Photographer : Kunal Bhatia
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary u-shaped kitchen in Mumbai with medium wood cabinets and stainless steel appliances.

Kitchen and living design and remodel on a budget

Interiors by Popov

This is another favorite home redesign project. Throughout my career, I've worked with some hefty budgets on a number of high-end projects. You can visit Paris Kitchens and Somerset Kitchens, companies that I have worked for previously, to get an idea of what I mean. I could start name dropping here, but I won’t, because that's not what this project is about. This project is about a small budget and a happy homeowner. This was one of the first projects with a custom interior design at a fraction of a regular budget. I could use the term “value engineering” to describe it, because this particular interior was heavily value engineered. The result: a sophisticated interior that looks so much more expensive than it is. And one ecstatic homeowner. Mission impossible accomplished. P.S. Don’t ask me how much it cost, I promised the homeowner that their impressive budget will remain confidential. In any case, no one would believe me even if I spilled the beans.

Asian Inspired Kitchen

Charmean Neithart Interiors

Erika Bierman www.erikabiermanphotography.com
Mid-sized asian l-shaped kitchen in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartzite benchtops, brown splashback, ceramic splashback, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors and with 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.

Wayzata Modern

John Kraemer & Sons

Brady Lane Remodel Addition

Webber + Studio, Architects

Andrea Calo
Mid-sized midcentury galley open plan kitchen in Austin with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, with island, quartz benchtops, brown floor and orange benchtop.

Riverside Home in New Hope, Bucks County, PA

OMNIA Group Architects

Perched above the beautiful Delaware River in the historic village of New Hope, Bucks County, Pennsylvania sits this magnificent custom home designed by OMNIA Group Architects. According to Partner, Brian Mann,"This riverside property required a nuanced approach so that it could at once be both a part of this eclectic village streetscape and take advantage of the spectacular waterfront setting." Further complicating the study, the lot was narrow, it resides in the floodplain and the program required the Master Suite to be on the main level. To meet these demands, OMNIA dispensed with conventional historicist styles and created an open plan blended with traditional forms punctuated by vast rows of glass windows and doors to bring in the panoramic views of Lambertville, the bridge, the wooded opposite bank and the river. Mann adds, "Because I too live along the river, I have a special respect for its ever changing beauty - and I appreciate that riverfront structures have a responsibility to enhance the views from those on the water." Hence the riverside facade is as beautiful as the street facade. A sweeping front porch integrates the entry with the vibrant pedestrian streetscape. Low garden walls enclose a beautifully landscaped courtyard defining private space without turning its back on the street. Once inside, the natural setting explodes into view across the back of each of the main living spaces. For a home with so few walls, spaces feel surprisingly intimate and well defined. The foyer is elegant and features a free flowing curved stair that rises in a turret like enclosure dotted with windows that follow the ascending stairs like a sculpture. "Using changes in ceiling height, finish materials and lighting, we were able to define spaces without boxing spaces in" says Mann adding, "the dynamic horizontality of the river is echoed along the axis of the living space; the natural movement from kitchen to dining to living rooms following the current of the river." Service elements are concentrated along the front to create a visual and noise barrier from the street and buttress a calm hall that leads to the Master Suite. The master bedroom shares the views of the river, while the bath and closet program are set up for pure luxuriating. The second floor features a common loft area with a large balcony overlooking the water. Two children's suites flank the loft - each with their own exquisitely crafted baths and closets. Continuing the balance between street and river, an open air bell-tower sits above the entry porch to bring life and light to the street. Outdoor living was part of the program from the start. A covered porch with outdoor kitchen and dining and lounge area and a fireplace brings 3-season living to the river. And a lovely curved patio lounge surrounded by grand landscaping by LDG finishes the experience. OMNIA was able to bring their design talents to the finish materials too including cabinetry, lighting, fixtures, colors and furniture.

Balcones Mid-Century

Rick & Cindy Black Architects

Whit Preston
Design ideas for a mid-sized midcentury galley kitchen in Austin with an integrated sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, stainless steel benchtops, white splashback, with island and terrazzo floors.

The Japalachian

Living Stone Design + Build

Jeff Miller
Design ideas for a transitional kitchen pantry in Other with medium wood cabinets, multi-coloured splashback and matchstick tile splashback.

Locust Hills Tudor

Stonewood, LLC

Traditional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Minneapolis with raised-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, panelled appliances and medium hardwood floors.

northwest dc townhouse

Liza Ryner Design

This is an example of a mid-sized transitional galley eat-in kitchen in DC Metro with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances and porcelain floors.

Woodchuck Kitchen Renovation

Terracotta Design Build

Jeff Herr
This is an example of a mid-sized modern galley separate kitchen in Atlanta with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, medium wood cabinets, granite benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors and with island.

Contemporary Kitchen

Contemporary kitchen in San Francisco with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, green splashback and stainless steel appliances.

Our Tiny Tack House

The Tiny Tack House

http://chrisandmalissa.com/
Inspiration for a country separate kitchen in Seattle with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets and wood benchtops.

Lewis Downtown Lofts

Urban Kitchens

Design Jo Meacham, M.Arch
Design ideas for a large contemporary u-shaped kitchen in Oklahoma City with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, granite benchtops, grey splashback, mosaic tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island and concrete floors.

Friar Tuck Home

Dark Horse Woodworks

Photos - Jennifer Kesler - http://www.jenniferkeslerphotography.com/

East Bay Hills Home Remodel

MSK Design Build

The large island seats three, and the wine fridge is conveniently located in the island. White 3D tile accents the island, with bronze hardware and three Shades of Light matching pendants provide eye candy in the kitchen.

Wilshire Kitchen, Portland (Photo: Matt Niebuhr)

Howells Architecture + Design

Designed for a 1930s Portland, OR home, this kitchen remodel aims for a clean, timeless sensibility without sacrificing the space to generic modernism. Cherry cabinets, Ice Stone countertops and Heath tile add texture and variation in an otherwise sleek, pared down design. A custom built-in bench works well for eat-in breakfasts. Period reproduction lighting, Deco pulls, and a custom formica table root the kitchen to the origins of the home. All photos by Matt Niebuhr. www.mattniebuhr.com

Charmean Neithart Interiors, LLC.

Charmean Neithart Interiors

Kitchen and butler's pantry with 18th century re-purposed pantry doors from a Spanish monastery. Butler's pantry includes coffee prep and small sink with wall mount faucet. Refrigerator drawers in the background kitchen hold fresh fruit. Photos by Erika Bierman www.erikabiermanphotography.com

Modern Kitchen

Jordan Iverson Signature Homes

Mid-sized traditional l-shaped kitchen in Portland with laminate benchtops, a drop-in sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, white splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, bamboo floors and with island.

Kitchen with Light Wood Cabinets and Medium Wood Cabinets 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!