A glass backsplash makes cleanup a breeze. Countertops are Caesarstone in "Deep Ocean"
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped open plan kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, glass sheet splashback, stainless steel appliances, cork floors and with island.

Working Within

BZ Architects

Working within the footprint of the existing house and a new, 3 by 11 foot addition, the scope of this project called for enhanced use of the existing kitchen space and better views to the heavily landscaped and terraced rear yard. In response, numerous operable windows and doors wrap around three sides of the design, allowing the exterior landscaping and renovated deck to be more a part of the interior. A 9'-6" ceiling height helps define the kitchen area and provides enhanced views to an existing gazebo via the addition's high windows. With views to the exterior as a goal, most storage cabinets have been relocated to an interior wall. Glass doors and cabinet-mounted display lights accent the floor-to-ceiling pantry unit. A Rain Forest Green granite countertop is complemented by cork floor tiles, soothing glass mosaics and a rich paint palette. The adjacent dining area's charcoal grey slate pavers provide superior functionality and have been outfitted with a radiant heat floor system.

Garfield Project

Kitchen Designs by Decor

designed by: Greg Palmer and Corina Penner photo by: Alex Wexler
Small contemporary galley eat-in kitchen in Other with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, red splashback, stainless steel appliances, cork floors and a peninsula.

Our Work

F.A. Wildnauer Woodwork, Inc

The challenge for this project was to build a completely new kitchen in a newly added-on area of this home. The old kitchen was on the other side to the house and had poor lighting, making entertaining difficult due to to both size and location in the home. We designed the layout of this kitchen and chose wood finishes that would complement and enhance the natural lighting. We also wanted to showcase the high-quality curly ash wood, and it natural grain. The result of our work was a brilliant and comfortable kitchen that stands up to daily use and offers more storage, more counter space, and room to entertain and cook with family.

Kitchen rtenovation with flush maple cabinets, with craft display boxes

Michael Huller Architects

Photo of a mid-sized u-shaped separate kitchen in Boston with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartzite benchtops, brown splashback, slate splashback, stainless steel appliances, cork floors, with island and grey benchtop.

Miller Beach, Indiana

Designsmith Spaces

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped open plan kitchen in Chicago with flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, granite benchtops, stainless steel appliances, cork floors, with island, an undermount sink and beige floor.

Nordic Natural

Kenorah Design + Build Ltd.

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary u-shaped open plan kitchen in Vancouver with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, stone tile splashback, panelled appliances, cork floors and with island.

Eclectic Light Brown Kitchen Remodel with waterfall Rainforest Granite Counterto

Cyr Kitchen and Bath

This Kitchen remodel was designed by Jeff from our Manchester Showroom. This remodel features Dewills cabinetry with flat-panel door style and light brown color finish. This kitchen also features a granite countertop with Rainforest color with waterfall edge. Other features include extra-long Bar pull Satin Nickel hardware and cork flooring with beige color.

Contemporary Bamboo Kitchen: Close Up of Kitchen Cabinetry with Horizontal Wood

Dura Supreme Cabinetry

For this kitchen, we wanted to showcase a contemporary styled design featuring Dura Supreme’s Natural Bamboo with a Horizontal Grain pattern. After selecting the wood species and finish for the cabinetry, we needed to select the rest of the finishes. Since we wanted the cabinetry to take the center stage we decided to keep the flooring and countertop colors neutral to accentuate the grain pattern and color of the Bamboo cabinets. We selected a mid-tone gray Corian solid surface countertop for both the perimeter and the kitchen island countertops. Next, we selected a smoky gray cork flooring which coordinates beautifully with both the countertops and the cabinetry. For the backsplash, we wanted to add in a pop of color and selected a 3" x 6" subway tile in a deep purple to accent the Bamboo cabinetry. Request a FREE Dura Supreme Brochure Packet: http://www.durasupreme.com/request-brochure Find a Dura Supreme Showroom near you today: http://www.durasupreme.com/dealer-locator To learn more about our Exotic Veneer options, go to: http://www.durasupreme.com/wood-species/exotic-veneers

Midcentury Modern Kitchen Remodel Urbana

Darcy Bean Custom Construction Inc.

This space is perfectly utilized! Single small sink/faucet combo and extra counter space make for the perfect coffee/espresso station area.
Inspiration for a large contemporary u-shaped separate kitchen in Chicago with flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, cork floors, quartz benchtops, red splashback, stone slab splashback and no island.

Kitchen and Dining Remodel Creates Entertaining Setting

'g' Green Design Center

Sink Detail with Recycled Glass Inlay - Our clients wanted to remodel their kitchen so that the prep, cooking, clean up and dining areas would blend well and not have too much of a kitchen feel. They asked for a sophisticated look with some classic details and a few contemporary flairs. The result was a reorganized layout (and remodel of the adjacent powder room) that maintained all the beautiful sunlight from their deck windows, but create two separate but complimentary areas for cooking and dining. The refrigerator and pantry are housed in a furniture-like unit creating a hutch-like cabinet that belies its interior with classic styling. Two sinks allow both cooks in the family to work simultaneously. Some glass-fronted cabinets keep the sink wall light and attractive. The recycled glass-tiled detail on the ceramic backsplash brings a hint of color and a reference to the nearby waters. Dan Cutrona Photography

Warm Fir Kitchen and Blue Island

White Wood Kitchens

This beautifully handcrafted fir kitchen was built by J.Binnette Cabinetry and Pinsonneault Builders. The frameless construction and full overlay shaker door style are made of fir with a natural finish on the kitchen and a custom paint on the island. The homeowners wish for function was solved with many great elements in the kitchen, trash pull outs, drawer organizers, ample cabinet space and working areas. Their style was transitional and clean lines which was achieved using the lovely grain of natural fir.

Kitchen Remodel with Red Accents

Powell Construction

Kitchen remodel with glass backsplash, red accents, and cork flooring.
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped open plan kitchen in Portland with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, glass sheet splashback, stainless steel appliances, cork floors and with island.

Big Arm Lake House

Nunlist Enterprise, Inc.

Dana J Creative
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Other with shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, granite benchtops, stainless steel appliances, cork floors, with island and brown floor.

Horizontal Grain Cabinetry

Strite Design + Remodel

The homeowner is breezing through her newly remodeled kitchen that is a far cry from where it started. A few before images follow.
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Boise with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, green splashback, glass sheet splashback, stainless steel appliances and cork floors.

Butcher block Island

Wood Gem

Walter Hofheinz
Design ideas for a small contemporary galley eat-in kitchen in Dallas with an integrated sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, stainless steel benchtops, red splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances and cork floors.

Contemporary Kitchens

Crystal Cabinets

Manhattan door style with bamboo and carbonized bamboo veneers Design by: Crystal in-house design Photography by: Thoen & Associates
Contemporary kitchen in Minneapolis with flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, concrete benchtops, green splashback, glass sheet splashback and cork floors.

Nova Cork Flooring

Green Building Supply

Color: Naturals-Creme-Mono
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Chicago with raised-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, stone tile splashback, black appliances, cork floors and with island.

Mid-Century Modern Update

McCabe By Design LLC

Inside the doorless pantry area is actually built-in dry good storage comprised of three roll-out shelves. The pass through to the Tea room is just behind the pantry door.

Evolved Eastern Influenced Craftsman Kitchen

Space Redefined

Expansive arts and crafts single-wall open plan kitchen in Chicago with an integrated sink, light wood cabinets, stainless steel benchtops, yellow splashback, ceramic splashback, panelled appliances, cork floors, multiple islands and shaker cabinets.

Kitchen with Light Wood Cabinets and Cork 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!