Brandon Rowell Photography
This is an example of a mid-sized transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, soapstone benchtops, grey splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets and dark hardwood floors.

Greenbrier Residence

Domiteaux Garza Architecture

Photo Credit: Chuck Smith Photography
This is an example of a contemporary kitchen in Dallas with mosaic tile splashback, green splashback, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances and soapstone benchtops.

Creative Kitchen and Deck Remodel

Metamorphosis Design-Build

Walnut cabinets, a patched hardwood floor in existing maple, a black, soapstone countertop, white Kitchen Aid appliances, and a white tile backsplash come together for this warm and inviting kitchen. Photo by David J. Turner

Industrial Loft Kitchen & Master Bath

Neil Kelly Company

The "Dream of the '90s" was alive in this industrial loft condo before Neil Kelly Portland Design Consultant Erika Altenhofen got her hands on it. The 1910 brick and timber building was converted to condominiums in 1996. No new roof penetrations could be made, so we were tasked with creating a new kitchen in the existing footprint. Erika's design and material selections embrace and enhance the historic architecture, bringing in a warmth that is rare in industrial spaces like these. Among her favorite elements are the beautiful black soapstone counter tops, the RH medieval chandelier, concrete apron-front sink, and Pratt & Larson tile backsplash

Potter House

The Kennebec Company

A look to the dining room through the old brick wall fitted with hand planed stained pine cabinetry
Small country l-shaped separate kitchen in Portland Maine with a farmhouse sink, dark wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, a peninsula, recessed-panel cabinets, soapstone benchtops and red splashback.

Bunker HIll Kitchen Remodel

Greymark Design + Build

Mid-sized mediterranean galley eat-in kitchen in Houston with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, soapstone benchtops, engineered quartz splashback, stainless steel appliances, ceramic floors, brown floor and black benchtop.

Mine Brook Farm

AHD&Co

This is an example of a large country u-shaped eat-in kitchen in New York with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, soapstone benchtops, beige splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors and with island.

St. Joseph Residence 2

Allegretti Architects, Inc.

James Yochum
Arts and crafts galley open plan kitchen in Other with dark wood cabinets, green splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island, an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, soapstone benchtops, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and black benchtop.

Ontare Residence

Jessica Risko Smith Interior Design

Photos by Lepere Studio
Large contemporary kitchen in Santa Barbara with soapstone benchtops, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, beige splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors and with island.

New Orleans Styled Home Remodel

KBF Design Gallery

Welcome to this New Orleans Inspired home remodel. The dark cabinetry and soapstone perimeter countertops paired with the leathered quartzite island and white mosaic backsplash gives a nice contrast. This brand new interior has an antique touch throughout the home.

Greenfield Hill Colonial

Segerson Builders

This traditional kitchen features a combination of soapstone and marble counter tops, a la canche range with a soapstone backsplash and a butcher block top. The kitchen includes a built-in subzero fridge, cabinetry and brass cabinet hardware and decorative lighting fixtures.

Evans

Jacqueline Kleinberg Interiors

Large mediterranean l-shaped kitchen in Los Angeles with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, soapstone benchtops, beige splashback, cement tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island and brown floor.

California Mediterranean

Laura Lee Designs

Custom Laura Lee Designs pendant lighting. Russell Abraham, photographer. John Malick & Associates, architect.
Large mediterranean u-shaped eat-in kitchen in San Francisco with with island, a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, soapstone benchtops, red splashback, brick splashback, black appliances, dark hardwood floors and brown floor.

Traditional Kitchen

Inspiration for a small traditional u-shaped open plan kitchen in Boston with soapstone benchtops, dark wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, beige splashback, subway tile splashback, medium hardwood floors and with island.

Olympic Hills Second Story Addition

Model Remodel

All black kitchen sink with black sink, charcoal soapstone countertop and black stone herringbone tile. © Cindy Apple Photography
This is an example of a contemporary single-wall eat-in kitchen in Seattle with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, soapstone benchtops, black splashback, mosaic tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island and black benchtop.

Our Work

James Rogers Architects, Inc.

Mid-sized contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Other with a double-bowl sink, raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, soapstone benchtops, beige splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, ceramic floors, multiple islands and beige floor.

Showhome 2010 - 2

Witt Construction

This is an example of a traditional open plan kitchen in New York with stainless steel appliances, soapstone benchtops, an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets and dark wood cabinets.

Eco-friendly kitchen

Dream Kitchens, Inc.

The dishwasher fits under the sink's drainboard The goal of the project was to create a more functional kitchen, but to remodel with an eco-friendly approach. To minimize the waste going into the landfill, all the old cabinetry and appliances were donated, and the kitchen floor was kept intact because it was in great condition. The challenge was to design the kitchen around the existing floor and the natural soapstone the client fell in love with. The clients continued with the sustainable theme throughout the room with the new materials chosen: The back splash tiles are eco-friendly and hand-made in the USA.. The custom range hood was a beautiful addition to the kitchen. We maximized the counter space around the custom sink by extending the integral drain board above the dishwasher to create more prep space. In the adjacent laundry room, we continued the same color scheme to create a custom wall of cabinets to incorporate a hidden laundry shoot, and dog area. We also added storage around the washer and dryer including two different types of hanging for drying purposes.

Country Club - french tudor renovation featured in Traditional Home magazine

Summer Thornton Design, Inc

White brick and a massive marble island keep this kitchen light and bright while rich cabinets with brass details and soapstone counters add a masculine element. Open shelving keeps it light and adds to the laid back, inviting environment. Summer Thornton Design, Inc.

Hilltop Craftsman Kitchen

Rene Products

white oak inset cabinetry
This is an example of a small country eat-in kitchen in Cincinnati with an undermount sink, dark wood cabinets, soapstone benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances and dark hardwood floors.

Kitchen with Dark Wood Cabinets and Soapstone Benchtops 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!