Inspiration for a beach style kitchen in New York with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, soapstone benchtops and with island.

Reclaimed Wood Beams

The Reclaimed Wood Shop

Photo of a large country u-shaped separate kitchen in Houston with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, soapstone benchtops, stainless steel appliances, ceramic floors, with island and beige floor.

Portland House

TELFORD+BROWN STUDIO ARCHITECTURE

A modern, yet traditionally inspired SW Portland home with sweeping views of Mount Hood features an exposed timber frame core reclaimed from a local rail yard building. A welcoming exterior entrance canopy continues inside to the foyer and piano area before vaulting above the living room. A ridge skylight illuminates the central space and the loft beyond. The elemental materials of stone, bronze, Douglas Fir, Maple, Western Redcedar. and Walnut carry on a tradition of northwest architecture influenced by Japanese/Asian sensibilities. Mindful of saving energy and resources, this home was outfitted with PV panels and a geothermal mechanical system, contributing to a high performing envelope efficient enough to achieve several sustainability honors. The main home received LEED Gold Certification and the adjacent ADU LEED Platinum Certification, and both structures received Earth Advantage Platinum Certification. Photo by: David Papazian Photography

Tray Dividers above Refrigerator

Denise Quade Design

Four tray partitions were spaced equally in this 24" deep cabinet above the french door refrigerator. The tray partitions can be easily removed for flexible storage.

A serious cooks kitchen

MkyDesign

Design ideas for a large eclectic l-shaped kitchen pantry in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, soapstone benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, coloured appliances, concrete floors and with island.

Kitchens Projects

Ancient Surfaces

An antique reclaimed custom Italian oven showcased in an award winning design Italian Villa featuring our old salvaged Arcane Limestone Floors installed with a dark 'hay Stack' gout lines. The grout color selection added more uniformity to our stone and helped darken the overall Hue of the Stone floor so it seamlessly blends with its darker environment.

Pine Street Remodel

MQ Architecture & Design, LLC

Mark Quéripel, AIA is an award-winning architect and interior designer, whose Boulder, Colorado design firm, MQ Architecture & Design, strives to create uniquely personal custom homes and remodels which resonate deeply with clients. The firm offers a wide array of professional services, and partners with some of the nation’s finest engineers and builders to provide a successful and synergistic building experience. Alex Geller Photography

Carriage House Apartment

East Spruce design / build

A sink salvaged from a Philadelphia school cafeteria and custom cabinets of Rosewood (salvaged from the garage below) define the kitchen. Built-in shelves and pot storage backed with gloss painted lathe offer a wipe-able, durable wall finish, while Ikea dish racks take advantage of vertical space and keep minimal counter space free. Kate Swan Photography

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

Modern Transition

Sturman Architects

Design ideas for a large modern u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Seattle with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, soapstone benchtops, white splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors and with island.

Contemporary Kitchen

Mid Continent Cabinetry

Cherry Copenhagen door style by Mid Continent Cabinetry finished in Fireside.
Inspiration for a large contemporary single-wall open plan kitchen in Orange County with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, soapstone benchtops, stainless steel appliances, concrete floors, with island and grey floor.

Private Residence - Jersey City NJ

Ward 5 Design

Interior design of modern apartment kitchen with white walls and wood floors. Including wood cabinets and gray soapstone countertops with concrete backsplash.

Finchley Kitchen

Copperstone Kitchens and Renovations

Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional l-shaped kitchen in Ottawa with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, soapstone benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances and with island.

Kitchens

Picketfence Design Studio

Picketfence Design Studio
Photo of a mid-sized modern u-shaped eat-in kitchen in San Diego with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, soapstone benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, matchstick tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, ceramic floors and no island.

Manhattan Penthouse, New York City

James Girouard Design

Design ideas for a small transitional u-shaped open plan kitchen in New York with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, soapstone benchtops, glass sheet splashback, coloured appliances, ceramic floors and a peninsula.

Riverwoods

Current Construction Co.

Custom Kitchen with Soapstone Counter Tops
Modern kitchen in Chicago with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, soapstone benchtops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, coloured appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, grey benchtop and dark wood cabinets.

Eco-friendly kitchen

Dream Kitchens, Inc.

Blind corner cabinet organizers: swing-out shelves 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.

Brighton Cherry Raised Panel Inset

Ed Sossich at Main Line Kitchen Design

This beautiful Craftsman style kitchen feature Brighton Inset Cherry raise panel door style. With bookend pantries it just makes for a spacious cooking area. Also a larger island it is perfect workspace for a second cook, as well as a eating area for the the family. Soapstone tops in the cooking area and granite on the island with stone back splash just makes this a show kitchen for any home.

Kitchen Cabinets

Bauman Custom Woodworking

Mid-sized transitional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Other with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, soapstone benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors and a peninsula.

Soapstone Countertops with Dark Stained Maple Cabinets

Denise Quade Design

Floating shelves were used in a corner where a cabinet could have been placed but would have blocked some of the natural light that the windows provide. Subway tile was used up the entire wall.

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!