Our client approached Matter in late 2019 for a new kitchen. While the existing kitchen had a reasonable layout and some great features, the cupboards weren’t optimising the space to its full potential, particularly for storage. Noting that the old kitchen aged very quickly, our client wanted the new kitchen to be constructed entirely from plywood—liking the appearance and strength of the material. They also loved vibrant use of colour and suggested we look at the kitchens featured in films by the Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar for inspiration. The result was a playful mix of hand painted navy, light blue and retro orange in combination with a ‘raw’ effect from the birch plywood. To save on cost and waste, we decided to keep certain components of the kitchen that have remained in very good condition. Some of these included the stainless steel bench tops and oven/range hood stack, as well as a polished concrete island bench top. We replaced most of the cupboards with drawer units specifically tailored to fit our client's extensive collection of cookware and appliances with adjustable partitions. An integrated Hideaway rubbish bin free’s up circulation space and a Kesseböhmer pull-out pantry will ensure no bottle of spice is ever lost to the back of a cupboard again.

Hill House

Kaiko Design Interiors

Kitchen design - Navy base cabinets with timber cabinets above. Black met arch with polished Venetian plaster finish. Handmade tiles to splash back . Curved island bench with wicker counter stools. Hardwood floor.

Bathing Bliss

Smith & Sons Hornsby / Turramurra

Design ideas for a contemporary galley kitchen in Sydney with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, green cabinets, green splashback, black appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Oceanfront Cottage

Whitten Architects

photography by Trent Bell
Design ideas for a traditional l-shaped separate kitchen in Portland Maine with an undermount sink, medium wood cabinets, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, green splashback, shaker cabinets and soapstone benchtops.

Two Time Award Winning Kitchen

Normandy Remodeling

Normandy Designer Vince Weber worked closely with the homeowners throughout the design and construction process to ensure that their goals were being met. To achieve the results they desired they ultimately decided on a small addition to their kitchen, one that was well worth the options it created for their new kitchen. Learn more about Designer and Architect Vince Weber: http://www.normandyremodeling.com/designers/vince-weber/ To learn more about this award-winning Normandy Remodeling Kitchen, click here: http://www.normandyremodeling.com/blog/2-time-award-winning-kitchen-in-wilmette

Bedford Village

Erika Jayne Design Build

Tired of the original, segmented floor plan of their midcentury home, this young family was ready to make a big change. Inspired by their beloved collection of Heath Ceramics tableware and needing an open space for the family to gather to do homework, make bread, and enjoy Friday Pizza Night…a new kitchen was born. Interior Architecture. Removal of one wall that provided a major obstruction, but no structure, resulted in connection between the family room, dining room, and kitchen. The new open plan allowed for a large island with seating and better flow in and out of the kitchen and garage. Interior Design. Vertically stacked, handmade tiles from Heath Ceramics in Ogawa Green wrap the perimeter backsplash with a nod to midcentury design. A row of white oak slab doors conceal a hidden exhaust hood while offering a sleek modern vibe. Shelves float just below to display beloved tableware, cookbooks, and cherished souvenirs.

Projet NATIONALE | 19m² | Paris 13e

NEVA Architecture Intérieure - Interior Design

On adore cette jolie cuisine lumineuse, ouverte sur la cour fleurie de l'immeuble. Un joli carrelage aspect carreau de ciment mais moderne, sous cette cuisine ikea blanche aux moulures renforçant le côté un peu campagne, mais modernisé avec des boutons en métal noir, et une crédence qui n'est pas toute hauteur, en carreaux style métro plat vert sauge ! Des petits accessoires muraux viennent compléter le côté rétro de l'ensemble, éclairé par des suspensions design en béton.

Award Winning Mid-Century Modern Deck House

The Design Gallery

This view shows the play of the different wood tones throughout the space. The different woods keep the eye moving and draw you into the inviting space. We love the classic Cherner counter stools. The nostalgic pendants create some fun and add sculptural interest. All track lighting was replaced and expanded by cutting through beams to create good task lighting for all kitchen surfaces.

Contemporary Kitchen with White & Navy Cabinets

Rainier Cabinetry & Design, Inc

Large contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Seattle with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, black cabinets, marble benchtops, green splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Lexington Bungalow

Small Batch Kitchens

Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, soapstone benchtops, green splashback, subway tile splashback, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors and no island.

Kukio

Nicholson

This is an example of a mid-sized tropical single-wall separate kitchen in Hawaii with flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, green splashback, glass tile splashback, with island, an undermount sink, granite benchtops, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors and beige floor.

Zen Kitchen-Island Style

MCYIA Interior Architecture and Design

The wide cook top counter also doubles as a buffet line. The custom environmentally friendly bamboo cabinets have pull out shelves for ease of use. {Photo Credit: Andy Mattheson}

Sunnyside Road Residence Kitchen

O’Hara Interiors

Martha O'Hara Interiors, Interior Design | REFINED LLC, Builder | Troy Thies Photography | Shannon Gale, Photo Styling
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional kitchen in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, white cabinets, marble benchtops, green splashback and glass-front cabinets.

North Tustin - Addition and Remodel

Pacific Coast Builders, Inc.

Modern Farmhouse kitchen with shaker style cabinet doors and black drawer pull hardware. White Oak floating shelves with LED underlighting over beautiful, Cambria Quartz countertops. The subway tiles were custom made and have what appears to be a texture from a distance, but is actually a herringbone pattern in-lay in the glaze. Wolf brand gas range and oven, and a Wolf steam oven on the left. Rustic black wall scones and large pendant lights over the kitchen island. Brizo satin brass faucet with Kohler undermount rinse sink. Photo by Molly Rose Photography

Commonwealth Kitchen Remodel

Balboa Design Group

Mid-sized arts and crafts galley separate kitchen in San Diego with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, green splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, no island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Cooktop & Hood with Glossy Sage Green Backsplash Tile

Cynthia J. Hoffman Interior Design, Inc.

Island with sage green subway tile full height backsplash, offers a dramatic backdrop for the stainless steel cooktop and hood. Large, deep drawers provide storage for pots and pans.

Montclair Sanctuary

Tina Montemayor Design

Small midcentury l-shaped open plan kitchen in San Francisco with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, green splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island, multi-coloured benchtop and exposed beam.

Forest Hills Mid-Century Remodel

The Kingston Group - Remodeling Specialists

Photo of a large midcentury l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Nashville with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, green splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, white benchtop and vaulted.

Rénovation complète d'un appartement de 72m2

SHK Architecture & Intérieurs

This is an example of a contemporary galley kitchen in Paris with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, green splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, no island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Частная баня в Подмосковье

ART BURO 365

В бане есть кухня, столовая зона и зона отдыха, спальня, туалет, парная/сауна, помывочная, прихожая.
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary single-wall eat-in kitchen in Moscow with porcelain floors, grey floor, an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, laminate benchtops, green splashback, ceramic splashback, black appliances, no island, brown benchtop and medium wood cabinets.

Kitchen with an Undermount Sink and Green 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!