Photography: Derek Swalwell
Inspiration for a large contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Melbourne with an undermount sink, open cabinets, black cabinets, wood benchtops, black splashback, mirror splashback, black appliances, medium hardwood floors and with island.

Holland Park

Nick Leith-Smith Architecture + Design

This is an example of a small contemporary galley separate kitchen in London with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, metallic splashback, mirror splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors and no island.

Kitchen renovation, Carmunnock

Delta Kitchens Ltd

This is an example of a large contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Glasgow with an integrated sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartzite benchtops, metallic splashback, mirror splashback, black appliances, concrete floors, a peninsula, grey floor and white benchtop.

Contemporary Intuo Matt Glass Kitchen with Bespoke Additions

Searle & Taylor

As part of a large open-plan extension to a detached house in Hampshire, Searle & Taylor was commissioned to design a timeless modern handleless kitchen for a couple who are keen cooks and who regularly entertain friends and their grown-up family. The kitchen is part of the couples’ large living space that features a wall of panel doors leading out to the garden. It is this area where aperitifs are taken before guests dine in a separate dining room, and also where parties take place. Part of the brief was to create a separate bespoke drinks cabinet cum bar area as a separate, yet complementary piece of furniture. Handling separate aspects of the design, Darren Taylor and Gavin Alexander both worked on this kitchen project together. They created a plan that featured matt glass door and drawer fronts in Lava colourway for the island, sink run and overhead units. These were combined with oiled walnut veneer tall cabinetry from premium Austrian kitchen furniture brand, Intuo. Further bespoke additions including the 80mm circular walnut breakfast bar with a turned tapered half-leg base were made at Searle & Taylor’s bespoke workshop in England. The worktop used throughout is Trillium by Dekton, which is featured in 80mm thickness on the kitchen island and 20mm thickness on the sink and hob runs. It is also used as an upstand. The sink run includes a Franke copper grey one and a half bowl undermount sink and a Quooker Flex Boiling Water Tap. The surface of the 3.1 metre kitchen island is kept clear for when the couple entertain, so the flush-mounted 80cm Gaggenau induction hob is situated in front of the bronze mirrored glass splashback. Directly above it is a Westin 80cm built-in extractor at the base of the overhead cabinetry. To the left and housed within the walnut units is a bank of Gaggenau ovens including a 60cm pyrolytic oven, a combination steam oven and warming drawers in anthracite colourway and a further integrated Gaggenau dishwasher is also included in the scheme. The full height Siemens A Cool 76cm larder fridge and tall 61cm freezer are all integrated behind furniture doors for a seamless look to the kitchen. Internal storage includes heavyweight pan drawers and Legra pull-out shelving for dry goods, herbs, spices and condiments. As a completely separate piece of furniture, but finished in the same oiled walnut veneer is the ‘Gin Cabinet’ a built-in unit designed to look as if it is freestanding. To the left is a tall Gaggenau Wine Climate Cabinet and to the right is a decorative cabinet for glasses and the client’s extensive gin collection, specially backlit with LED lighting and with a bespoke door front to match the front of the wine cabinet. At the centre are full pocket doors that fold back into recesses to reveal a bar area with bronze mirror back panel and shelves in front, a 20mm Trillium by Dekton worksurface with a single bowl Franke sink and another Quooker Flex Boiling Water Tap with the new Cube function, for filtered boiling, hot, cold and sparkling water. A further Gaggenau microwave oven is installed within the unit and cupboards beneath feature Intuo fronts in matt glass, as before.

White kitchen with clerestory windows

Improva

Inspiration for a large contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Sydney with a drop-in sink, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, mirror splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island, flat-panel cabinets, brown floor, metallic splashback, medium hardwood floors and white benchtop.

Extension

Innovative Home Solutions

Photo of a large modern single-wall open plan kitchen in Dublin with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, mirror splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors and with island.

Stanford Wood Lodge

Absolute Architecture

Stanford Wood Cottage extension and conversion project by Absolute Architecture. Photos by Jaw Designs, Kitchens and joinery by Ben Heath.
This is an example of a small traditional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Berkshire with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, limestone benchtops, metallic splashback, mirror splashback, black appliances, ceramic floors and no island.

La vie en bleu

Anne Chemineau - Decor Interieur

Le projet : Un appartement familial de 135m2 des années 80 sans style ni charme, avec une petite cuisine isolée et désuète bénéficie d’une rénovation totale au style affirmé avec une grande cuisine semi ouverte sur le séjour, un véritable espace parental, deux chambres pour les enfants avec salle de bains et bureau indépendant. Notre solution : Nous déposons les cloisons en supprimant une chambre qui était attenante au séjour et ainsi bénéficier d’un grand volume pour la pièce à vivre avec une cuisine semi ouverte de couleur noire, séparée du séjour par des verrières. Une crédence en miroir fumé renforce encore la notion d’espace et une banquette sur mesure permet d’ajouter un coin repas supplémentaire souhaité convivial et simple pour de jeunes enfants. Le salon est entièrement décoré dans les tons bleus turquoise avec une bibliothèque monumentale de la même couleur, prolongée jusqu’à l’entrée grâce à un meuble sur mesure dissimulant entre autre le tableau électrique. Le grand canapé en velours bleu profond configure l’espace salon face à la bibliothèque alors qu’une grande table en verre est entourée de chaises en velours turquoise sur un tapis graphique du même camaïeu. Nous avons condamné l’accès entre la nouvelle cuisine et l’espace nuit placé de l’autre côté d’un mur porteur. Nous avons ainsi un grand espace parental avec une chambre et une salle de bains lumineuses. Un carrelage mural blanc est posé en chevrons, et la salle de bains intégre une grande baignoire double ainsi qu’une douche à l’italienne. Celle-ci bénéficie de lumière en second jour grâce à une verrière placée sur la cloison côté chambre. Nous avons créé un dressing en U, fermé par une porte coulissante de type verrière. Les deux chambres enfants communiquent directement sur une salle de bains aux couleurs douces et au carrelage graphique. L’ancienne cuisine, placée près de l’entrée est aménagée en chambre d’amis-bureau avec un canapé convertible et des rangements astucieux. Le style : L’appartement joue les contrastes et ose la couleur dans les espaces à vivre avec un joli bleu turquoise associé à un noir graphique affirmé sur la cuisine, le carrelage au sol et les verrières. Les espaces nuit jouent d’avantage la sobriété dans des teintes neutres. L’ensemble allie style et simplicité d’usage, en accord avec le mode de vie de cette famille parisienne très active avec de jeunes enfants.

Iroko kitchen - Monkstown

Enigma Design

Steven Jones Solid iroko kitchen by Enigma Design. oil finished.
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Dublin with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, mirror splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors and with island.

Arlington, Virginia - Modern - Kitchen and Bathroom

Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath

Arlington, Virginia Modern Kitchen and Bathroom #JenniferGilmer http://www.gilmerkitchens.com/

Kitchen Appliance Pantry with LED

Improva

An exquisite appliance pantry with bi-fold pocket doors that reveal a beautifully organised interior. The pantry is enhanced by LED strip lighting, strategically placed to illuminate the shelves and provide a warm and inviting ambience. The shelves within the pantry are set back, allowing for efficient storage of various appliances and kitchen essentials. This design choice optimises the use of space, ensuring that items are easily accessible while maintaining a clean and organised aesthetic.

Ticked all the boxes

Collaroy Kitchen Centre

Large contemporary l-shaped kitchen pantry in Sydney with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, mirror splashback, black appliances, laminate floors, with island and multi-coloured benchtop.

Cottesloe Home

Western Cabinets

Joel Barbitta D-Max Photography
This is an example of a large modern single-wall open plan kitchen in Perth with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, tile benchtops, metallic splashback, mirror splashback, black appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Transitional Remodel

JEB Design/Build

Here's another shot that really showcases the very distinctive copper vent hood that our homeowners chose. It really makes the glass-top range the focal point of the kitchen. Pictures by Neil Johnson Photography

Traditionl Hand Painted Framed Kitchen

Tulip

Design ideas for a large traditional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Surrey with a drop-in sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, quartzite benchtops, metallic splashback, mirror splashback, stainless steel appliances, limestone floors, with island, grey floor, white benchtop and exposed beam.

Station Road, Thames Ditton

GDL London

Design ideas for an expansive modern l-shaped open plan kitchen in Surrey with a drop-in sink, grey cabinets, quartzite benchtops, mirror splashback, black appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Balcony Kitchen - Chipping Norton

The White Kitchen Company

Hand-painted, in-frame shaker kitchen This kitchen in Chipping Norton, Gloucester, forms part of a new-build house. The units were hand-painted in Ammonite and Downpipe (both Farrow & Ball colours) and finished with a Lake quartz worktop. The stunning island provides a huge amount of storage and generous seating for four at the breakfast bar. The built-in cooking appliances are by Neff and include two ovens, a combi microwave-oven and a steam oven, as well as a large induction hob. A wine cooler and large, French-style Samsung fridge-freezer complete the look.

Wooden Bar on Kitchen Peninsula

John Mast Construction, Inc.

Another custom masterpiece of the house is this wooden bar made out of restored barn beams. the thick grained look compliments the modern look. Designed and Constructed by John Mast Construction, Photo by Caleb Mast

Kitchen NY

WL Kitchen & Home

Photo of a small contemporary galley separate kitchen in New York with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, mirror splashback, stainless steel appliances, ceramic floors and no island.

Arlington, Virginia - Modern - Kitchen and Bathroom

Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath

Arlington, Virginia Modern Kitchen and Bathroom #JenniferGilmer http://www.gilmerkitchens.com/

Kitchen with Mirror 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!