Photo of a large contemporary u-shaped kitchen in Sydney with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, marble benchtops, glass sheet splashback, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, grey benchtop and exposed beam.

Ferrymans Project

Lynda MacDonald Interior Design

Contemporary galley kitchen in Gold Coast - Tweed with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, white splashback, stone slab splashback, dark hardwood floors, a peninsula, brown floor and white benchtop.

Smith Street, Merewether

MADE Architectural Constructions

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Newcastle - Maitland with a double-bowl sink, dark wood cabinets, marble benchtops, grey splashback, marble splashback, black appliances and with island.

Dual Occupancy: Brighton East townhouses

First Avenue Homes

Mid-sized contemporary galley eat-in kitchen in Melbourne with dark wood cabinets, marble benchtops, grey splashback, marble splashback, black appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and grey benchtop.

Grand Designs Transformations Australia - 2024

Studio Jung

Natural earthy warm tones creating a inviting living space
Inspiration for a contemporary l-shaped kitchen in Melbourne with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, pink splashback, mosaic tile splashback, black appliances, with island, brown floor and pink benchtop.

Woollahra Project

Blue Tea Kitchens and Bathrooms

A stained timber oak veneer kitchen with beautiful details including railings, antique brass handles, double bullnose edge to the island and splash back, and curved stone island. New curved steel doors were also designed and installed.

Bayview House

Aatos Design

Light-filled kitchen and dining.
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary galley eat-in kitchen in Sydney with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, mosaic tile splashback, black appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, grey splashback, beige floor, grey benchtop and wood.

Zarma

BJF Joinery

This kitchen is a masterclass in refined minimalism, where warm timber hues and natural stone textures come together to create a space that feels both grounding and sophisticated. The seamless integration of timber cabinetry and travertine surfaces exudes an organic charm, while the sleek, modern fixtures add a contemporary edge. A striking island bench anchors the space, inviting connection and effortless entertaining. Bathed in natural light, this kitchen is a tranquil retreat, embodying timeless design with an understated sense of luxury.

Rancho Peñasquitos Complete Remodel

Stel Builders, Inc.

Sleek appliances paired with traditional raised panel cabinets.
Mid-sized traditional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in San Diego with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite benchtops, beige splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island and multi-coloured benchtop.

Rustic Kitchen

Inspiration for a country l-shaped kitchen in Seattle with panelled appliances, light hardwood floors, exposed beam, vaulted, wood, a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, green splashback and with island.

Kitchen & Main Floor Remodel, Edina MN

Titus Contracting

Design ideas for a transitional u-shaped kitchen in Minneapolis with shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and white benchtop.

Modern Masterpiece

Lesa Peers Design

Photo of a contemporary l-shaped kitchen in Salt Lake City with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, beige splashback, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and beige benchtop.

Mason Ave Residence

Michael Murray Studio Limited

Photo of a modern l-shaped kitchen with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, grey splashback, concrete floors, with island, grey floor and grey benchtop.

Mid-Century Modern Rehabilitation

Herron Horton Architects, Inc.

Kitchen with walnut cabinets and screen constructed by Woodunique.
Large midcentury galley eat-in kitchen in Little Rock with an undermount sink, dark wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, blue splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, no island, white benchtop, exposed beam, vaulted, flat-panel cabinets and brown floor.

Mid Century Modern Meets 2020

Fox Interiors

Inspiration for a mid-sized midcentury l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, cement tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, cement tiles, no island, grey floor, black benchtop and dark wood cabinets.

Mid century Modern kitchen

Kelly Ann Photography

Beautiful kitchen remodel in a 1950's mis century modern home in Yellow Springs Ohio The Teal accent tile really sets off the bright orange range hood and stove. Photo Credit, Kelly Settle Kelly Ann Photography

Odessa New Construction

Andrea Canedo Design

Photo of a contemporary u-shaped open plan kitchen in Tampa with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, white splashback, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, multiple islands, brown floor and white benchtop.

Wolf Creek Ranch, Woodland, Utah Residence

THINK Architecture, Inc.

Photo of a country l-shaped kitchen in Salt Lake City with with island, brown floor, a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, grey splashback, panelled appliances and dark hardwood floors.

Rolling Hills

Ottolia & Barnes Architecture

This is an example of a large country l-shaped open plan kitchen in Los Angeles with quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, stainless steel appliances, multiple islands, medium hardwood floors, dark wood cabinets, cement tile splashback, brown floor, an undermount sink, white benchtop and recessed-panel cabinets.

Walk In Pantry

MAK Design + Build Inc.

This whole house remodel integrated the kitchen with the dining room, entertainment center, living room and a walk in pantry. We remodeled a guest bathroom, and added a drop zone in the front hallway dining.

Kitchen with Dark Wood Cabinets 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!