Design ideas for a transitional open plan kitchen in Seattle with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, vinyl floors, no island, grey floor and white benchtop.

Featured Projects

Martinez Construction and Home Services LLC

This is an example of a large modern u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Dallas with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, vinyl floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop and coffered.

Contemporary Kitchen Remodel

Kowalske Kitchen & Bath

Kowalske Kitchen & Bath was the remodeling contractor for this beautiful Waukesha first floor remodel. The homeowners recently purchased the home and wanted to immediately update the space. The old kitchen was outdated and closed off from the great room. The goal was to design an open-concept space for hosting family and friends. LAYOUT The first step was to remove the awkward dining room walls. This made the room feel large and open. We tucked the refrigerator into a wall of cabinets so it didn’t impose. Seating at the island and peninsula makes the kitchen very versatile. DESIGN We created an elegant entertaining space to take advantage of the lake view. The Waukesha homeowners wanted a contemporary design with neutral colors and finishes. They chose soft gray lower cabinets and white upper cabinets. We added texture with wood accents and a herringbone marble backsplash tile. The desk area features a walnut butcher block countertop. We also used walnut for the open shelving, detail on the hood and the legs on the island. CUSTOM CABINETRY Frameless custom cabinets maximize storage in this Waukesha kitchen. The upper cabinets have hidden light rail molding. Angled plug molding eliminates outlets on the backsplash. Drawers in the lower cabinets allow for excellent storage. The cooktop has a functioning top drawer with a hidden apron to hide the guts of the cooktop. The clients also asked for a home office desk area and pantry cabinet.

Project Cardinal

Lindsay Schultz Kitchens and Cabinetry

Large country l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Other with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, vinyl floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop and wood.

Tilden Signature | Modin Rigid LVP Collection Customer Space | WA

Flooret

This LVP driftwood-inspired design balances overcast grey hues with subtle taupes. A smooth, calming style with a neutral undertone that works with all types of decor. With the Modin Collection, we have raised the bar on luxury vinyl plank. The result is a new standard in resilient flooring. Modin offers true embossed in register texture, a low sheen level, a rigid SPC core, an industry-leading wear layer, and so much more.

Rustic Contemporary

May Construction, Inc.

an addition of a tray ceiling, smart can light layout
Mid-sized contemporary u-shaped kitchen pantry in San Francisco with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, vinyl floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Kitchen remodel-old to new!

KLM Builders & Remodeling

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional kitchen in Chicago with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, beige cabinets, quartz benchtops, beige splashback, marble splashback, coloured appliances, vinyl floors, a peninsula, beige floor and white benchtop.

Armstrong - Duality Vinyl Sheet Flooring

All About Flooring

Photo of a mid-sized modern l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, grey splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, vinyl floors, with island and grey floor.

Islands: Not Just For Kitchens Anymore

Lenton Company, Inc.

U- shaped kitchen, with wall to wall pantry, white and gray custom cabinetry which compliments the stunning marble backsplash, open shelving, and a large island eat in island.

Aliso Viejo- Hollyleaf

Streamline Construction

This is an example of a small transitional l-shaped kitchen in Orange County with a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, vinyl floors, a peninsula, brown floor and white benchtop.

Mid-Century Modern Remodel

GMI Design Group

This 1950's home was chopped up with the segmented rooms of the period. The front of the house had two living spaces, separated by a wall with a door opening, and the long-skinny hearth area was difficult to arrange. The kitchen had been remodeled at some point, but was still dated. The homeowners wanted more space, more light, and more MODERN. So we delivered. We knocked out the walls and added a beam to open up the three spaces. Luxury vinyl tile in a warm, matte black set the base for the space, with light grey walls and a mid-grey ceiling. The fireplace was totally revamped and clad in cut-face black stone. Cabinetry and built-ins in clear-coated maple add the mid-century vibe, as does the furnishings. And the geometric backsplash was the starting inspiration for everything. We'll let you just peruse the photos, with before photos at the end, to see just how dramatic the results were!

Homeshow 2014 | Windsor Windows & Doors

Clearview Distributors

This is an example of a large traditional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Denver with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, vinyl floors, with island and grey floor.

Palka Signature | Modin Rigid LVP Collection Customer Space | Lebanon, Ohio

Flooret

Warm, light, and inviting with characteristic knot vinyl floors that bring a touch of wabi-sabi to every room. This rustic maple style is ideal for Japanese and Scandinavian-inspired spaces.

Margate Beach Home

Ellen Farber Strategic Design

This large open kitchen was completely updated to include a custom cabinetry, a large center island, banquette seating and an extra large table to accommodate family and friends in the busy summer season. With plenty of lighting, extra large appliances and preparation space, everyone can get in on the cooking fun.

Trace Court Kitchen

Niemand Interiors LLC

Photo of a mid-sized transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Houston with shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, vinyl floors, with island, beige floor, white benchtop and an undermount sink.

Cozy Minimalist

Kimberley Kay Interiors

MCM sofa, Clean lines, white walls and a hint of boho, black marble 1X4" Tile
Inspiration for a small modern galley open plan kitchen in Phoenix with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, black splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, vinyl floors, a peninsula and brown floor.

Private Lakefront Community

StoneWood Builders of Maine

This is an example of an expansive country galley eat-in kitchen in Portland Maine with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, vinyl floors, with island, grey floor and white benchtop.

Coal Valley, IL- What's Black & White and Gold All Over? This On-Trend Kitchen

Village Home Stores

Black and White painted cabinetry paired with White Quartz and gold accents. A Black Stainless Steel appliance package completes the look in this remodeled Coal Valley, IL kitchen.

Beach Street Condo

BeeTree Homes

Photo of a small arts and crafts l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Jacksonville with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, granite benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, black appliances, vinyl floors, with island, brown floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

Bohemian Classic - Apartment Remodel

McCutcheon Construction Inc.

The large kitchen space now provides the owner with an easy workflow and lots of light with the wall opened to the dining room view. Custom cabinets and a marble countertop and splashtop and a black and white tile floor complete the classic look. Robert Vente Photography

Kitchen with Marble Splashback and Vinyl 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!