Inspiration for a mid-sized modern l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Montreal with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, marble benchtops, grey splashback, marble splashback, panelled appliances, marble floors, with island, grey floor and grey benchtop.

2019 NARI CotY Award-Winning Kitchens

National Association of the Remodeling Industry

EBCON Corporation, Redwood City, California, 2019 NARI CotY Award-Winning Residential Kitchen Over $150,000
Photo of a large contemporary l-shaped open plan kitchen in San Francisco with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, white benchtop and beige floor.

White Stone

elementpd.com.au

Peter Taylor
Large modern l-shaped kitchen in Brisbane with light wood cabinets, marble benchtops, marble splashback, black appliances, marble floors, with island, white floor, a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey splashback and grey benchtop.

Hampden Modern

EastWing Architects

Photography by Coral Dove
Design ideas for a small modern single-wall eat-in kitchen in Baltimore with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Canyon Oaks Contemporary Kitchen

Alair Homes Plano

Our clients came to us wanting to update and open up their kitchen, breakfast nook, wet bar, and den. They wanted a cleaner look without clutter but didn’t want to go with an all-white kitchen, fearing it’s too trendy. Their kitchen was not utilized well and was not aesthetically appealing; it was very ornate and dark. The cooktop was too far back in the kitchen towards the butler’s pantry, making it awkward when cooking, so they knew they wanted that moved. The rest was left up to our designer to overcome these obstacles and give them their dream kitchen. We gutted the kitchen cabinets, including the built-in china cabinet and all finishes. The pony wall that once separated the kitchen from the den (and also housed the sink, dishwasher, and ice maker) was removed, and those appliances were relocated to the new large island, which had a ton of storage and a 15” overhang for bar seating. Beautiful aged brass Quebec 6-light pendants were hung above the island. All cabinets were replaced and drawers were designed to maximize storage. The Eclipse “Greensboro” cabinetry was painted gray with satin brass Emtek Mod Hex “Urban Modern” pulls. A large banquet seating area was added where the stand-alone kitchen table once sat. The main wall was covered with 20x20 white Golwoo tile. The backsplash in the kitchen and the banquette accent tile was a contemporary coordinating Tempesta Neve polished Wheaton mosaic marble. In the wet bar, they wanted to completely gut and replace everything! The overhang was useless and it was closed off with a large bar that they wanted to be opened up, so we leveled out the ceilings and filled in the original doorway into the bar in order for the flow into the kitchen and living room more natural. We gutted all cabinets, plumbing, appliances, light fixtures, and the pass-through pony wall. A beautiful backsplash was installed using Nova Hex Graphite ceramic mosaic 5x5 tile. A 15” overhang was added at the counter for bar seating. In the den, they hated the brick fireplace and wanted a less rustic look. The original mantel was very bulky and dark, whereas they preferred a more rectangular firebox opening, if possible. We removed the fireplace and surrounding hearth, brick, and trim, as well as the built-in cabinets. The new fireplace was flush with the wall and surrounded with Tempesta Neve Polished Marble 8x20 installed in a Herringbone pattern. The TV was hung above the fireplace and floating shelves were added to the surrounding walls for photographs and artwork. They wanted to completely gut and replace everything in the powder bath, so we started by adding blocking in the wall for the new floating cabinet and a white vessel sink. Black Boardwalk Charcoal Hex Porcelain mosaic 2x2 tile was used on the bathroom floor; coordinating with a contemporary “Cleopatra Silver Amalfi” black glass 2x4 mosaic wall tile. Two Schoolhouse Electric “Isaac” short arm brass sconces were added above the aged brass metal framed hexagon mirror. The countertops used in here, as well as the kitchen and bar, were Elements quartz “White Lightning.” We refinished all existing wood floors downstairs with hand scraped with the grain. Our clients absolutely love their new space with its ease of organization and functionality.

Kensington

Cooley Custom Cabinetry

Design ideas for a large transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Columbus with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, panelled appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island and white benchtop.

Wychwood Residence

Root Architecture

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped kitchen in Austin with flat-panel cabinets, marble benchtops, light hardwood floors, with island, white benchtop, white splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, beige floor and an undermount sink.

Kitchen Renovation & Extension | West Hamsted

idlondon

Innovative Development London LTD, check out website link for further information on this project.
Design ideas for a large modern galley open plan kitchen in London with an integrated sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and white benchtop.

Contemporain Cuisine

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary kitchen in Paris with marble benchtops, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor, white benchtop, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, white splashback and marble splashback.

Old Louisville kitchen

Designer Builders Inc.

Large contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Louisville with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, marble floors, with island, grey floor and white benchtop.

Apartment K

Benjamin Andres Architekt

Regan Wood Photography Project for: OPUS.AD
Inspiration for a large contemporary u-shaped open plan kitchen in New York with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, soapstone benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island and brown floor.

Appartamento a Milano

Architetto Isabella Franco

Matteo Imbriani
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary single-wall eat-in kitchen in Milan with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, no island, panelled appliances and red floor.

Private Residence

Duet Design Group

Contemporary and Eclectic Kitchen with Wooden Ceiling and Moooi Lighting, Photo by David Lauer Photography
Expansive contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Other with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, ceramic floors, with island, an undermount sink, marble benchtops, white splashback and beige floor.

Tansu by QCCI

Bareville Renovations

Mid-sized asian galley eat-in kitchen in Other with flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, multi-coloured splashback, marble splashback, panelled appliances, with island and beige floor.

Sparrow Park- Kitchen Cabinet

LDa Architecture & Interiors

Architect: LDa Architecture & Interiors Photographer: Greg Premru Photography
Small contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Boston with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, soapstone benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances and light hardwood floors.

Chelsea Townhouse

Tara Benet Design

This property was completely gutted and redesigned into a single family townhouse. After completing the construction of the house I staged the furniture, lighting and decor. Staging is a new service that my design studio is now offering.

American River Modern White and Wood Kitchen

Nar Design Group

The owners of this sleek modern kitchen have lived in this house for decades and came to us with a clearly distinct vision of what they desired for their home. We strived to successfully integrate the oriental contemporary aspects seen throughout the features of their home, while also complimenting the existing warm modern furniture. This minimalistic approach of balancing clean, straight lines effortlessly highlights the various natural materials used within the kitchen to yield an uncluttered serene impression. The space is grounded with a grid of large format porcelain tiles, and the cool tones of gray compliment the veins of marble cladding along the backsplash and walls. A white flush multifunctional utility wall is equipped with an integrated refrigerator, oven, steam oven, and warming drawers. The wall also provides an abundant amount of storage including two tambours purposefully designed as a coffee and prep station, while the other tambour functions as a space for daily appliances. The entirety of the tall wall is framed with recessed wood to emphasis this efficient work zone. Keeping with a sleek design, on the island, we incorporated a flush Wolf grill cooktop that rests flat on the island countertop. Above the dining table, the Logico Triple Nested Suspension light fixture hanging interrupts the structured elements and naturally creates a beautiful organic focal point amongst the flow of clean lines. Photo Credit: Fred Donham of PhotographerLink

Crewe

Modern Staging | Spaces

Developer & Listing Realtor: Anastasia Florin Photographer: Rob Howloka
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Toronto with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white splashback, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor, marble benchtops and marble splashback.

Modern Beach house in Venice

Weather Projects

Large modern single-wall eat-in kitchen in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and white benchtop.

Soho Loft

Lauren Rubin Architecture

Alyssa Kirsten
Design ideas for a small contemporary galley eat-in kitchen in New York with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, grey splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, no island and marble benchtops.

Kitchen with Flat-panel Cabinets and Marble Splashback 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!