For this expansive kitchen renovation, Designer, Randy O’Kane of Bilotta Kitchens worked with interior designer Gina Eastman and architect Clark Neuringer. The backyard was the client’s favorite space, with a pool and beautiful landscaping; from where it’s situated it’s the sunniest part of the house. They wanted to be able to enjoy the view and natural light all year long, so the space was opened up and a wall of windows was added. Randy laid out the kitchen to complement their desired view. She selected colors and materials that were fresh, natural, and unique – a soft greenish-grey with a contrasting deep purple, Benjamin Moore’s Caponata for the Bilotta Collection Cabinetry and LG Viatera Minuet for the countertops. Gina coordinated all fabrics and finishes to complement the palette in the kitchen. The most unique feature is the table off the island. Custom-made by Brooks Custom, the top is a burled wood slice from a large tree with a natural stain and live edge; the base is hand-made from real tree limbs. They wanted it to remain completely natural, with the look and feel of the tree, so they didn’t add any sort of sealant. The client also wanted touches of antique gold which the team integrated into the Armac Martin hardware, Rangecraft hood detailing, the Ann Sacks backsplash, and in the Bendheim glass inserts in the butler’s pantry which is glass with glittery gold fabric sandwiched in between. The appliances are a mix of Subzero, Wolf and Miele. The faucet and pot filler are from Waterstone. The sinks are Franke. With the kitchen and living room essentially one large open space, Randy and Gina worked together to continue the palette throughout, from the color of the cabinets, to the banquette pillows, to the fireplace stone. The family room’s old built-in around the fireplace was removed and the floor-to-ceiling stone enclosure was added with a gas fireplace and flat screen TV, flanked by contemporary artwork. Designer: Bilotta’s Randy O’Kane with Gina Eastman of Gina Eastman Design & Clark Neuringer, Architect posthumously Photo Credit: Phillip Ennis

Shaynna Blaze Kitchen

Kitchen Makeovers. Don't Replace It, Reface It!

This is an example of a transitional l-shaped kitchen in Sydney with glass-front cabinets, purple cabinets, metallic splashback, metal splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island and white benchtop.

New Kitchen

Timberwolf Designs

Mid-sized modern u-shaped open plan kitchen in Other with flat-panel cabinets, quartzite benchtops, orange splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, a peninsula, a double-bowl sink, purple cabinets and metal splashback.

Cuisine Paul R.

CUCINA VOSTRA

BALZA
Photo of a large contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Dijon with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, purple cabinets, glass benchtops, metallic splashback, metal splashback, panelled appliances, ceramic floors, with island and grey floor.

Rain Forest Backsplash

Timberwolf Designs

Mid-sized modern u-shaped open plan kitchen in Other with flat-panel cabinets, quartzite benchtops, orange splashback, metal splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, a peninsula, a double-bowl sink and purple cabinets.

New Kitchen

Timberwolf Designs

Inspiration for a mid-sized modern u-shaped open plan kitchen in Other with flat-panel cabinets, quartzite benchtops, orange splashback, metal splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, a peninsula, a double-bowl sink and purple cabinets.

New Kitchen

Timberwolf Designs

Mid-sized modern u-shaped open plan kitchen in Other with flat-panel cabinets, quartzite benchtops, orange splashback, a peninsula, dark hardwood floors, a double-bowl sink, purple cabinets, metal splashback and stainless steel appliances.

New Kitchen

Timberwolf Designs

Design ideas for a mid-sized modern u-shaped open plan kitchen in Other with flat-panel cabinets, quartzite benchtops, orange splashback, metal splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, a peninsula, a double-bowl sink and purple cabinets.

New Kitchen

Timberwolf Designs

Photo of a mid-sized modern u-shaped open plan kitchen in Other with flat-panel cabinets, quartzite benchtops, orange splashback, metal splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, a peninsula, a double-bowl sink and purple cabinets.

This is an example of a mid-sized modern u-shaped open plan kitchen in Other with flat-panel cabinets, quartzite benchtops, orange splashback, dark hardwood floors, a peninsula, a double-bowl sink, purple cabinets, metal splashback and stainless steel appliances.

Kitchen

Timberwolf Designs

This is an example of a mid-sized modern u-shaped open plan kitchen in Other with flat-panel cabinets, quartzite benchtops, orange splashback, metal splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, a peninsula, a double-bowl sink and purple cabinets.

BALZA
Photo of a large contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Corsica with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, purple cabinets, glass benchtops, metallic splashback, metal splashback, panelled appliances, ceramic floors, with island and grey floor.

Kitchen with Purple Cabinets and Metal 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!