Photo of a mid-sized modern l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Sydney with an undermount sink, white cabinets, solid surface benchtops, black splashback, mirror splashback, black appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, grey benchtop and exposed beam.

Traditionl Hand Painted Framed Kitchen

Tulip

Design ideas for a large traditional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Surrey with a drop-in sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, quartzite benchtops, metallic splashback, mirror splashback, stainless steel appliances, limestone floors, with island, grey floor, white benchtop and exposed beam.

LE CUBE

Audrey Boey Architecte d'intérieur

Cuisine ouverte avec un grand îlot. L'îlot comprend une partie snack / bar Portes escamotables pour cacher la partie évier de la cuisine. Hotte intégrée à la plaque de cuisson

Concrete and Oak Kitchen

Kitchen Matters

Photo of a large modern single-wall open plan kitchen in Buckinghamshire with an integrated sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, quartzite benchtops, grey splashback, mirror splashback, black appliances, porcelain floors, with island, grey floor, grey benchtop and exposed beam.

Wisconsin Lake home

Partners 4, Design

This is an example of a large transitional single-wall eat-in kitchen in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, granite benchtops, metallic splashback, mirror splashback, panelled appliances, porcelain floors, with island, black floor, black benchtop and exposed beam.

The Wrapped Bungalow

Maytree Studios

The modern extension wraps the existing house creating a double height void to allow for daylighting & drama into the home.
Inspiration for a contemporary kitchen in Brisbane with an undermount sink, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, mirror splashback, stainless steel appliances, concrete floors, white benchtop and exposed beam.

Puttenham Traditional Shaker Kitchen

Higham Furniture

This kitchen had a small alcove at the back of the space as you walk through to the rest of the house and we came up with this clever breakfast and coffee station. This allows the family to make their coffee and not be in anyone's way in the kitchen. And with a large coffee machine like this, it does not take up any precious worktop space in the main kitchen area. The tongue & groove back panel adds a traditional touch whilst the single spotlight lights up an otherwise dark alcove.

Barn conversion - Black & Magic Grey handle-less kitchen

Arlington Interiors

This is one of our recent projects, which was part of a stunning Barn conversion. We saw this project transform from a Cow shed, with raw bricks and mud, through to a beautiful home. The kitchen is a Kuhlmann German handle-less Kitchen in Black supermatt & Magic Grey high gloss, with Copper accents and Dekton Radium worktops. The simple design complements the rustic features of this stunning open plan room. Ovens are Miele Artline Graphite. Installation by Boxwood Joinery Dekton worktops installed by Stone Connection Photos by muratphotography.com Bespoke table, special order from Ennis and Brown.

Tudor Barn

Elementi Cucina

This beautiful period property, set in a pretty Berkshire Village has a stunning kitchen space and was the perfect backdrop for a new sleek designer Italian kitchen. With its pitched, beamed ceiling creating height within the room the clients wanted to modernise the space. The kitchen was centred around a large island with the stunning golden marmorea composite stone worktops, featuring beautiful warm veining, giving the perfect space for entertaining or cooking up a storm.

Traditionl Hand Painted Framed Kitchen

Tulip

Inspiration for a large traditional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Surrey with a drop-in sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, quartzite benchtops, metallic splashback, mirror splashback, stainless steel appliances, limestone floors, with island, grey floor, white benchtop and exposed beam.

The Wrapped Bungalow Kitchen

Maytree Studios

Photo of a contemporary galley kitchen in Brisbane with an undermount sink, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, mirror splashback, stainless steel appliances, concrete floors, with island, beige floor and exposed beam.

Barn conversion - Bespoke table

Arlington Interiors

This is one of our recent projects, which was part of a stunning Barn conversion. We saw this project transform from a Cow shed, with raw bricks and mud, through to a beautiful home. The kitchen is a Kuhlmann German handle-less Kitchen in Black supermatt & Magic Grey high gloss, with Copper accents and Dekton Radium worktops. The simple design complements the rustic features of this stunning open plan room. Installation by Boxwood Joinery Dekton worktops installed by Stone Connection Photos by muratphotography.com Bespoke table, special order from Ennis and Brown.

Rushton Spencer

ArtHouse Creative Interiors

This is an example of a mid-sized industrial l-shaped open plan kitchen in Cheshire with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, solid surface benchtops, grey splashback, mirror splashback, black appliances, porcelain floors, with island, grey floor, black benchtop and exposed beam.

Concrete and Oak Kitchen

Kitchen Matters

This is an example of a large modern single-wall open plan kitchen in Buckinghamshire with an integrated sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, quartzite benchtops, grey splashback, mirror splashback, black appliances, porcelain floors, with island, grey floor, grey benchtop and exposed beam.

Rushton Spencer

ArtHouse Creative Interiors

Traditionl Hand Painted Framed Kitchen

Tulip

Barn conversion - Black & Magic Grey handle-less kitchen

Arlington Interiors

Farnham Art Deco Kitchen

Chisholm Design

Some projects start off in one direction and then change tack. Our clients were looking for something a little more contemporary than a traditional Shaker kitchen, so we originally designed this in our Modern Kitchens range, before switching to the White Kitchen Company’s classic Shaker range, but with flat-fronted drawers to provide a more contemporary look. We love so much about this kitchen, from the two-tone cabinetry and the antique mirror splashback from Rough Old Glass, to the large, feature mantel, with its adjoining shelves, all set against the gorgeous wall paper behind. The adjacent pantry features open pull outs with baskets as well as the ever popular Fisher and Paykel French-style fridge freezer. We again worked closely with Katie Amin, who project managed the works, which were completed using Chris Boyda and his talented sub contractors and the kitchen and pantry themselves were fitted by Lorry Lennard. Stoneworx supplied, fabricated and fitted the Silestone Calacatta Gold quartz worktops

Kitchen with Mirror Splashback and Exposed Beam 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!