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.

Historical Fremont Remodel

TreHus Architects+Interior Designers+Builders

This is an example of an expansive transitional single-wall eat-in kitchen in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, blue cabinets, granite benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, blue benchtop and shaker cabinets.

Feeling Blue?

Lenton Company, Inc.

A small flood prompted a dramatic kitchen update, extending the island, painting the existing cabinets, new granite countertops and tile backsplash. Photography by Brian Covington

Hilton British Cottage

Aeris Home

If I were to explain the atmosphere in this home, I’d say it’s happy. Natural light, unbelievable view of Lake Murray, the mountains, the green hills, the sky – I used those natural colors as inspiration to come up with a palette for this project. As a result, we were brave enough to go with 3 cabinet colors (natural, oyster and olive), a gorgeous blue granite that’s named Azurite (a very powerful crystal), new appliance layout, raised ceiling, and a hole in the wall (butler’s window) … quite a lot, considering that client’s original goal was to just reface the existing cabinets (see before photos). This remodel turned out to be the most accurate representation of my clients, their way of life and what they wanted to highlight in a space so dear to them. You truly feel like you’re in an English countryside cottage with stellar views, quaint vibe and accessories suitable for any modern family. We love the final result and can’t get enough of that warm abundant light!

Historic Cape Cod Restoration

Model Remodel

© Cindy Apple Photography
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Seattle with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, medium wood cabinets, granite benchtops, blue splashback, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, no island and blue benchtop.

Pearl Blue Sparkle

Heart of the Home Kitchens

Photo of a mid-sized transitional u-shaped separate kitchen in New York with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, blue splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island, white floor and blue benchtop.

Buena St. Modern Design Family Home Berkeley, CA

Home Healing Renovations

Inspiration for a mid-sized modern u-shaped eat-in kitchen in San Francisco with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, grey splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, a peninsula, orange floor and blue benchtop.

Emigration Overlook

Creative Design Cabinetry

A modern update to this condo built in 1966 with a gorgeous view of Emigration Canyon in Salt Lake City. Concrete structural columns and walls were an obstacle to incorporate into the design. Rev-A-Shelf double 50 quart pull-out trash. White conversion varnish finish on maple raised panel doors. Counter top is Blue Flowers granite with mitered edge. Walnut floating shelves with recessed led lighting. Professional refrigerator and freezer set next to pantry cabinet with roll-out trays.

A modern Kitchen With a Traditional Touch

Boss Design Center

This is an example of an expansive transitional l-shaped kitchen pantry in DC Metro with flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, granite benchtops, white splashback, with island, multi-coloured floor and blue benchtop.

Traverse City Lakehouse

Amanda Rinke

Large country u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Detroit with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, granite benchtops, grey splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, travertine floors, multiple islands, grey floor and blue benchtop.

New Jersey Beach house

Ellrich & Fiordimondo LLC

Blue is the overriding theme of the home. The blue nd white glass backsplsh and white cabinets with the stainless custom vent hood are crisp and clean. A walnut island with blue and white granite top adds warmth and variation to the space.

Maucabus Fantasy Granite Island

Cromwell Granite & Tile

Beautiful Maucabus Fantasy Granite Island and kitchen countertop. The blue, grey and off white hues match well with the farmhouse style decor of the home.

Katz Kitchen

Cabinets by RenewaBuild

The exotic granite countertops from Brazil are a showstopper. The breakfast nook chandelier and pendants both share a touch of wood detail, adding warmth and texture to the space. The custom blended stain applied to the newly refinished floors grounds the entire first floor of this beautiful home.

Blue Rio Island with Slate Gray Farmhouse Sink

Florida Design Works

Beautiful beach inspired home with white Chelsea style Woodharbor cabinets and blue rio granite splash and tops.
Large beach style u-shaped open plan kitchen in Other with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, blue splashback, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and blue benchtop.

Cuisine Spacieuse et Moderne

Raison Home Nouren Agencement

Design ideas for a large contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Grenoble with a single-bowl sink, white cabinets, granite benchtops, black splashback, panelled appliances, with island, grey floor, flat-panel cabinets and blue benchtop.

Blue Pearl Granite

mistermarble Telford

Blue Pearl is widely acknowledged as one of the finer, exclusive Granites available and remains just as popular today as when it first appeared on the market! It features hues in flakes of silver and blue which makes it beautiful and prized.

Courtyard Glen Pl.

Melissa Mathe Interior Design, LLC

Photo: Ansel Olson Photography
Design ideas for a transitional kitchen in Richmond with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, granite benchtops, blue splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors and blue benchtop.

Pantry and Inset Appliances

dRemodeling

Going with a monochromatic design, the client wanted a kitchen that was stunning and unique. With a mostly all black aesthetic, the kitchen truly immerses you, despite it being part of an open floor plan.

Hilton British Cottage

Aeris Home

I've got the Blues

Meredith Hayward Richard

Do you have the blues? Well this kitchen design certainly does! Incorporated in the design is the Schuler cherry cabinetry, with door style Sugar Creek, has been paired with Sensa’s Blue Pearl granite. To fully capture the “blue theme”, we added Elida’s Skylight Glass Subway tile throughout the walls and Elida’s Skylight Glass Hexagon Mosaic, where the range hood and stove is located. All appliances in the kitchen are Samsung’s in color Black Stainless Steel. The cabinetry pulls are color Black Bronze provided from Schuler. All in all, the client is not in the blues when it comes to their newly remodeled

Kitchen with Granite Benchtops and Blue Benchtop 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!