Drew Kelly
Photo of a mid-sized transitional single-wall kitchen in San Francisco with an undermount sink, with island, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances and dark hardwood floors.

An Accessible Kitchen

Mosby Building Arts

A kitchen designed to be highly functional from wheelchair height is as handsome as it is accessible. Note the pull-out tray for the Crock-pot, which includes its own electrical outlet for convenience. A Fisher & Paykel dishwasher drawer is easy access for everyone. Photo by Toby Weiss for Mosby Building Arts.

Rustic Villa interiors

Vanguard Studio Inc.

Tre Dunham, Fine Focus Photography
Inspiration for a large country open plan kitchen in Austin with recessed-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, multiple islands and brown floor.

Laminate

Floor Coverings International of East Bay CA

This is an example of a country kitchen in San Francisco with shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, black splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, no island and brown floor.

Modern Kitchen

SEK Architects

Image by Peter Rymwid Architectural Photography
Large contemporary kitchen in New York with an integrated sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, concrete benchtops, panelled appliances, cement tiles, multiple islands, grey floor and grey benchtop.

Organic Sophistication

Fusion Designed

Page Photography
Design ideas for a mid-sized modern u-shaped separate kitchen in Minneapolis with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors and with island.

Party Kitchen

Level One Construction

In this project, the use of integrated appliances adds to the visual and versatility of the kitchen. Double-drawer dishwasher eliminates energy-wasting half loads. Bonus: when entertaining, fill top draw with ice… presto, an insulated cooler that’s emptied by simply closing and hitting the “Drain” button. Space-hogging, side-by-side fridge replaced with taller, integrated unit more suitably proportioned to the space and client’s active, social lifestyle.

Franklin Hills Midcentury

Parson Architecture

Photos by Michael McNamara, Shooting LA
Photo of a mid-sized midcentury galley eat-in kitchen in Phoenix with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, stainless steel appliances, slate floors and with island.

Craftsman Kitchen

Scenic Interiors, LLC

We completely remodeled an outdated, poorly designed kitchen that was separated from the rest of the house by a narrow doorway. We opened the wall to the dining room and framed it with an oak archway. We transformed the space with an open, timeless design that incorporates a counter-height eating and work area, cherry inset door shaker-style cabinets, increased counter work area made from Cambria quartz tops, and solid oak moldings that echo the style of the 1920's bungalow. Some of the original wood moldings were re-used to case the new energy efficient window.

Kintnersville Kitchen

Sullivan Building & Design Group

Custom built kitchen featuring white oak cabinets, with contrasting black granite counter tops, warm toned walnut island counter, and white beadboard backsplash. Windows across one wall flood kitchen with natural light. Photo Credit: Paul S. Bartholomew Photography, LLC. Design Build by Sullivan Building & Design Group. Custom Cabinetry by Cider Press Woodworks.

San Luis Kitchen, Wheelchair Accessible

San Luis Kitchen Co.

Wheelchair Accessible Kitchen Custom height counters, high toe kicks and recessed knee areas are the calling card for this wheelchair accessible design. The base cabinets are all designed to be easy reach -- pull-out units (both trash and storage), drawers and a lazy susan. Functionality meets aesthetic beauty in this kitchen remodel. (The homeowner worked with an occupational therapist to access current and future spatial needs.)

Kitchen Cabinets

Bauman Custom Woodworking

Small transitional u-shaped separate kitchen in Other with a double-bowl sink, beaded inset cabinets, light wood cabinets, granite benchtops, beige splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors and with island.

Crystal Cabinets- Contemporary Styled Kitchen

Western Products

Design by: Bill Tweten, CKD, CBD Photo by: Robb Siverson robbsiverson.com Crystal cabinets accomplishes another sleek and contemporary kitchen seen here. This kitchen features full overlay Regent styled doors finished in a natural Maple and accented with stainless steel pulls. A dark empress green marble counter adds contrast and interest to the kitchen while glass doors on select cabinets keep this space feeling open and airy.

Modern Kitchen

Inspiration for a small modern galley open plan kitchen in Melbourne with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, granite benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, glass sheet splashback, white appliances, ceramic floors and with island.

Waypoint Living Spaces

Grand Kitchen + Bath

This rustic style kitchen by Waypoint Living Spaces brings both style and character to the home.
Design ideas for a mid-sized country u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Tampa with recessed-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, beige splashback, stainless steel appliances, ceramic floors and with island.

Timber Frame Transitional Kitchen

Designs for Living by Wendy, LLC

This is an example of a large country u-shaped open plan kitchen in Jacksonville with light wood cabinets, brown splashback, light hardwood floors, with island, an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, soapstone benchtops, mosaic tile splashback, black appliances and multi-coloured benchtop.

Brookfield Midcentury Modern Interior Remodeling

S.J. Janis Company, Inc.

The Wolf range and matching stainless hood provides function and form.The stone and glass tile were arranged in a dynamic pattern and placement hand selected with the homeowner. Horizontal quartersawn cherry Plato cabinetry adds the linear flow needed for this mid century kitchen.

One Bedroom Apartment Renovation and Staging

Design to Sell

Design ideas for a small contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Los Angeles with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, granite benchtops, stainless steel appliances, a peninsula and white splashback.

Shaker

Sussex Kitchen and Bedrooms

The clients chose a classical Shaker style door, mixed with modern appliances. The clients opted for an island as there was enough room, creating a central sink area within close reach of the refrigerator and induction hob. The flash of red paint to one wall lifts and warms the room. A tambour door was added to extend the storage space, and is cleverly positioned beside the Bosch Double Oven. The worktops are made to measure in emerald pearl granite.

Simply MOD

Lucy Johnson Interior Design

Dale Lang
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped open plan kitchen in Seattle with with island, flat-panel cabinets, quartz benchtops, stainless steel appliances, an undermount sink, bamboo floors, light wood cabinets, blue splashback and glass sheet splashback.

All Cabinet Finishes Kitchen with Light 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!