Photography Credit: Matt Koccurek Photography
Design ideas for a transitional kitchen in Kansas City with glass-front cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, beige splashback, mirror splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors and with island.

Frank Pitman Designer Dance Studio

Jeri Koegel Photography

Jeri Koegel
This is an example of an eclectic kitchen in Orange County with glass-front cabinets, mirror splashback and stainless steel appliances.

Contemporary Intuo Matt Glass Kitchen with Bespoke Additions

Searle & Taylor

As part of a large open-plan extension to a detached house in Hampshire, Searle & Taylor was commissioned to design a timeless modern handleless kitchen for a couple who are keen cooks and who regularly entertain friends and their grown-up family. The kitchen is part of the couples’ large living space that features a wall of panel doors leading out to the garden. It is this area where aperitifs are taken before guests dine in a separate dining room, and also where parties take place. Part of the brief was to create a separate bespoke drinks cabinet cum bar area as a separate, yet complementary piece of furniture. Handling separate aspects of the design, Darren Taylor and Gavin Alexander both worked on this kitchen project together. They created a plan that featured matt glass door and drawer fronts in Lava colourway for the island, sink run and overhead units. These were combined with oiled walnut veneer tall cabinetry from premium Austrian kitchen furniture brand, Intuo. Further bespoke additions including the 80mm circular walnut breakfast bar with a turned tapered half-leg base were made at Searle & Taylor’s bespoke workshop in England. The worktop used throughout is Trillium by Dekton, which is featured in 80mm thickness on the kitchen island and 20mm thickness on the sink and hob runs. It is also used as an upstand. The sink run includes a Franke copper grey one and a half bowl undermount sink and a Quooker Flex Boiling Water Tap. The surface of the 3.1 metre kitchen island is kept clear for when the couple entertain, so the flush-mounted 80cm Gaggenau induction hob is situated in front of the bronze mirrored glass splashback. Directly above it is a Westin 80cm built-in extractor at the base of the overhead cabinetry. To the left and housed within the walnut units is a bank of Gaggenau ovens including a 60cm pyrolytic oven, a combination steam oven and warming drawers in anthracite colourway and a further integrated Gaggenau dishwasher is also included in the scheme. The full height Siemens A Cool 76cm larder fridge and tall 61cm freezer are all integrated behind furniture doors for a seamless look to the kitchen. Internal storage includes heavyweight pan drawers and Legra pull-out shelving for dry goods, herbs, spices and condiments. As a completely separate piece of furniture, but finished in the same oiled walnut veneer is the ‘Gin Cabinet’ a built-in unit designed to look as if it is freestanding. To the left is a tall Gaggenau Wine Climate Cabinet and to the right is a decorative cabinet for glasses and the client’s extensive gin collection, specially backlit with LED lighting and with a bespoke door front to match the front of the wine cabinet. At the centre are full pocket doors that fold back into recesses to reveal a bar area with bronze mirror back panel and shelves in front, a 20mm Trillium by Dekton worksurface with a single bowl Franke sink and another Quooker Flex Boiling Water Tap with the new Cube function, for filtered boiling, hot, cold and sparkling water. A further Gaggenau microwave oven is installed within the unit and cupboards beneath feature Intuo fronts in matt glass, as before.

Cucina seminterrato

Anice Architettura

Un accurato studio illuminotecnico, riporta lo sguardo alla modernità e al risparmio energetico, attraverso luci led, anche a contorno dello specchio del bagno e applique con sensori di movimento.

Open Plan Kitchen Island

LWK London Kitchens

Kitchen Finish: Handleless Basalt Grey gloss lacquer Worktop: Silestone Calypso Quartz with American Walnut Breakfast Bar
This is an example of a modern open plan kitchen in London with glass-front cabinets, grey cabinets, wood benchtops, metallic splashback, mirror splashback, porcelain floors and with island.

SK Ranch Main House

BK.Architect LLC

Eric Laignel
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern separate kitchen in Austin with an undermount sink, glass-front cabinets, black cabinets, granite benchtops, mirror splashback, stainless steel appliances and with island.

Touch of Nautical

Classic Kitchens Design Studio

Photography Credit: Matt Koccurek Photography
Inspiration for a transitional kitchen in Kansas City with glass-front cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, beige splashback, mirror splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors and with island.

Luxurious Residence - Kitchen

Martin Manley Architects

A luxurious and well-appointed house an a ridge high in Avon's Wildridge neighborhood with incredible views to Beaver Creek resort and the New York Mountain Range.

Milson's Point, Sydney

Mal Corboy Design

This kitchen is part of a renovation of an upmarket penthouse which has uninterrupted views of the harbour. In keeping with the luxurious surroundings, I used glass gloss lacquered cabinets, black Wolfe appliances, New York marble for the bench tops and a light box feature in the island. I covered the walls with mosaic tiles to add to the opulent feel. The splash back I used antique mirror. Photography by Kallan MacLeod

River Oaks

Windham Builders

River Oaks, 2013 - New Construction
Inspiration for a transitional galley kitchen pantry in Houston with glass-front cabinets, dark wood cabinets, marble benchtops, mirror splashback, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and grey benchtop.

Hart

The Cousins

The new kitchen is not only more open and airy, but a window was knocked out to put in a dutch door that leads to the new deck.
Photo of an arts and crafts u-shaped eat-in kitchen in New York with an undermount sink, glass-front cabinets, blue cabinets, quartzite benchtops, mirror splashback and stainless steel appliances.

Design an oak framed kitchen extension

Theresa Wallis Interiors

Oak framed kitchen extension. Large central island. Aga with antiqued glass splash back.
Design ideas for an expansive traditional eat-in kitchen in Berkshire with a drop-in sink, glass-front cabinets, limestone benchtops, grey splashback, mirror splashback, panelled appliances, limestone floors and with island.

Helix Collection

ParkerRose Interiors

There is something visceral and unspoken about the attraction of glass. A material for those who are not willing to compromise, who seek perfection in everything they do. Hard but tactile, utilitarian but beautiful, a product full of paradoxes but ultimately stunning and desirable. Helix Vetro transforms the contemporary kitchen into a room where natural and minimalist elegance align. Available in a selection of both gloss Lucido finishes, or matt Opaco finishes. If you can’t find your desired finish utilise our bespoke colour matching service in both Lucido and Opaco options. Accessorise the fascias using a choice of end panel solutions. Cloaking panels as pictured here to create a boxed aesthetic or slim line plant on panels to create a minimalist framed look. Utilise the incorporated handle design for practical function with matching aluminium plinth, and create floating wall units to enhance the design perspective. This set features the beautifully clean Lucido white finish on the main island units, Opaco black on the floating wall units underneath the window and Opaco charcoal on the far wall units.

Helix Collection

ParkerRose Interiors

Contemporary Intuo Matt Glass Kitchen with Bespoke Additions

Searle & Taylor

Hart

The Cousins

The new kitchen is not only more open and airy, but a window was knocked out to put in a dutch door that leads to the new deck.
Arts and crafts u-shaped eat-in kitchen in New York with an undermount sink, glass-front cabinets, blue cabinets, quartzite benchtops, mirror splashback and stainless steel appliances.

Contemporary Ranch Reno

12/12 Architects & Planners

This family of 5 was quickly out-growing their 1,220sf ranch home on a beautiful corner lot. Rather than adding a 2nd floor, the decision was made to extend the existing ranch plan into the back yard, adding a new 2-car garage below the new space - for a new total of 2,520sf. With a previous addition of a 1-car garage and a small kitchen removed, a large addition was added for Master Bedroom Suite, a 4th bedroom, hall bath, and a completely remodeled living, dining and new Kitchen, open to large new Family Room. The new lower level includes the new Garage and Mudroom. The existing fireplace and chimney remain - with beautifully exposed brick. The homeowners love contemporary design, and finished the home with a gorgeous mix of color, pattern and materials. The project was completed in 2011. Unfortunately, 2 years later, they suffered a massive house fire. The house was then rebuilt again, using the same plans and finishes as the original build, adding only a secondary laundry closet on the main level.

Bronze mirror glass splashback

LWK London Kitchens

Bronze mirrored glass splashback
Contemporary kitchen in London with glass-front cabinets, grey cabinets, quartzite benchtops, metallic splashback, mirror splashback and with island.

Chicago Bread Baker's Kitchen. Design by Fred M Alsen of fma Interior Design.

FMA Interior Design, Inc.

Mike Kaskel
This is an example of a large contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Chicago with a single-bowl sink, glass-front cabinets, white cabinets, soapstone benchtops, metallic splashback, mirror splashback, stainless steel appliances, cork floors and with island.

Маленькая квартира

Анна Муравина

Inspiration for a small transitional u-shaped kitchen in Moscow with grey cabinets, stainless steel appliances, beige floor, glass-front cabinets, mirror splashback and beige benchtop.

Kitchen with Glass-front Cabinets and Mirror 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!