This small kitchen uses a kitchen table (not pictured) to double the work surface. two built in pantries and cabinets provide abundant storage for this backyard cottage. design, bruce parker, microhouse photo, max ralph, LCM builders

Eichler Inspired-Kitchen

Mark Brand Architecture

Our designs for these two speculative houses in Noe Valley were inspired by the atrium houses designed in the 50’s for Bay Area developer Joseph Eichler. Entered via bridges from the street, the two houses share a sunken forecourt with stairs down to the lower level. A gull wing roof design and cantilevered elements at the front and rear of the house evoke the spirit of mid-Century modernism. The steeply down-sloping lot allowed us to provide sweeping views of the city from the two upper levels. Tall, skylit master suites at the lowest levels open out onto decks and the garden. Originally designed as mirrored images of each other, the design evolved through the negotiations of the right and left neighbors to respond to their differing needs.

Parklands kitchen

Modern Age Kitchens & Joinery Ltd

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Christchurch with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, laminate benchtops, black splashback, black appliances, porcelain floors, a peninsula, grey floor and grey benchtop.

Dark, Simple, Modern Kitchen

Nemo Tile + Stone

Inspired by a design scheme described as “moody masculine” in this New York City residence, designer Susanne Fox created a dark, simple, and modern look for this gorgeous open kitchen in Midtown. Nemo Tile’s Glazed Stack mosaic in glossy black was selected for the backsplash. The contrast between the dark glazing and the light wood cabinets creates a beautiful sleek look while the natural light plays on the tile and creates gorgeous movement through the space.

Agriturismo Maso Nössler Anterselva

alexa rainer fotografie

© Alexa Rainer
This is an example of a mid-sized country single-wall eat-in kitchen in Other with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, black splashback, black appliances and light hardwood floors.

Abandoned Embassy Transformed into Vibrant New Residence

Glass Construction

Hoachlander Davis Photography
Large contemporary l-shaped eat-in kitchen in DC Metro with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, granite benchtops, black splashback, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, linoleum floors and with island.

DANBURY TONWHOUSE

APK Designs LLC

Photo of a mid-sized country single-wall open plan kitchen in New York with a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartzite benchtops, black splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor, white benchtop and wood.

Leeds Total Kitchen Renovation

rk MILES, Inc.

Cabinet Brand: Medallion Door Style: Lancaster Finish Style/Color: Maple in Wheat Stain Countertop Material: Leathered Granite Countertop Color: Silver Pearl Special Notes: Complete renovation, moved openings and plumbing.Installed by Scapes Builders.

Hudson Valley Remodel

Boxco Studio

We designed and made the custom plywood cabinetry made for a small, light-filled kitchen remodel. Cabinet fronts are maple and birch plywood with circular cut outs. The open shelving has through tenon joinery and sliding doors.

Natural Alder Angle Island

Beyond the Box, Inc.

Natural knotty alder cabinets with laminate counters.
Photo of a mid-sized transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Other with a drop-in sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, laminate benchtops, black splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and black benchtop.

Cottage at Sherwood

DMS Design Associates

Dana Lehmer
Mid-sized transitional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in DC Metro with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, granite benchtops, black splashback, black appliances, medium hardwood floors and black benchtop.

Appleton Project- Venice Beach

Silicon Bay

This kitchen flips the standard model in contemporary kitchens with blonde wood cabinets and dark marble countertops. This fresh take keeps with the flow of the other rooms in this open concept floor home but use the black accents to set it apart. The kitchen island seating also gives a unique twist to the standard barstool making it a true eat in kitchen.

Reader Bay

Soundesign Group Architects, PLLC

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional u-shaped separate kitchen in Seattle with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, black splashback, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and black benchtop.

Old Fort Cabin

Altura Architects

This mountain modern cabin outside of Asheville serves as a simple retreat for our clients. They are passionate about fly-fishing, so when they found property with a designated trout stream, it was a natural fit. We developed a design that allows them to experience both views and sounds of the creek and a relaxed style for the cabin - a counterpoint to their full-time residence.

Morningside Modern

Quigley Architects

Modern House Productions
Mid-sized contemporary l-shaped open plan kitchen in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartzite benchtops, black splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors and with island.

Ski Basin

Dybdahl Design Group

Designer: Paul Dybdahl Photographer: Shanna Wolf Designer’s Note: One of the main project goals was to develop a kitchen space that complimented the homes quality while blending elements of the new kitchen space with the homes eclectic materials. Japanese Ash veneers were chosen for the main body of the kitchen for it's quite linear appeals. Quarter Sawn White Oak, in a natural finish, was chosen for the island to compliment the dark finished Quarter Sawn Oak floor that runs throughout this home. The west end of the island, under the Walnut top, is a metal finished wood. This was to speak to the metal wrapped fireplace on the west end of the space. A massive Walnut Log was sourced to create the 2.5" thick 72" long and 45" wide (at widest end) living edge top for an elevated seating area at the island. This was created from two pieces of solid Walnut, sliced and joined in a book-match configuration. The homeowner loves the new space!! Cabinets: Premier Custom-Built Countertops: Leathered Granite The Granite Shop of Madison Location: Vermont Township, Mt. Horeb, WI

Clean Curves

Adams + Beasley Associates

Nat Rea Photography
This is an example of a mid-sized eclectic single-wall open plan kitchen in Boston with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, soapstone benchtops, black splashback, stone slab splashback, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors and with island.

Kitchen with view to Barn

Cynthia J. Hoffman Interior Design, Inc.

Sun Kitchen features custom stained bamboo cabinets, soapstone countertop with integral farmhouse sink Photo: Michael R. Timmer
This is an example of a large transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Cleveland with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, soapstone benchtops, black splashback, stone slab splashback, panelled appliances, linoleum floors, a peninsula and grey floor.

St Paul Condo

Lori Balestri, Designer, Allied ASID

Corey Gaffer Photography
Modern open plan kitchen in Minneapolis with a single-bowl sink, light wood cabinets, soapstone benchtops, black splashback, ceramic splashback, black appliances, vinyl floors and with island.

Green at Gaston

LuxeMark Company

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped open plan kitchen in Raleigh with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, soapstone benchtops, black splashback, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors and with island.

Kitchen with Light Wood Cabinets and Black 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!