Kitchen remodeling in Encino condo. Herringbone tile backsplash with quartz counter top.
Inspiration for a small contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, no island and grey floor.

West End apartment

Maletz Design

This prewar apartment on Manhattan's upper west side was gut renovated to create a serene family home with expansive views to the hudson river. The living room is filled with natural light, and fitted out with custom cabinetry for book and art display. The galley kitchen opens onto a dining area with a cushioned banquette along the window wall. New wide plank oak floors from LV wood run throughout the apartment, and the kitchen features quiet modern cabinetry and geometric tile patterns. Photo by Maletz Design

Modern kitchen

Spectra Design Build

This is an example of a small modern u-shaped eat-in kitchen in New York with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, a peninsula and beige floor.

Delcove Way

Laura Vlaming | Arkiteriors

Mid-sized country galley open plan kitchen in Charlotte with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, granite benchtops, grey splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors and with island.

Project 15 in Briarcliff Manor

Amazing Spaces

The steps leading to the kitchen from the side door were reoriented and turned in the opposite direction. This change created an opportunity for a large walk in pantry and helped to better define the flow through the space. The clean-up area is located in a more private area of the space so that dirty dishes following a party could be stacked out of sight. Slab wood veneer doors in a textured gloss finish are framed by pilasters forming a cohesive furniture concept throughout the design. White countertops receive waterfall sides in strategic locations and are complimented by white porcelain tile backsplash with a modern wavy texture. Ilir Rizaj

Ridgewood

BoldForm Designs

Large modern l-shaped open plan kitchen in Atlanta with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances and porcelain floors.

Kitchens

Crossville Studios

Crossville Studios Burlington Grey by 41Zero42
Small eclectic kitchen in Denver with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, a peninsula and grey floor.

Washington DC - Bianco Rhino Kitchen

Marblex Design International, Inc.

This is an example of a large modern galley eat-in kitchen in DC Metro with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances and with island.

Mid-Century Modern Kitchen

FMA Interior Design, Inc.

Mid-Century Modern Kitchen
Design ideas for a mid-sized midcentury u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Chicago with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, beige splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors and with island.

Marinaside Kitchen

Level One Construction

Compatibility with existing structure This project involved rethinking the space by discovering new solutions within the same sq-footage. Through a development city permit process we were able to legally remove the enclosed solarium sliding doors and pocket-door to integrate the kitchen with the rest of the space. The result, two dysfunctional spaces now transformed into one dramatic and free-flowing space which fueled our client’s passion for entertaining and cooking. A unique challenge involved integrating the remaining wall “pillar” into the design. It was created to house the building plumbing stack and some electrical. By integrating the island’s main countertop around the pillar with 3”x6” ceramic tiles we are able to add visual flavour to the space without jeopardizing the end result. Functionality and efficient use of space Kitchen cabinetry with pull-out doors and drawers added much needed storage to a cramped kitchen. Further, adding 3 floor-to-ceiling pantries helped increase storage by more than 300% Extended quartz counter features a casual eating bar, with plenty of workspace and an undermounted sink for easy maintenance when cleaning countertops. A larger island with extra seating made the kitchen a hub for all things entertainment. Creativity in design and details Customizing out-of-the-box standard cabinetry gives full-height storage at a price significantly less than custom millwork. Housing the old fridge into an extra deep upper cabinet and incasing it with side gables created an integrated look to a “like-new” appliance. Pot lights, task lights, and under cabinet lighting was added using a 3-way remote controlled dimmer assuring great lighting on a dark day. Environmental considerations/features The kitchen features: low-flow motion sensor faucet. Low-voltage pot lights with dimmers. 3, 3-way dimmer switches with remote control technology to create amazing ambiance in an environmentally friendly way. This meant we didn’t need to run new 3-way wiring, open walls, thus, avoiding extra work and debris. Re using the “like-new” Energy-efficient appliances saved the client money.

West End - Condo Loft Renovation

Essy West Contracting Inc.

Essy West Contracting Inc.
Contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Vancouver with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, quartzite benchtops, white splashback and porcelain splashback.

Modern Kitchen

Photo of a modern u-shaped kitchen in Other with flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, white appliances, a single-bowl sink, white splashback and porcelain splashback.

Memphis kitchen

Laura Burton Interiors

Design ideas for a contemporary u-shaped kitchen in Austin with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, panelled appliances, an undermount sink, granite benchtops, beige splashback, porcelain splashback and medium hardwood floors.

Contemporary Kitchen with Black Hexagon Backsplash

KraftMaster Renovations

This kitchen is very unique with the bold black backsplash that contrasts really well with the wooden cabinetry and white counter tops. The island is large enough to prep meals and also sit down to enjoy. Photos by VLG Photography

Kitchen Remodel Oakland Hill

Kitchens by Francis

Mid-sized galley kitchen in San Francisco with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances and beige floor.

A touch of Navy

Terri Sears, Kitchen and Bath Designer

Designed by Terri Sears, Photography by Melissa M. Mills
Inspiration for a large l-shaped open plan kitchen in Nashville with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island and brown floor.

BLANTON

RS Kitchen & Bath (Raymond Smith's Cabinets)

Design ideas for a small traditional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Atlanta with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite benchtops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, a peninsula, brown floor, white benchtop and coffered.

Kitchen Built for a Chef

By Design Kitchen and Bath Solutions

Walnut cabinets by Omega Cabinetry with natural finish. Chakra Beige countertops from MSI Quartz.3X12 tile from Soci Inc.
This is an example of a large arts and crafts galley eat-in kitchen in Dallas with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, beige splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, travertine floors, with island, beige floor, beige benchtop and vaulted.

KITCHEN DESIGNS

KaramiaDesigns Inc.

Photo of a modern single-wall eat-in kitchen in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, solid surface benchtops, black splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island, grey floor, black benchtop and vaulted.

Contemporary Kitchen Diner Extension

Ivywell Interiors | Bristol

This is an example of a large contemporary l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, blue splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, vinyl floors, with island and white benchtop.

Kitchen with Flat-panel Cabinets and Porcelain 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!