Photograph by Caitlin Mills + Styling by Tamara Maynes
Design ideas for a small contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Melbourne with an undermount sink, blue cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, brick splashback, black appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, grey floor, flat-panel cabinets and grey benchtop.

Modern Country Farmhouse

Noble Classic Homes

Ariana with ANM photography
Inspiration for a large country l-shaped open plan kitchen in Dallas with medium hardwood floors, brown floor, a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, white splashback, matchstick tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island and grey benchtop.

Beach House in Avalon New Jersey

Purdy O'Gwynn Architects

Halkin/Mason Photography
Photo of a mid-sized beach style open plan kitchen in Philadelphia with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, marble benchtops, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, white splashback, subway tile splashback, brown floor and grey benchtop.

Inviting Piedmont Kitchen/Family Room

Michael Friedes Design Associates

This beautiful and timeless kitchen exudes a fresh and happy style.
This is an example of a mid-sized transitional u-shaped open plan kitchen in San Francisco with white cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island, an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and grey benchtop.

View of Kitchen Eating Area, custom banquette

Robin Muto

This end of the kitchen was originally walled off into two separate rooms. A smaller room was on the left which was a larder and the right had a small eating area for servants., hence the two different sized windows. I created a large sweeping curved to over a support beam that was structurally required once the walls were removed and then completed the curve with custom designed brackets. The custom built banquette has a leather seat and fabric back. The table I designed and a local worker made it from a felled walnut tree on the property.

S. View Terrace Kitchen Renovation

Jordan Design-Build Group

Distinctive quartzite counters are a showstopper, with unique veining and striking color variation, from blue to gray to ochre. The overall goal was to create an expansive entertaining kitchen that could accommodate our clients’ large gatherings of family and friends, and provide them with several zones for prepping, serving, seating, and socializing. Also high on the clients’ wish list: a more generous island, professional appliances, and better storage. We expanded the island in two directions to allow for comfortable seating at the counter with plenty of room for a table in the breakfast nook. An expandable bar height table in the adjacent dining area offers even more flexibility for eating and socializing. We designed a custom hutch which has a multitude of storage options and functionality – open display shelves, roll-outs, drawers, extra counter/serving space, as well as a beverage fridge and appliance garage/coffee center. On the opposite side of the kitchen, we replaced a small pantry closet with a furniture style built-in that took advantage of underutilized space. Anticipating issues with supply chain, we opted to use a local cabinet maker on this project which allowed us to fully customize the cabinets for optimal functionality. Other stand-out features include a Thermador appliance package, workstation farmhouse sink, ‘touch’ faucet, hot+cold water dispenser, and hidden toe-kick storage. Our clients now have a beautiful, cohesive space that reflects their personal style and fulfills their dream of a having an expansive kitchen where they can cook and entertain for years to come.

Modern Lakehouse

Hermitage Kitchen Gallery LLC

Designed by Victoria Highfill, Photography by Melissa M Mills
Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional l-shaped separate kitchen in Nashville with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, mosaic tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and grey benchtop.

Farmhouse Style

Studio KW Photography

Studio KW Photography Designed by: Masterpiece Design Group
This is an example of a country l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Orlando with a drop-in sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, grey splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and grey benchtop.

Nomadic Nest

Andrew Mikhael Architect

Kitchen is Center In our design to combine the apartments, we centered the kitchen - making it a dividing line between private and public space; vastly expanding the storage and work surface area. We discovered an existing unused roof penetration to run a duct to vent out a powerful kitchen hood. The original bathroom skylight now illuminates the central kitchen space. Without changing the standard skylight size, we gave it architectural scale by carving out the ceiling to maximize daylight. Light now dances off the vaulted, sculptural angles of the ceiling to bathe the entire space in natural light.

Synterra Loop Project

First Choice Custom Builders

Open kitchen/living space design. Walk-in pantry, large island, natural stained knotty alder drawers and cabinets. Subway tile backsplash and mudroom entry with pocket door off to side.

West Dulwich Family Home

Imperfect Interiors

This detached home in West Dulwich was opened up & extended across the back to create a large open plan kitchen diner & seating area for the family to enjoy together. We added oak herringbone parquet in the main living area, a large dark green and wood kitchen and a generous seating area

Großzügige Küchengestaltung mit modernem Lichtkonzept

Ellerbrock "Bad und Küche" GmbH

Geräumig und großzügig wurde diese SieMatic Küche in einem dunklen Grau zum hochwertigen Lichtkonzept gestaltet. Große Fenster und die Einbindung von Materialien im urbanen Industriestyle ergeben ein modernes Gesamtbild.

Современный загородный дом для большой семьи

Maxim Maximov

Кухня в серо-серых тонах с барной стойкой и островом. За кухней расположена кладовая для продуктов и запасов.
Mid-sized contemporary l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Saint Petersburg with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, solid surface benchtops, grey splashback, engineered quartz splashback, black appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, beige floor, grey benchtop and wood.

Findlay Farmhouse

Jamee Parish Architects, LLC

modern farmhouse kitchen
This is an example of a large country u-shaped kitchen pantry in Columbus with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, soapstone benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and grey benchtop.

Chic Black and White Kitchen Remodel

McGuire + Co. Kitchen & Bath

Kitchen design and remodel with black and white cabinetry, gray and white leathered quartzite countertop and slab backsplash, a marble niche, polished nickel fixtures and a butcher block walnut, Sub-Zero Wolf gas range top, stainless steel double oven, and refrigerator. Nearby fireplace has a newly designed mantel, tile surround and hearth, and painted to match black kitchen cabinetry.

Somerset Home Project

Clearcut Construction, Inc.

This home has lots of storage including the wood units that flank the entrance to this walk in pantry!
Mid-sized modern u-shaped open plan kitchen in Raleigh with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, marble benchtops, grey splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, grey benchtop and vaulted.

Harding Boulevard Two-Island Kitchen

Amy Carman Design

Now more than ever, kitchens are the heart of our homes. This renovation couldn’t be a more perfect example. It has it all - room to gather, prepare a great meal, and an overall warmth and character that make it a favorite place in the home. Traditional details and materials, including walnut islands, a beamed ceiling, paneled cabinets, and handcrafted tile, creates a style that will stand the test of time.

Modern Farmhouse Kitchen

Kowalske Kitchen & Bath

Creating a space to entertain was the top priority in this Mukwonago kitchen remodel. The homeowners wanted seating and counter space for hosting parties and watching sports. By opening the dining room wall, we extended the kitchen area. We added an island and custom designed furniture-style bar cabinet with retractable pocket doors. A new awning window overlooks the backyard and brings in natural light. Many in-cabinet storage features keep this kitchen neat and organized. Bar Cabinet The furniture-style bar cabinet has retractable pocket doors and a drop-in quartz counter. The homeowners can entertain in style, leaving the doors open during parties. Guests can grab a glass of wine or make a cocktail right in the cabinet. Outlet Strips Outlet strips on the island and peninsula keeps the end panels of the island and peninsula clean. The outlet strips also gives them options for plugging in appliances during parties. Modern Farmhouse Design The design of this kitchen is modern farmhouse. The materials, patterns, color and texture define this space. We used shades of golds and grays in the cabinetry, backsplash and hardware. The chevron backsplash and shiplap island adds visual interest. Custom Cabinetry This kitchen features frameless custom cabinets with light rail molding. It’s designed to hide the under cabinet lighting and angled plug molding. Putting the outlets under the cabinets keeps the backsplash uninterrupted. Storage Features Efficient storage and organization was important to these homeowners. We opted for deep drawers to allow for easy access to stacks of dishes and bowls. Under the cooktop, we used custom drawer heights to meet the homeowners’ storage needs. A third drawer was added next to the spice drawer rollout. Narrow pullout cabinets on either side of the cooktop for spices and oils. The pantry rollout by the double oven rotates 90 degrees. Other Updates Staircase – We updated the staircase with a barn wood newel post and matte black balusters Fireplace – We whitewashed the fireplace and added a barn wood mantel and pilasters.

Modern Farmhouse Kitchen

Kowalske Kitchen & Bath

Porch Talk House

Richard Bubnowski Design LLC

This is an example of a large beach style u-shaped kitchen in New York with a farmhouse sink, white cabinets, granite benchtops, grey splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, grey benchtop, vaulted, recessed-panel cabinets and brown floor.

Kitchen with Medium Hardwood Floors and Grey Benchtop 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!