Photo of a mid-sized modern l-shaped kitchen pantry in Melbourne with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, blue splashback, stone slab splashback, black appliances, concrete floors, with island, grey floor and blue benchtop.

Brighton Villa

rosstang architects

Design ideas for a contemporary u-shaped kitchen in Melbourne with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, grey splashback, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, a peninsula and white benchtop.

Port Melbourne Project - Provincial Oak

Suburban Flooring Co.

Why choose engineered European oak flooring? It's not just flooring; it's an investment in lasting beauty and functionality. This stunning development chose from the Provincial Oak range by MarcKenzo Designer Flooring to complete their modern look.

Ormond New Contemporary Residence

Sketch Building Design

Photographer: Natalie Jeffcott
Photo of a contemporary l-shaped kitchen in Melbourne with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, white splashback, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

City Beach Residence II

Retreat Design

Inspiration for a large contemporary galley kitchen in Perth with black cabinets, granite benchtops, with island, black benchtop, flat-panel cabinets, black splashback, stone slab splashback, black appliances, dark hardwood floors and brown floor.

TOWNHOUSE LUXURY IN DULWICH/RESIDANCE 1

Claridge Construction

Inspiration for a mid-sized modern galley eat-in kitchen in Adelaide with flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, grey splashback, light hardwood floors, with island, grey benchtop, an undermount sink, stone slab splashback, black appliances and beige floor.

Surry Hills Kitchen Island Seating

Matter Design & Make Pty Ltd

In 2019, Interior designer Alexandra Brown approached Matter to design and make cabinetry for this penthouse apartment. The brief was to create a rich and opulent space, featuring a favoured smoked oak veneer. We looked to the Art Deco inspired features of the building and referenced its curved corners and newly installed aged brass detailing in our design. We combined the smoked oak veneer with cambia ash cladding in the kitchen and bar areas to complement the green and brown quartzite stone surfaces chosen by Alex perfectly. We then designed custom brass handles, shelving and a large-framed mirror as a centrepiece for the bar, all crafted impeccably by our friends at JN Custom Metal. Functionality and sustainability were the focus of our design, with hard-wearing charcoal Abet Laminati drawers and door fronts in the kitchen with custom J pull handles, Grass Nova ProScala drawers and Osmo oiled veneer that can be easily reconditioned over time. Photography by Pablo Veiga

Claremont Showroom

Joyce Kitchens

Photo of a contemporary galley kitchen in Perth with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, white splashback, stone slab splashback, black appliances, with island, grey floor and white benchtop.

Contemporary Kitchen

Design ideas for a contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Sydney with flat-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, beige splashback, stone slab splashback, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor, beige benchtop, vaulted and marble benchtops.

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.

Killara Project

Design Artistry

This is an example of a large contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Sydney with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Kitchen with Dolomite splash back and benchtops

Nouvelle Kitchens & Bathrooms

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Sydney with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, marble benchtops, grey splashback, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island and grey benchtop.

Seattle Contemporary Waterfront

H2 View

Open format kitchen includes gorgeous custom cabinets, a large underlit island with an induction cooktop and waterfall countertops. Full height slab backsplash and paneled appliances complete the sophisticated design.

Los Gatos Modern

Bynn Esmond Designs

Custom european style cabinets, hidden kitchen concept, procelain walls, white on white modern kitchen
Photo of a large modern eat-in kitchen in San Francisco with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, solid surface benchtops, white splashback, stone slab splashback, black appliances, with island and white benchtop.

City studio apartment

Black and Milk | Interior Design | London

Small contemporary u-shaped kitchen in London with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, white appliances, no island and stone slab splashback.

Sax Point

Jenny Martin Design

Joshua Lawrence
This is an example of a mid-sized scandinavian l-shaped kitchen in Vancouver with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, white benchtop, stone slab splashback and beige floor.

Coventry Lake Contemporary Stunner

Nosan Signature Homes

The owners goal with their homes kitchen, completed in 2017, was to emphasize the beautiful lake views and have a space that was open to a large family room and casual dining area. This contemporary kitchen combines convenience and function with hidden small appliances including a coffee station, toaster oven, microwave, to avoid cluttered countertops ensuring a clean look. The cooking area features an induction cooktop, mixer and a full quartz backsplash, as well as a hidden ventilation and lighting system in the soffit. A focal point is the large island which provides ample seating while leaving plenty of room for cooking and baking. Quartz was chosen for its beauty, durability, and ease of maintenance. The cabinetry features an integrated refrigerator, freezer, and dishwasher which complete the clean, uncluttered look. The kitchen also features two openings to the formal dining room providing easy flow and access for entertaining.

Lincoln Park

Elizabeth Krueger Design

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary galley eat-in kitchen with an undermount sink, marble benchtops, white splashback, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, flat-panel cabinets and brown cabinets.

Mid Century Modern Kitchen that's Connected to Nature

Normandy Remodeling

This mid-century modern home celebrates the beauty of nature, and this newly restored kitchen embraces the home's roots with materials to match. Walnut cabinets with a slab front in a natural finish complement the rest of the home's paneling beautifully. A thick quartzite countertop on the island, and the same stone for the perimeter countertops and backsplash feature an elegant veining. The natural light and large windows above the sink further connect this kitchen to the outdoors, making it a true celebration of nature.\

Projet Dupré

Mon Concept Habitation

Dans cet appartement familial de 150 m², l’objectif était de rénover l’ensemble des pièces pour les rendre fonctionnelles et chaleureuses, en associant des matériaux naturels à une palette de couleurs harmonieuses. Dans la cuisine et le salon, nous avons misé sur du bois clair naturel marié avec des tons pastel et des meubles tendance. De nombreux rangements sur mesure ont été réalisés dans les couloirs pour optimiser tous les espaces disponibles. Le papier peint à motifs fait écho aux lignes arrondies de la porte verrière réalisée sur mesure. Dans les chambres, on retrouve des couleurs chaudes qui renforcent l’esprit vacances de l’appartement. Les salles de bain et la buanderie sont également dans des tons de vert naturel associés à du bois brut. La robinetterie noire, toute en contraste, apporte une touche de modernité. Un appartement où il fait bon vivre !

Kitchen with Flat-panel Cabinets and Stone Slab 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!