

Grande cuisine ouverte sur le salon et la salle à manger, organisée pour des amoureux de la cuisine, qui aiment recevoir. Plancher chauffant, comptoir de Quartz, photo: www.rodolfnoel.com www.ceramiquearco.com

mid-century modern kitchen

Neil Kelly Company

Modern materials were chosen to fit the existing style of the home. Mahogany cabinets topped with Caesarstone countertops in Nougat and Raven were accented by 24×24-inch recycled porcelain tile with 1-inch glass penny round decos. Elsewhere in the kitchen, quality appliances were re-used. The oven was located in its original brick wall location. The microwave convection oven was located neatly under the island countertop. A tall pull out pantry was included to the left of the refrigerator. The island became the focus of the design. It provided the main food prep and cooking area, and helped direct traffic through the space, keeping guests comfortable on one side and cooks on the other. Large porcelain tiles clad the back side of the island to protect the surface from feet on stools and accent the surrounding surfaces.

Gleannloch - Spring, TX

Morning Star Builders LTD

Kolanowski Studio
Design ideas for a large mediterranean u-shaped kitchen in Houston with raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite benchtops, beige splashback, porcelain splashback, panelled appliances, porcelain floors and multiple islands.

Parade of Homes June 2020 - Waunakee

FLOOR360

Interior Designer DesignWell Interiors, Builder Hart DeNoble Builders, Photo S. Photography/Shanna Wolf
Inspiration for a large transitional open plan kitchen in Other with white splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, laminate floors, with island, brown floor, an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets and black benchtop.

Fallbrook Kitchen Remodel With Santa Barbara Backsplash and Chimney Hood

Classic Home Improvements

We are just in love with the character of the mosaic tile display installed in the backsplash coupled with the drywall hood over the range. This L-shaped kitchen features two toned cabinets as well as granite island countertops to add dimension to the design. The perimeter dark wood shaker cabinets provide a clean, warm canvas to showcase its beautiful Santa Barbara tile backsplash. Photo by Preview First

Cherry Kitchen with Red Accents

European Kitchen and Bath LLC

Mid-sized traditional galley separate kitchen in Other with a double-bowl sink, raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartzite benchtops, beige splashback, porcelain splashback, black appliances, travertine floors, with island, beige floor and beige benchtop.

Sunrise on the Monon - Cala/Ramsey

Old Town Design Group

A perfect open floor plan to view the great room and dining area from the kitchen's marble island. Photo by: Thomas Graham
Mid-sized arts and crafts l-shaped open plan kitchen in Indianapolis with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite benchtops, beige splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and beige benchtop.

Kitchens

JLT Kitchen Refinishing

Design ideas for a large traditional u-shaped separate kitchen in Orange County with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite benchtops, beige splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, ceramic floors, with island and beige floor.

Residential Home Staging and Design

HomeSpun Staging and Design

Mid-sized transitional u-shaped kitchen in Denver with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite benchtops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, brown floor and a peninsula.

French Country

Parker & Associates Architects

Inspiration for a mid-sized country l-shaped kitchen in Other with raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, beige splashback, with island, panelled appliances, a farmhouse sink, granite benchtops, porcelain splashback, travertine floors and beige floor.

Transitional / Contemporary Kitchen, Plymouth, MN

Trinity Construction Services, LLC

Transitional / Contemporary Stained Walnut Frameless Cabinetry, Quartzite Countertops, Waterfall Island with Prep Sink, Wide Plank White Oak Flooring, Thermador Appliances, Gas Cooktop, Double Ovens

Two Tone Kitchen with Split Level Island

MAK Design + Build Inc.

Photo of a large midcentury l-shaped open plan kitchen in Sacramento with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop and exposed beam.

Dated 70's Kitchen Gets Contemporary Makeover

Corinthian Fine Homes

While working with this couple on their master bathroom, they asked us to renovate their kitchen which was still in the 70’s and needed a complete demo and upgrade utilizing new modern design and innovative technology and elements. We transformed an indoor grill area with curved design on top to a buffet/serving station with an angled top to mimic the angle of the ceiling. Skylights were incorporated for natural light and the red brick fireplace was changed to split face stacked travertine which continued over the buffet for a dramatic aesthetic. The dated island, cabinetry and appliances were replaced with bark-stained Hickory cabinets, a larger island and state of the art appliances. The sink and faucet were chosen from a source in Chicago and add a contemporary flare to the island. An additional buffet area was added for a tv, bookshelves and additional storage. The pendant light over the kitchen table took some time to find exactly what they were looking for, but we found a light that was minimalist and contemporary to ensure an unobstructed view of their beautiful backyard. The result is a stunning kitchen with improved function, storage, and the WOW they were going for.

LUSSO

KabCo Kitchens

Here is KabCo's classic shaker two toned kitchen featuring Showplace Wood Products and SIlestone Counters. This an eat-in kitchen was custom designed with Stacked Maple Soft Cream wall cabinets and contrasting Maple Espresso base cabinets. Porcelain walls and floating shelves give this remodel a fresh look.

Kitchen with Dark Wood Cabinets and Porcelain Splashback 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!