These homeowners came to us to update their kitchen, yet stay within the existing footprint. Their goal was to make the space feel more open, while also gaining better pantry storage and more continuous counter top space for preparing meals and entertaining. We started towards achieving their goals by removing soffits around the entire room and over the island, which allowed for more storage and taller crown molding. Then we increased the open feeling of the room by removing the peninsula wall cabinets which had been a visual obstruction between the main kitchen and the dining area. This also allowed for a more functional stretch of counter on the peninsula for preparation or serving, which is complimented by another working counter that was created by cornering their double oven on the opposite side of the room. At the same time, we shortened the peninsula by a few inches to allow for better traffic flow to the dining area because it is a main route for traffic. Lastly, we made a more functional and aesthetically pleasing pantry wall by tailoring the cabinetry to their needs and creating relief with open shelves for them to display their art. The addition of larger moldings, carved onlays and turned legs throughout the kitchen helps to create a more formal setting for entertaining. The materials that were used in the kitchen; stone floor tile, maple cabinets, granite counter tops and porcelain backsplash tile are beautiful, yet durable enough to withstand daily wear and heavy use during gatherings. The lighting was updated to meet current technology and enhance the task and decorative lighting in the space. The can lights through the kitchen and desk area are LED cans to increase energy savings and minimize the need for light bulb changes over time. We also installed LED strip lighting below the wall cabinets to be used as task lighting and inside of glass cabinets to accent the decorative elements.

Kitchen

Sadie & Co

Inspiration for a large transitional galley eat-in kitchen in Salt Lake City with a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, light wood cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors, multiple islands, brown floor and white benchtop.

Waterfront Cottage

Chango

Interior Design, Custom Furniture Design & Art Curation by Chango & Co. Construction by G. B. Construction and Development, Inc. Photography by Jonathan Pilkington

Paris in Draper

Steven Dailey Construction

This is an example of an expansive u-shaped kitchen pantry in Salt Lake City with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, grey splashback, marble splashback, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors, multiple islands, brown floor and white benchtop.

Paris in Draper

Steven Dailey Construction

Photo of an expansive u-shaped kitchen pantry in Salt Lake City with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, grey splashback, marble splashback, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors, multiple islands, brown floor and white benchtop.

Urban Family Apartment

Identity Design LLC.

Design ideas for a large industrial single-wall eat-in kitchen in New York with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, glass tile splashback, coloured appliances, light hardwood floors, multiple islands, beige floor and white benchtop.

Vermont Hillside Perch

HAYNES & GARTHWAITE ARCHITECTS

Inspiration for a country eat-in kitchen in Burlington with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, timber splashback, stainless steel appliances, ceramic floors, multiple islands, brown floor and white benchtop.

Orchard Park Reserves House

HI-FIDELITY

Photo of a large mediterranean l-shaped open plan kitchen in Austin with recessed-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, marble benchtops, a farmhouse sink, grey splashback, stone slab splashback, panelled appliances, travertine floors, brown floor and multiple islands.

Recent Work

Bistany Design®

Photo of a large traditional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Charlotte with a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, matchstick tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, terra-cotta floors, multiple islands and beige floor.

Rural Remodel

Frasier-Martis Architects, P.C.

Kurt Johnson
Expansive contemporary u-shaped open plan kitchen in Omaha with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, marble benchtops, beige splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, terra-cotta floors and multiple islands.

Chef's Kitchen

Fratantoni Design / Residential Architects

In this dreamy gourmet kitchen, we are especially fond of the coffered ceiling, custom millwork and molding, marble countertops, custom fridge, and the double islands.

Silverleaf

Jamie Herzlinger

Design ideas for an expansive traditional u-shaped separate kitchen in Miami with raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, dark hardwood floors and multiple islands.

Traditional Kitchen

This is an example of a large traditional kitchen in Minneapolis with multiple islands, a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, grey splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances and dark hardwood floors.

Kitchen at Night

Homes by Design

This kitchen is the perfect space to prepare meals and for family gatherings. Custom lighting features; under cabinet lighting, in-cabinet lighting, and large fixtures above one island. Under the large stainless steel vent hood is an amazing gas stove... perfect for those gourmet meals. A TV above the refrigerator will help to keep you connected.

Pacific Palisades, L.A.

Chango

Architecture, Construction Management, Interior Design, Art Curation & Real Estate Advisement by Chango & Co. Construction by MXA Development, Inc. Photography by Sarah Elliott See the home tour feature in Domino Magazine

French Country Haven

HMK Residential Design, LLC

Design ideas for an expansive traditional u-shaped kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, marble benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, terra-cotta splashback, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors, multiple islands, brown floor and white benchtop.

Waban Kitchen & Bathrooms Renovation

Design Plus Construction Corp.

Diane Brophy Photography
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary single-wall eat-in kitchen in Boston with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, panelled appliances, dark hardwood floors, multiple islands, brown floor and white benchtop.

9th South Circle

cityhomeCOLLECTIVE

Kerri Fukui
Inspiration for a mid-sized eclectic u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Salt Lake City with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, marble benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, stone tile splashback, panelled appliances, dark hardwood floors and multiple islands.

Transitional Home in the heart of The Woodlands

By Design Interiors, Inc.

Pure white cabinets create a crisp, refreshing vibe for this Kitchen. A airy, yet modern wired pendant hangs over the floating working island and deep tones of hardwood from the range hood and stained island pop against the crisp white. A geometric off white backsplash adds depth to the space!

Boca Dreamy Oasis

Nikki Levy Interiors

Kitchens can be beautiful and practical. Spending the day in this kitchen is more of a treat that a chore!
Photo of an expansive contemporary l-shaped kitchen pantry in Miami with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, multiple islands, beige floor and white benchtop.

Kitchen with Marble Benchtops and multiple Islands 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!