Large traditional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Boston with an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and white benchtop.

2020 NARI CotY Award-Winning Kitchen

National Association of the Remodeling Industry

Harth Builders, Spring House, Pennsylvania, 2020 Regional CotY Award Winner, Residential Kitchen $30,000 to $60,000
Photo of a transitional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Philadelphia with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Classic With a New Angle

Studio Dearborn

This expansive Victorian had tremendous historic charm but hadn’t seen a kitchen renovation since the 1950s. The homeowners wanted to take advantage of their views of the backyard and raised the roof and pushed the kitchen into the back of the house, where expansive windows could allow southern light into the kitchen all day. A warm historic gray/beige was chosen for the cabinetry, which was contrasted with character oak cabinetry on the appliance wall and bar in a modern chevron detail. Kitchen Design: Sarah Robertson, Studio Dearborn Architect: Ned Stoll, Interior finishes Tami Wassong Interiors

Soft Contemporary in Amarra

Meredith Owen Interiors

Inspiration for a large contemporary l-shaped open plan kitchen in Austin with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, panelled appliances, with island, brown floor, white benchtop and medium hardwood floors.

Client Calgary Soho

Elle Peters Design

Photo by Jamie Anholt
Mid-sized transitional galley open plan kitchen in Calgary with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, marble benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, marble splashback, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and multi-coloured benchtop.

Western Springs Transitional

Plain & Posh

This large space did not function well for this family of 6. The cabinetry they had did not go to the ceiling and offered very poor storage options. The island that existed was tiny in comparrison to the space. By taking the cabinets to the ceiling, enlarging the island and adding large pantry's we were able to achieve the storage needed. Then the fun began, all of the decorative details that make this space so stunning. Beautiful tile for the backsplash and a custom metal hood. Lighting and hardware to complement the hood. Then, the vintage runner and natural wood elements to make the space feel more homey.

Elegant Kitchen Remodel in a Soft Warm Gray

Paper Moon Painting

This gorgeous kitchen features a double range, marble counters and backsplash, brass fixtures, plus these freshly-painted cabinets in Sherwin Williams' "Amazing Gray". Design by Hilary Conrey of Courtney & Co.

Frédéric

Charlotte Fequet

Rénovation d'un appartement de 60m2 sur l'île Saint-Louis à Paris. 2019 Photos Laura Jacques Design Charlotte Féquet
Mid-sized mediterranean u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Paris with beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, terra-cotta floors, with island, red floor, an undermount sink, white splashback, marble splashback, black appliances and white benchtop.

Julianstown House 2

McKevitt King Architects

Inspiration for a mid-sized modern l-shaped open plan kitchen in Other with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island, grey floor and white benchtop.

Northside

Joel Kelly Design

Mid-sized transitional u-shaped separate kitchen in Atlanta with a double-bowl sink, recessed-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, soapstone benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, black floor and grey benchtop.

Pacific Heights Wurster

Ann Lowengart Interiors

For this classic San Francisco William Wurster house, we complemented the iconic modernist architecture, urban landscape, and Bay views with contemporary silhouettes and a neutral color palette. We subtly incorporated the wife's love of all things equine and the husband's passion for sports into the interiors. The family enjoys entertaining, and the multi-level home features a gourmet kitchen, wine room, and ample areas for dining and relaxing. An elevator conveniently climbs to the top floor where a serene master suite awaits.

White Cabinets

Everingham Design

Photo of a large traditional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Columbus with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, grey splashback, marble splashback, panelled appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and grey benchtop.

Slightly Modern Kitchen

Karr Bick Kitchen and Bath

Photo of a mid-sized modern u-shaped eat-in kitchen in St Louis with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, soapstone benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and black benchtop.

Expansive Gourmet Kitchen

Bilotta Kitchen & Home

Bilotta senior designer, Paula Greer, teamed up with architect, Robin Zahn to design this large gourmet kitchen for a family that does a lot of entertaining and cooking. While the wife was the decision maker for the overall aesthetics, the functionality of the space was driven by the husband, the aspiring chef. He had specific requests on how he wanted his “work area” set up. The team designed a cooking area featuring a 48” range across from a prep sink surrounded by 10 feet of work space. All the cooking essentials are at arm’s length – spice pull-out; interior knife block; baskets for root vegetables; cooking utensil drawers; and even a stainless-steel shelf above the range to keep plates warm before serving. Further down, away from the “chef”, is the “clean-up” area with a larger sink and the dishwasher. The microwave and the refrigerators/freezers are also at this opposite end, keeping the rest of the family out of his space when he’s cooking. This was his #1 request. The wet bar, just off of the kitchen, also houses a beverage unit and the coffee maker which keeps people out of the way during prep time. The kitchen was part of a larger addition which allowed them to incorporate the high ceiling, opening up the space to make room for the 6 feet worth of refrigeration and the large 10-foot island that works simultaneously for prep and eating. The Artistic Tile mosaic backsplash, where possible, starts at the countertop and continues all the way up to the molding at the ceiling emphasizing the height of the space, and the size of the room, even more.

Kitchen

Banda Design

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Orlando with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and white benchtop.

Class Romantic Ranch

KBG Design

This is an example of a large scandinavian u-shaped eat-in kitchen in San Francisco with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Park Ave Condo

Grandeur Hills Group,Inc.

Despite the fact that black and its shades prevail in the interior design of this kitchen, the room does not seem too gloomy thanks to the wide windows, through which sunlight easily penetrates the space of the room. In addition, the room is equipped with a few different types of lighting, including elegant miniature fixtures embedded in the ceiling, stylish pendant lights positioned directly above the kitchen island, as well as a few beautiful fixtures embedded in hanging kitchen cabinets. If you wish your kitchen looked like this one, be certain to contact Grandeur Hills Group interior designers who are sure to make your kitchen stand out!

White and Gold Frameless Kitchen & Laundry Room

SOLLiD Cabinetry

BD Realty
This is an example of an expansive modern u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Orange County with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Fanshaw - Whole Home Renovation and Two-Story Addition

Amsted Design-Build

Mid-sized transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Ottawa with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Bedford Stuyvesant

Star Renovations NY

Full custom kitchen and master bathroom. Lots of marble and H+H vanity.
Expansive contemporary single-wall eat-in kitchen in New York with an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, grey splashback, marble splashback, panelled appliances, with island and grey benchtop.

Kitchen with Marble Splashback and with Island 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!