The client requested a kitchen that would not only provide a great space to cook and enjoy family meals but one that would fit in with her unique design sense. An avid collector of contemporary art, she wanted something unexpected in her 100-year-old home in both color and finishes but still providing a great layout with improved lighting, storage, and superior cooking abilities. The existing kitchen was in a closed off space trapped between the family room and the living. If you were in the kitchen, you were isolated from the rest of the house. Making the kitchen an integrated part of the home was a paramount request. Step one, remove the wall separating the kitchen from the other rooms in the home which allowed the new kitchen to become an integrated space instead of an isolation room for the cook. Next, we relocated the pantry access which was in the family room to the kitchen integrating a poorly used recess which had become a catch all area which did not provide any usable space for storage or working area. To add valuable function in the kitchen we began by capturing unused "cubbies", adding a walk-in pantry from the kitchen, increasing the storage lost to un-needed drop ceilings and bring light and design to the space with a new large awning window, improved lighting, and combining interesting finishes and colors to reflect the artistic attitude of the client. A bathroom located above the kitchen had been leaking into the plaster ceiling for several years. That along with knob and tube wiring, rotted beams and a brick wall from the back of the fireplace in the adjacent living room all needed to be brought to code. The walls, ceiling and floors in this 100+ year old home were completely out of level and the room’s foot print could not be increased. The choice of a Sub-Zero wolf product is a standard in my kitchen designs. The quality of the product, its manufacturing and commitment to food preservation is the reason I specify Sub Zero Wolf. For the cook top, the integrated line of the contemporary cooktop and the signature red knobs against the navy blue of the cabinets added to the design vibe of the kitchen. The cooking performance and the large continuous grate on the cooktop makes it an obvious choice for a cook looking for a great cook top with professional results in a more streamlined profile. We selected a Sharp microwave drawer for the island, an XO wine refrigerator, Bosch dishwasher and Kitchen Aid double convection wall ovens to round out the appliance package. A recess created by the fireplace was outfitted with a cabinet which now holds small appliances within easy reach of my very petite client. Natural maple accents were used inside all the wall cabinets and repeated on the front of the hood and for the sliding door appliance cabinet and the floating shelves. This allows a brighter interior for the painted cabinets instead of the traditional same interior as exterior finish choice. The was an amazing transformation from the old to the new. The final touches are the honey bronze hardware from Top Knobs, Mitzi pendants from Hudson Valley Lighting group, a fabulous faucet from Brizo. To eliminate the old freestanding bottled water cooler, we specified a matching water filter faucet.

Craftsman Condo in the City

Liz Murphy Design LLC

Tom Little Photography
Design ideas for a small transitional l-shaped kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, metallic splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, brown floor and white benchtop.

Manhattan via Melbourne kitchen

smarterBATHROOMS+

Tom Roe
Photo of a large contemporary u-shaped kitchen in Melbourne with black cabinets, marble benchtops, metallic splashback, a double-bowl sink, raised-panel cabinets, glass tile splashback, coloured appliances, plywood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Sudbury Kitchen

Spotlight Design Center

Alban Gega Photography
Mid-sized eclectic galley eat-in kitchen in Boston with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, beige cabinets, quartz benchtops, metallic splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors and with island.

Pfuner Design, Oceanfront Penthouse

Pfuner Design - Miami Interior Designers

Luxurious high-rise living in Miami Interior Design: Renata Pfuner
This is an example of a large contemporary l-shaped open plan kitchen in Miami with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, a double-bowl sink, metallic splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, marble floors, with island and grey floor.

Shaker Kitchen & Living Room in Welwyn

Planet Furniture

We’re delighted to be able to show this, our latest project in Welwyn Garden City. More than ever, we need our homes to do so much. We want the kitchens functional and beautiful, the living areas comfortable yet practical with plenty of storage - and when it’s open plan living, like this one, we want the spaces to connect in a stylish and individual way. Choosing a supplier that creates hand built, bespoke cabinets and fitted furniture is the very best way to ensure all boxes are ticked! In this project the kitchen and living areas have been hand built in a classic Shaker style which is sure to stand the test of time but with some lovely contemporary touches. The mirror splashback, in the kitchen, allows the natural light to bounce around the kitchen and the copper accents are bright and stylish and keep the whole look current. The pendants are from tom Dixon @tom_dixon11. The cabinets are hand painted in F&B’s downpipe which is a favourite, and for good reason. It contrasts beautifully with their chalky Wimbourne White and, in an open plan living situation like this, it sets the kitchen area apart from living area. At Planet we love combining two finishes. Here, the Corian worktop in Vanilla sits beautifully with the Solid oak Breakfast bar which in itself is great with a wooden floor. The colours and finishes continue into the Living Room which unifies the whole look. The cupboards and shelving are painted in Wimbourne White with accents of the Downpipe on the back panels of the shelving. A drinks cabinet has become a popular addition to our projects, and no wonder! It’s a stylish and fun addition to the room. With doors closed it blends perfectly with the run of storage cupboards and open – no detail has been overlooked. It has integrated lighting and the worktop is the same Vanilla Corian as the kitchen. To complete the drinks cupboard a scalloped oak wine rack below has been hand built by our skilled craftsmen.

Ocean View

OLSON LEWIS + Architects

This Oceanside home, built to take advantage of majestic rocky views of the North Atlantic, incorporates outside living with inside glamor. Sunlight streams through the large exterior windows that overlook the ocean. The light filters through to the back of the home with the clever use of over sized door frames with transoms, and a large pass through opening from the kitchen/living area to the dining area. Retractable mosquito screens were installed on the deck to create an outdoor- dining area, comfortable even in the mid summer bug season. Photography: Greg Premru

Jewel-Tone Backsplash Bay Window Detail

Susan Wagner Designs

Mosaic Jewel-Tone backsplash. The area around the bay window created an opportunity for a bold glass statement.
Photo of an expansive contemporary kitchen in San Francisco with metallic splashback, glass tile splashback, a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets and stainless steel appliances.

Modern Kitchen

Craftbuilt, Inc.

Modern kitchen with Wolf designer line cabinets, tile backsplash, granite counters, farmhouse stainless sink.
Design ideas for a small modern galley eat-in kitchen in Atlanta with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, metallic splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, ceramic floors and with island.

West Perth

Western Cabinets

Photo of an expansive contemporary galley eat-in kitchen in Perth with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, metallic splashback, glass tile splashback, black appliances, travertine floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Bold Colors

R Jones Designs, Inc.

Inspiration for a mid-sized midcentury single-wall separate kitchen in Atlanta with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, green cabinets, quartzite benchtops, metallic splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, multi-coloured benchtop and exposed beam.

Sutton Place, New York

Doreen Chambers Interiors, Inc.

Fully renovated contemporary kitchen with cabinetry by Bilotta. Appliances by GE Bistro, Fisher & Paykel, Marvel, Bosch and Sub Zero. Walnut and woven counter stools by Thomas Pheasant. Photography by Tria Giovan

Hartford | Renovation

The Bellepoint Company

Expanded and remodeled kitchen
Photo of a large transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Columbus with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, metallic splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, a farmhouse sink, brown floor and white benchtop.

Art Deco Revised

Stalburg Design

This stunning Art Deco Kitchen was a labor of love and vision for our creative homeowners who were ready to update their kitchen of 30+ years. By removing the peninsula island and creating space for a seated banquette, we were able to custom design and a curved mahogany island and curved bench to offset the straight dramatic dark lines of the main kitchen. With gold metallic tile and the new Litze Faucet in split finish of gold and black, we think drama in the kitchen looks fabulous indeed!

Deep Valley Renovated Kitchen

Alair Homes Plano

Design/Remodel by Hatfield Builders & Remodelers | Photography by Versatile Imaging
Photo of a mid-sized transitional galley eat-in kitchen in Dallas with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, metallic splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, a peninsula, brown floor and white benchtop.

Farmhouse Modern in Edmond, OK

MIDMODERNdesign

Ryan Wells
Inspiration for a mid-sized country open plan kitchen in Oklahoma City with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, quartz benchtops, metallic splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors and with island.

Small Kitchen make over

RJ Austin Interior Design

Blind corners with pull out trays eliminate the need to reach inside the cabinet. The pull out table concealed behind a drawer front adds additional function. JBL Photography

Art Deco Revised

Stalburg Design

Kitchen Project's

Palatial Stone & Tile

White Macaubas quartzite countertops with a laminate edge on the island and a flat polished edge on the perimeter tops. The backsplash is Vihara glass with limestone feature behind the stove. The floors are gray gold limestone in a Versailles pattern. Tag Homes Inc. Contractor

Fairview Custom New Build

BGI Design

Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional l-shaped kitchen pantry in Dallas with shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, quartz benchtops, metallic splashback, glass tile splashback, medium hardwood floors, no island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Kitchen with Metallic Splashback and Glass Tile 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!