This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Brisbane with a double-bowl sink, recessed-panel cabinets, black cabinets, wood benchtops, white splashback, window splashback, stainless steel appliances, slate floors, with island, grey floor, brown benchtop and exposed beam.

Toorak Residence

MR.MITCHELL

Photo of a large contemporary eat-in kitchen in Melbourne with an integrated sink, recessed-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, quartzite benchtops, beige splashback, stone slab splashback, black appliances, light hardwood floors, multiple islands, beige floor, beige benchtop and exposed beam.

Elkhorn Hill

Virtual Studio Innovations

This is an example of a transitional eat-in kitchen in Atlanta with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop and exposed beam.

Madrone Meadows

Premier Kitchen & Bath

Design ideas for a large kitchen in Houston with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop and exposed beam.

Harding Boulevard Two-Island Kitchen

Amy Carman Design

Now more than ever, kitchens are the heart of our homes. This renovation couldn’t be a more perfect example. It has it all - room to gather, prepare a great meal, and an overall warmth and character that make it a favorite place in the home. Traditional details and materials, including walnut islands, a beamed ceiling, paneled cabinets, and handcrafted tile, creates a style that will stand the test of time.

Pullman Estate Kitchen Renovation

ABLAZE Design Group (ABL)

We are firm believers in form follows function, especially in kitchens. When styling a kitchen try to avoid too much clutter on the surface, so carefully consider jars, canisters and items that tie in other uses. In enclosed kitchen spaces, when you want visual impact, but want to keep things light and airy, consider clear stools and pendant lighting. Every room can benefit from a touch of greenery, so natural herbs are a great way to add some life in a very practical way.

Tour of Homes / HBA Home

Wind River Homes

Inspiration for a transitional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Portland with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, multi-coloured splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, black benchtop, exposed beam and vaulted.

Sharbot Lake Cottage

Dewson Architects

Dewson Architects
Large transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Toronto with with island, an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors and exposed beam.

Oh What A Ceiling!

Green Sheep Collective

‘Oh What A Ceiling!’ ingeniously transformed a tired mid-century brick veneer house into a suburban oasis for a multigenerational family. Our clients, Gabby and Peter, came to us with a desire to reimagine their ageing home such that it could better cater to their modern lifestyles, accommodate those of their adult children and grandchildren, and provide a more intimate and meaningful connection with their garden. The renovation would reinvigorate their home and allow them to re-engage with their passions for cooking and sewing, and explore their skills in the garden and workshop.

Country Home, Gloucestershire

Justin Van Breda London

This is an example of a country l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Gloucestershire with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, wood benchtops, black appliances, a peninsula, multi-coloured floor, brown benchtop and exposed beam.

Classic French Country Distressed Blue Painted Kitchen Cabinets By Darash

By Darash - Kitchen Cabinets, Vanities & Closets

Large l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Austin with an integrated sink, recessed-panel cabinets, distressed cabinets, marble benchtops, blue splashback, shiplap splashback, white appliances, brick floors, no island, brown floor, white benchtop and exposed beam.

Modern Farmhouse - Renton

ID by Gwen

Large country u-shaped open plan kitchen in Seattle with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, grey floor, white benchtop and exposed beam.

Historic Renovation, Wilmette

Sterling Wilson Design

Design ideas for a transitional u-shaped separate kitchen in Chicago with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white splashback, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop and exposed beam.

Pass A Grille Whole House Remodel

TriplePoint Design Build

This is an example of a galley kitchen in Tampa with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, beige splashback, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, beige benchtop, exposed beam and timber.

Квартира для подруги

Марина Кутепова

Large traditional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Other with a double-bowl sink, recessed-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, quartz benchtops, beige splashback, porcelain splashback, black appliances, laminate floors, no island, brown floor, brown benchtop and exposed beam.

Operation ReDo

McCabe By Design LLC

The original kitchen was designed and built by the original homeowner, needless to say neither design nor building was his profession. Further, the entire house has hydronic tubing in gypcrete for heat which means to utilities (water, ventilation or power) could be brought up through the floor or down from the ceiling except on the the exterior walls. The current homeowners love to cook and have a seasonal garden that generates a lot of lovely fruits and vegetables for both immediate consumption and preserving, hence, kitchen counter space, two sinks, the induction cooktop and the steam oven were all 'must haves' for both the husband and the wife. The beautiful wood plank porcelain tile floors ensures a slip resistant floor that is sturdy enough to stand up to their three four-legged children. Utilizing the three existing j-boxes in the ceiling, the cable and rail system combined with the under cabinet light illuminates every corner of this formerly dark kitchen. The rustic knotty alder cabinetry, wood plank tile floor and the bronze finish hardware/lighting all help to achieve the rustic casual look the homeowners craved. Photo by A Kitchen That Works LLC

Hinsdale

Signature Innovations LLC

Step into this West Suburban home to instantly be whisked to a romantic villa tucked away in the Italian countryside. Thoughtful details like the quarry stone features, heavy beams and wrought iron harmoniously work with distressed wide-plank wood flooring to create a relaxed feeling of abondanza. Floor: 6-3/4” wide-plank Vintage French Oak Rustic Character Victorian Collection Tuscany edge medium distressed color Bronze. For more information please email us at: sales@signaturehardwoods.com

Modern European Residence

Deep River Partners

The central T-shape island is a workhorse for preparation, yet provides a cozy spot where a line of leather-backed barstools encourage conversation. The darkly stained finish provides contrast and anchors the space to separate it from other kitchen elements. The black metal light fixture, veining of the natural quartzite countertops, and accessories provide elegant contrast to the neutral theme through pattern, contrast and pops of color.

FROM FLOOD TO FABULOUS

Karyn Dismore Interiors

After a devastating flood for our clients we completely changed this kitchen from outdated and soggy to fabulous and ready for whatever life throws at it. Waterfall quartzite brings the island front and center - pre existing exposed beams were darkened to match the new barn door which hides the coffee bar if needed or just looks fabulous open or closed. As is our signature we love to make our perimeter cabinetry different to our islands as is the case with this black and white color palette. Oversized Gold leaf pendants complete the whole ensemble and we could not be more pleased!

Crystal Lake Craftsman

Think Design

Walnut cabinets with natural finish, Taj Mahal counters and backsplash, porcelain farmhouse sink, timber beam ceiling
Photo of a large arts and crafts u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Milwaukee with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartzite benchtops, beige splashback, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, beige benchtop and exposed beam.

Kitchen with Recessed-panel Cabinets 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!