Photo of a large contemporary u-shaped kitchen in Sydney with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, marble benchtops, glass sheet splashback, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, grey benchtop and exposed beam.

Ashridge - A hand-painted Shaker kitchen with banquette seating

Simon Taylor Furniture

Our clients were seeking a classic and stylish Shaker kitchen with a contemporary edge, to complement the architecture of their five-year-old house, which features a modern beamed ceiling and herringbone flooring. They also wanted a kitchen island to include banquette seating surrounding one end of a large industrial-style dining table with an Ash wooden table top that our clients already owned. We designed the main run of in frame cabinetry with a classic cornice to completely fit within the recessed space along the back wall behind the island, which is hand-painted in Stewkey Blue by Farrow & Ball. This includes a central inglenook and an overmantel that conceals a Siemens canopy extractor hood above a white Everhot range cooker. Overhead cabinets and undercounter storage cupboards were included within the design, together with oak dovetailed deep drawer storage boxes. A Samsung American-style fridge freezer was also integrated within the run. A 30mm thick quartz worktop in Tuscany colourway extends on either side of the range cooker and this is repeated on the kitchen island as well, with an overhang on both sides of the u-shaped design to accommodate bar stools beneath. In the centre of the island, we created u-shaped banquette seating upholstered in grey velvet to surround one end of the large rectangular dining table. To store their collection of fine wines, we specified two undercounter wine conditioners by Miele to fit within each end of the island to store reds, whites and Champagnes. Along the length of the island, facing the Everhot is a large ceramic double-bowl Belfast sink by Shaws of Darwen and a Quooker Cube tap, providing hot, cold, boiling and sparkling water. On the task side of the island, two 60cm dishwashers by Miele are integrated at either end of the cabinetry together with storage for pull-out bins and utility items. On a further run to the left of the island, we designed and made a large Shaker two-door pantry larder, hand-painted in All White by Farrow & Ball and featuring deep dovetail drawer boxes beneath. Extending on either side of the pantry is natural oak contemporary open shelving to mix with the traditional design of the kitchen. A further freestanding cabinet with a natural solid oak top was handmade to sit beneath the client’s wall-mounted television. Cup handles and knobs are all brushed brass by Crofts and Assinder, with matching brass butt hinges.

Traditional Country Hand Painted Framed Kitchen

Tulip

This is an example of a large traditional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Surrey with a drop-in sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, wood benchtops, blue splashback, glass sheet splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island, grey floor, brown benchtop and exposed beam.

Vilano Beach Coastal Casual

Donna Mancini Interiors & Flooring

This is an example of an expansive beach style single-wall eat-in kitchen in Jacksonville with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, black splashback, glass sheet splashback, stainless steel appliances, vinyl floors, with island, multi-coloured floor, multi-coloured benchtop and exposed beam.

Contemporary Kitchen Remodel in Bethesda, MD

Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath

Contemporary l-shaped kitchen in DC Metro with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, blue splashback, glass sheet splashback, with island, grey floor, white benchtop and exposed beam.

eichler in marinwood

building Lab, inc.

Eichler in Marinwood - The primary organizational element of the interior is the kitchen. Embedded within the simple post and beam structure, the kitchen was conceived as a programmatic block from which we would carve in order to contribute to both sense of function and organization. photo: scott hargis

手元も隠せるインテリア性のあるキッチン

株式会社 ZACC建築工房

対面式のキッチンカウンターは高さ1060mm（奥行399mm）の程よい高さで、視線をさえぎりキッチンカウンターを見せないスタイルです。人造大理石のキッチンカウンターは、「ハイバックカウンター」です。バックガード（立ち上がり）部分を高く立ち上げた人造大理石一体形状になっているので、段差がなく汚れがたまりにくい形状になっています。・システムキッチン：トクラス「Berry」ステップ対面ハイバックカウンター（収納タイプ）・カップボード：トクラス「Berry」

Cuisine chene à tasseaux et blanc

Les Ateliers du Cèdre

Cuisine chic classique avec portes en chêne et tasseaux, portes à cadre laqués.
Mid-sized transitional galley open plan kitchen in Nantes with an integrated sink, shaker cabinets, brown cabinets, solid surface benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, glass sheet splashback, stainless steel appliances, ceramic floors, a peninsula, grey floor, white benchtop and exposed beam.

Latchfords in Lafayette

Christian Construction

Mid-sized contemporary l-shaped eat-in kitchen in San Francisco with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite benchtops, glass sheet splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, black benchtop, exposed beam, vaulted and wood.

Traditional Country Hand Painted Framed Kitchen

Tulip

Inspiration for a large traditional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Surrey with a drop-in sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, wood benchtops, blue splashback, glass sheet splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island, grey floor, brown benchtop and exposed beam.

Mid Century Chic

NUMI Build

Photo of a mid-sized midcentury u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, terrazzo benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, glass sheet splashback, stainless steel appliances, marble floors, a peninsula, beige floor, brown benchtop and exposed beam.

Сиреневая акварель, проект квартиры 90 кв.м, реализация 2018 г.

Дизайн бюро Ксении Киселевой

Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional single-wall open plan kitchen in Moscow with glass-front cabinets, white cabinets, solid surface benchtops, beige splashback, glass sheet splashback, black appliances, no island, grey benchtop, an integrated sink, laminate floors, brown floor and exposed beam.

Rural Charm - bulthaup b3 kitchen

Hobsons Choice

The tall units, finished in Flint laminate, offer a distinction against the lighter Gravel tones of the lower units and worktop.
Mid-sized modern u-shaped open plan kitchen in Oxfordshire with an integrated sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, laminate benchtops, glass sheet splashback, black appliances, medium hardwood floors, a peninsula, white benchtop and exposed beam.

Duluth Retreat

Prospect Refuge Studio

Photo of a large transitional galley kitchen in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, white splashback, glass sheet splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island, black benchtop and exposed beam.

Ashridge - A hand-painted Shaker kitchen with banquette seating

Simon Taylor Furniture

eichler in marinwood

building Lab, inc.

Contemporary Kitchen

BiglarKinyan Design Planning Inc.

Inspiration for a large contemporary l-shaped open plan kitchen in Toronto with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, green splashback, glass sheet splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, grey floor, grey benchtop and exposed beam.

Mid-Century Modern Kitchen Makeover

Plush Design Interiors

A lovingly cared for mid-century home was very original, but not functional or with modern appliances. With a nod to the bones and heritage of the home, the new kitchen was designed with a retro feel. The pantry and fridge were relocated but the original footprint largely adhered too. The raked ceilings are original but the original kitchen was entirely removed. A servery window was added to easily access the al fresco area. The combination of black and wood grain cabinets with white countertops were designed for modern function, but copper door handles and smoke glass splashback add a retro feel.

Ashridge - A hand-painted Shaker kitchen with banquette seating

Simon Taylor Furniture

Сиреневая акварель, проект квартиры 90 кв.м, реализация 2018 г.

Дизайн бюро Ксении Киселевой

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional single-wall open plan kitchen in Moscow with an integrated sink, glass-front cabinets, white cabinets, solid surface benchtops, beige splashback, glass sheet splashback, black appliances, laminate floors, no island, brown floor, grey benchtop and exposed beam.

Kitchen with Glass Sheet Splashback 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!