Copyrights: WA design
Photo of a large modern l-shaped kitchen in San Francisco with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, solid surface benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, concrete floors, with island, grey floor and black benchtop.

Monaltrie House

Project Habitation Pty Ltd

This project is a precedent for beautiful and sustainable design. The dwelling is a spatially efficient 155m2 internal with 27m2 of decks. It is entirely at one level on a polished eco friendly concrete slab perched high on an acreage with expansive views on all sides. It is fully off grid and has rammed earth walls with all other materials sustainable and zero maintenance.

Modern lakefront home

Karen and Chuck Bennett Coldwell Banker Rosling Re

Tamarack Media Co.
Inspiration for a large modern u-shaped open plan kitchen in Vancouver with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite benchtops, grey splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, concrete floors, with island, grey floor and black benchtop.

kitchen

Harrison Watts

Inspiration for a large midcentury single-wall eat-in kitchen in Orange County with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartzite benchtops, grey splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, concrete floors and with island.

Colman Woods

Jana Dahl Design

Norman Sizemore
This is an example of a small contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Milwaukee with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, grey splashback, stainless steel appliances, no island, quartzite benchtops, glass tile splashback, concrete floors, beige floor and brown benchtop.

Kitchen island

Sophie Piesse Architect, PA

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Raleigh with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, granite benchtops, brown splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, concrete floors, with island, grey floor, black benchtop and timber.

Small Dwellings

Huis Design Studio

This is an example of a small modern galley open plan kitchen in Toronto with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, concrete floors, with island and beige floor.

Mid Century Modern Kitchen

Homework Remodels - Tri-lite Builders

The stainless steel gas range and hood.
Photo of a mid-sized midcentury l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Phoenix with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, concrete floors and with island.

Modern Haven

Jodi Fleming Design

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Orange County with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, black splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, concrete floors, with island and black benchtop.

Modern High Performance Home

Imery Group

This is an example of a mid-sized modern single-wall eat-in kitchen in Atlanta with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, grey splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, concrete floors, with island and quartz benchtops.

Modern Kitchen

This is an example of a mid-sized modern u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, concrete floors, a peninsula, grey floor and grey benchtop.

Paradise Valley Mid-Century Modern Restoration

Moss Custom Homes

Photo of a mid-sized midcentury l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Phoenix with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, blue splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, concrete floors and with island.

Shotwell Residence

Matarozzi Pelsinger Builders

Reimagined as a quiet retreat on a mixed-use Mission block, this former munitions depot was transformed into a single-family residence by reworking existing forms. A bunker-like concrete structure was cut in half to form a covered patio that opens onto a new central courtyard. The residence behind was remodeled around a large central kitchen, with a combination skylight/hatch providing ample light and roof access. The multiple structures are tied together by untreated cedar siding, intended to gradually fade to grey to match the existing concrete and corrugated steel.

Full Home Cabinets & Countertops - Big Mountain, Whitefish

Distinctive Countertops and Cabinetry

Photo of a large contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, green splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, concrete floors and with island.

Decora Treyburn

Standard Kitchens

Bright and airy with custom mixed paint color on Maple inset Treyburn cabinetry by Decora. Glass tile backsplash with custom display shelves and glass door cabinets create a one-of-a-kind feel to this unique kitchen.

Waite Residence

AoDK Inc.

A couple wanted a weekend retreat without spending a majority of their getaway in an automobile. Therefore, a lot was purchased along the Rocky River with the vision of creating a nearby escape less than five miles away from their home. This 1,300 sf 24’ x 24’ dwelling is divided into a four square quadrant with the goal to create a variety of interior and exterior experiences while maintaining a rather small footprint. Typically, when going on a weekend retreat one has the drive time to decompress. However, without this, the goal was to create a procession from the car to the house to signify such change of context. This concept was achieved through the use of a wood slatted screen wall which must be passed through. After winding around a collection of poured concrete steps and walls one comes to a wood plank bridge and crosses over a Japanese garden leaving all the stresses of the daily world behind. The house is structured around a nine column steel frame grid, which reinforces the impression one gets of the four quadrants. The two rear quadrants intentionally house enclosed program space but once passed through, the floor plan completely opens to long views down to the mouth of the river into Lake Erie. On the second floor the four square grid is stacked with one quadrant removed for the two story living area on the first floor to capture heightened views down the river. In a move to create complete separation there is a one quadrant roof top office with surrounding roof top garden space. The rooftop office is accessed through a unique approach by exiting onto a steel grated staircase which wraps up the exterior facade of the house. This experience provides an additional retreat within their weekend getaway, and serves as the apex of the house where one can completely enjoy the views of Lake Erie disappearing over the horizon. Visually the house extends into the riverside site, but the four quadrant axis also physically extends creating a series of experiences out on the property. The Northeast kitchen quadrant extends out to become an exterior kitchen & dining space. The two-story Northwest living room quadrant extends out to a series of wrap around steps and lounge seating. A fire pit sits in this quadrant as well farther out in the lawn. A fruit and vegetable garden sits out in the Southwest quadrant in near proximity to the shed, and the entry sequence is contained within the Southeast quadrant extension. Internally and externally the whole house is organized in a simple and concise way and achieves the ultimate goal of creating many different experiences within a rationally sized footprint.

Contemporary Hilltop Home

Angled Engineering LLC

Photo of a contemporary eat-in kitchen in Other with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, concrete floors, a peninsula and black floor.

Open Concept

Diffenbaugh Design Build

Inspiration for a l-shaped open plan kitchen in Phoenix with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, blue splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, concrete floors and with island.

Modernized Walnut

Redl World Class Kitchens

This stunning contemporary kitchen features a three combination finish of matte white lacquer, grey high gloss and flat cut domestic walnut veneer.
Photo of a large contemporary l-shaped kitchen pantry in Edmonton with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, marble benchtops, blue splashback, glass tile splashback, panelled appliances, concrete floors, with island, dark wood cabinets and grey floor.

Mid Century Modern Kitchen

Homework Remodels - Tri-lite Builders

Design ideas for a mid-sized midcentury l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Phoenix with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, concrete floors and with island.

Kitchen with Glass Tile Splashback and Concrete Floors 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!