Photo of a large transitional u-shaped open plan kitchen in Orlando with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, yellow cabinets, granite benchtops, grey splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Rénovation d'une Maison Parisienne

Lagom architectes

This is an example of a large contemporary l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Paris with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, grey splashback, ceramic splashback, panelled appliances, concrete floors, no island, white floor and black benchtop.

Endeavor Cove Remodel

LARK + PALM

Design ideas for a country l-shaped open plan kitchen in San Francisco with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, beige splashback, ceramic splashback, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and white benchtop.

Lakeshore Colorful Kitchen

Yumi Interiors

This is an example of a transitional u-shaped separate kitchen in San Francisco with shaker cabinets, green cabinets, white splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor, grey benchtop and vaulted.

Custom White Raised panel cabinets

Otero Signature Homes

Design ideas for a large l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Cleveland with an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, beige splashback, porcelain splashback, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and beige benchtop.

White Sails Mid-Century Modern

Patterson Custom Homes

This is an example of a midcentury kitchen in Orange County with marble benchtops, multiple islands, white benchtop, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors and beige floor.

Sunfilled Contemporary

Wendy Glaister Interiors

This high contemporary kitchen places an emphasis on the views to the expansive garden beyond. Soft colors and textures make the space approachable.
Photo of a large contemporary l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Sacramento with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, white splashback, stone slab splashback, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor, white benchtop, marble benchtops and stainless steel appliances.

Los Altos Colonial

Henrybuilt Seattle

Inspiration for a large modern u-shaped eat-in kitchen in San Francisco with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, wood benchtops, stone tile splashback, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and white benchtop.

Sweet Southern - Palmetto Bluff

Southern Grace Interiors

This is an example of a large beach style l-shaped kitchen in Atlanta with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, solid surface benchtops, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and grey benchtop.

Palo Alto Remodel

Harwood Construction

Design ideas for a transitional eat-in kitchen in San Francisco with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, multi-coloured splashback, light hardwood floors, with island and beige floor.

Saucon Valley Classic

Jarrett Design

This is an example of a large transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Philadelphia with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, soapstone benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and grey benchtop.

Modern Farmhouse | 2019 Dry Creek Parade

Solitude Homes

Design ideas for a large country l-shaped open plan kitchen in Boise with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Navy is a Neutral Ranch Remodel & Addition

KBG Design

Large beach style l-shaped open plan kitchen in San Francisco with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, solid surface benchtops, grey splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

#TheRambler

Ember & Brune

What started solely as a master bath project soon spiraled into working with the homeowners to redefine and remodel most of this split level home. Opening things up in the kitchen not only helped with the flow of things, but you get a wonderful view of each room when you walk in the front door. These cabinets are made of book matched walnut, meaning the grain of the tree lines up from door to door. Photography by LOMA Studios, lomastudios.com

Point Loma Residence

Hope Pinc Design

Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional single-wall open plan kitchen in Denver with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Axboe

Klima Architecture

Kerri Fukkai
Inspiration for a modern l-shaped kitchen in Salt Lake City with flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, stainless steel benchtops, metallic splashback, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and beige floor.

Modern Apartment Upgrade in Cobble Hill

Crown Woodworking Corp

Small modern galley eat-in kitchen in New York with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, quartz benchtops, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, white splashback, subway tile splashback, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Magnificent Transition Kitchen

CairnsCraft Design & Remodel

Large transitional kitchen in San Diego with an undermount sink, white cabinets, grey splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor, white benchtop, quartz benchtops, glass tile splashback and shaker cabinets.

Eunice Street

Eisenmann Architecture

Mark Compton
Mid-sized midcentury u-shaped eat-in kitchen in San Francisco with flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, quartzite benchtops, with island, white benchtop, an undermount sink, white splashback, subway tile splashback, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors and beige floor.

Lakewood Modern Residence

Novum Architecture

Modern design by Alberto Juarez and Darin Radac of Novum Architecture in Los Angeles.
Photo of a large modern l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Los Angeles with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, grey splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, concrete floors and with island.

Kitchen with Light Hardwood Floors 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!