The true success behind this kitchen is the design and the way each detail flows with another. There are five different finishes with five different materials, yet all these elements combine in such harmony that entering the room is like walking into a work of art. Design details were incorporated to bridge the gap between the traditional nature of the building with the more contemporary functionality of a working kitchen. The Sub Zero & Wolf appliances, whilst not only fabulous in purpose, look sensational. The Solid American black walnut worktops of the island remind you of the beautiful natural materials that play a big part in this kitchen. Mesh centrepieces to the shaker doors demonstrate the transition between classic and contemporary.

Contemporary Kitchen

Inspiration for a large contemporary galley eat-in kitchen in San Diego with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island, white benchtop, medium hardwood floors and brown floor.

CONTAINERWERK

Stefan Hohloch Fotografie

Stefan Hohloch Fotografie Stuttgart
Small contemporary galley eat-in kitchen in Stuttgart with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

The Marylebone Kitchen

Newcastle Design

Photo of a large transitional eat-in kitchen in Other with recessed-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, multi-coloured splashback, marble splashback, medium hardwood floors, with island and brown floor.

Oakhill Residence

MILLWORX

Large contemporary single-wall eat-in kitchen in Toronto with flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor, white benchtop, an undermount sink and panelled appliances.

Kitchen/ table

De Mattei Construction

Photo of a transitional eat-in kitchen in San Francisco with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white splashback, marble splashback, with island, white benchtop, quartz benchtops, light hardwood floors and beige floor.

Alamo Square Residence

Blake Marvin Photography

Blake Marvin Photography
Design ideas for a large contemporary kitchen in San Francisco with concrete benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, light hardwood floors, with island, an undermount sink, white cabinets and beige floor.

Un arredo di classe, minimale ma non troppo - Treviolo (BG)

Elle2 studio

Progettazione: Quadrastudio Ph: Simone Tommasini
Mid-sized contemporary l-shaped open plan kitchen in Other with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, wood benchtops, grey splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, no island and beige floor.

Patten Road

Weplan Construction

This is an example of a transitional single-wall kitchen in London with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Kingswood Luxury Kitchen

Lime Designs Kitchens & Joinery

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary u-shaped kitchen in Surrey with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Kitchen

Arch Studio, Inc.

Arch Studio, Inc. Architect and Mark Pinkerton Photography
Photo of a mid-sized transitional u-shaped open plan kitchen in San Francisco with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Kitchens and Baths

Dan Davis Design

Contemporary loft/condo kitchen with industrial surfaces mixed in. Double waterfall island, marble heerringbone backsplash, and white and wood cabinets. dandavisdesign.com

Shoreline Drive

Studio M Interiors

Inspiration for a large transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Minneapolis with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, grey splashback, marble splashback, panelled appliances, marble floors, with island and grey floor.

Timeless Traditional Renovation

Gardner/Fox Associates, Inc

Inspiration for a large transitional l-shaped kitchen in Philadelphia with a farmhouse sink, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop and shaker cabinets.

Virginia Highlands Project

Rothman+Rothman Design

View of Kitchen from Living Room
This is an example of a large transitional l-shaped kitchen in Atlanta with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, grey splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island, grey benchtop, medium hardwood floors and brown floor.

Pride Rock

SGDI - Sarah Gallop Design Inc.

The objective was to create a warm neutral space to later customize to a specific colour palate/preference of the end user for this new construction home being built to sell. A high-end contemporary feel was requested to attract buyers in the area. An impressive kitchen that exuded high class and made an impact on guests as they entered the home, without being overbearing. The space offers an appealing open floorplan conducive to entertaining with indoor-outdoor flow. Due to the spec nature of this house, the home had to remain appealing to the builder, while keeping a broad audience of potential buyers in mind. The challenge lay in creating a unique look, with visually interesting materials and finishes, while not being so unique that potential owners couldn’t envision making it their own. The focus on key elements elevates the look, while other features blend and offer support to these striking components. As the home was built for sale, profitability was important; materials were sourced at best value, while retaining high-end appeal. Adaptations to the home’s original design plan improve flow and usability within the kitchen-greatroom. The client desired a rich dark finish. The chosen colours tie the kitchen to the rest of the home (creating unity as combination, colours and materials, is repeated throughout). Photos- Paul Grdina

Chic in Menlo Park

Christine Sheldon Design

This is an example of a traditional l-shaped kitchen in San Francisco with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, white splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island and brown floor.

Island Green Ct - Harvey Reno

MMI Design

This existing client reached out to MMI Design for help shortly after the flood waters of Harvey subsided. Her home was ravaged by 5 feet of water throughout the first floor. What had been this client's long-term dream renovation became a reality, turning the nightmare of Harvey's wrath into one of the loveliest homes designed to date by MMI. We led the team to transform this home into a showplace. Our work included a complete redesign of her kitchen and family room, master bathroom, two powders, butler's pantry, and a large living room. MMI designed all millwork and cabinetry, adjusted the floor plans in various rooms, and assisted the client with all material specifications and furnishings selections. Returning these clients to their beautiful '"new" home is one of MMI's proudest moments!

Open Floor Plan Single Family House Los Angeles

GAVIN GREEN HOME DESIGN LLC

Clean and fresh white contemporary transitional kitchen dining area stands the test of time. The space features marble backsplash, solid surface white kitchen countertop, white painted shaker style cabinets, custom-made dining chairs with contrast color welt and adjustable solid maple wood table. Blue/gray furniture and trims keep the classic white space in balance.

Hervieu Paris 15ème

Architecte d'intérieur - Marion Dériot

This is an example of a contemporary l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Paris with flat-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, medium hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Two Tone Kitchen Cabinets Kitchen with Marble Splashback 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!