Explore this open-plan space of sophistication and style with a dark-coloured kitchen. For this project in Harpenden, the client wanted a cooking space to suit their family requirements but also with a chic and moody feel. This kitchen features Nobilia's 317 Touch and 340 Lacquer Laminate in Black Supermatt for a luxurious yet understated allure. The sleek 12mm ceramic worktop complements the deep tones, providing a modern touch to the space. A focal point is the bronze mirror backsplash, a stunning creation by Southern Counties Glass, adding depth to the space. High-end appliances from AEG, Bora, Blanco, and Quooker seamlessly blend functionality with aesthetics to elevate the kitchen's performance. These appliances add efficiency to daily cooking activities. At the heart of this space stands a large central island for dining and entertaining, while serving as an additional workspace for meal preparation. Suspended above, gold ambient lighting casts a warm glow, adding a touch of glamour to the space. Contrasting with the dark backdrop, teal counter stools inject a pop of colour and vibrancy, creating a delightful visual balance. Does this Dark Luxurious Kitchen inspire you? Get in touch with us if you want to transform your cooking space.

Matt Black Kitchen in London

Puccini Kitchens

This contemporary kitchen in London is a stunning display of modern design, seamlessly blending style and sustainability. The focal point of the kitchen is the impressive XMATT range in a sleek Matt Black finish crafted from recycled materials. This choice not only reflects a modern aesthetic but also emphasises the kitchen's dedication to sustainability. In contrast, the overhead cabinetry is finished in crisp white, adding a touch of brightness and balance to the overall aesthetic. The worktop is a masterpiece in itself, featuring Artscut Bianco Mysterio 20mm Quartz, providing a durable and stylish surface for meal preparation. The kitchen is equipped with a state-of-the-art Bora hob, combining functionality and design innovation. Fisher & Paykel ovens and an integrated fridge freezer further enhance the functionality of the space while maintaining a sleek and cohesive appearance. These appliances are known for their performance and energy efficiency, aligning seamlessly with the kitchen's commitment to sustainability. A built-in larder, complete with shelves and drawers, provides ample storage for a variety of food items and small appliances. This cleverly designed feature enhances organisation and efficiency in the space. Does this kitchen design inspire you? Check out more of our projects here.

Organic Mill Valley

Ann Lowengart Interiors

The three-level Mediterranean revival home started as a 1930s summer cottage that expanded downward and upward over time. We used a clean, crisp white wall plaster with bronze hardware throughout the interiors to give the house continuity. A neutral color palette and minimalist furnishings create a sense of calm restraint. Subtle and nuanced textures and variations in tints add visual interest. The stair risers from the living room to the primary suite are hand-painted terra cotta tile in gray and off-white. We used the same tile resource in the kitchen for the island's toe kick.

Stauder Circle Rambler

Aulik Design Build

Photo of a midcentury l-shaped kitchen in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, green cabinets, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor, white benchtop and coffered.

Kitchen Renovation Project in Spring Hill (Timber Pines)

DCI Home Improvements

A great example of use of color in a kitchen space. We utilized seafoam green and light wood stained cabinets in this renovation in Spring Hill, FL. Other features include a double dishwasher and oversized subway tile.

Family Friendly in Fairbanks

Design Studio West

This Fairbanks ranch kitchen remodel project masterfully blends a contemporary matte finished cabinetry front with the warmth and texture of wire brushed oak veneer. The result is a stunning and sophisticated space that is both functional and inviting. The inspiration for this kitchen remodel came from the desire to create a space that was both modern and timeless. A place that a young family can raise their children and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Whanganui full home interior

Du Bois Design Ltd

Design ideas for a large industrial galley open plan kitchen in Auckland with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, black appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and grey benchtop.

pine street

jennifer rhode design

the kitchen leads into the back garden.
Small modern galley kitchen in Denver with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, engineered quartz splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, white benchtop and vaulted.

Garden Home Addition and Interiors

Northland Design & Build

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional u-shaped open plan kitchen in Portland with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, beige cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, ceramic splashback, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and grey benchtop.

Appartamento VM - Casa minimalista di 80 mq

HOP! Arch

Photo of a mid-sized scandinavian galley open plan kitchen in Milan with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, solid surface benchtops, timber splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and white benchtop.

Wimberley Modern Hill Country

Levitas Modern Homes

Design ideas for an expansive modern eat-in kitchen in Austin with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, window splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, multiple islands, white benchtop and vaulted.

Renovation - Modern Sophistication

Bella Vista Developments

Inspiration for a mid-sized modern u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, granite benchtops, black splashback, granite splashback, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors, a peninsula, brown floor and black benchtop.

Dunham Street 1

SHELTER Custom-Built Living

Back Kitchen
Photo of a mid-sized modern u-shaped open plan kitchen in Charleston with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, marble benchtops, black splashback, marble splashback, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and black benchtop.

Bay View Vista Residence.

Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects

Looking toward kitchen from dining area.
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Seattle with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, solid surface benchtops, black splashback, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and black benchtop.

"Beautiful Inside and Out" Mid-Century Modern Home Interior Remodel

MAK Design + Build Inc.

This is an example of a mid-sized midcentury l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Sacramento with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor, white benchtop and exposed beam.

Colori Pastello

Annalisa Carli Architetto

Cucina bianca con ante lucide e top in quarzite. Zone a giorno di colore giallo. Il brand di quasta cucina è Veneta Cucine. Foto di Simone Marulli
Small contemporary galley eat-in kitchen in Milan with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, engineered quartz splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, no island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Bow Mar Ranch Remodel

KGA Studio Architects, PC

Design ideas for a transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Denver with white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and timber.

South Meets West

HouseHome

Such an exciting transformation for this sweet family. A modern take on Southwest design has us swooning over these neutrals with bold and fun pops of color and accents that showcase the gorgeous footprint of this kitchen, dining, and drop zone to expertly tuck away the belonging of a busy family!

Augusta Walk I

Ryan Miller Builders

Design ideas for a large contemporary l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, white benchtop and exposed beam.

Subtle Glamor

LFD Design

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped eat-in kitchen in San Diego with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and green benchtop.

Kitchen with Light Hardwood Floors and Plywood 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!