Bob Narod Photography
Inspiration for a large traditional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in DC Metro with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, multi-coloured splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, multi-coloured benchtop, marble benchtops, mosaic tile splashback and brown floor.

Drama in Black and White

Pineapple House Interior Design

A water-jet marble mosaic behind kitchen range adds bold pattern while remaining monochromatic. Light grey grass cloth wraps the kitchen walls to add texture. Fabric taupe or cream shades add another layer of warmth and assist with acoustics and privacy.

Farmhouse Retreat

Tongue & Groove Design + Build

This is an example of a country u-shaped kitchen pantry in Other with a farmhouse sink, blue cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, mosaic tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, multi-coloured benchtop and exposed beam.

West Hollywood - New Construction

Luxe Remodel

Large transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, mosaic tile splashback, panelled appliances, marble floors, with island, black floor, white benchtop and exposed beam.

Elegant Contemporary Kitchen

The Kitchen Company

This custom contemporary kitchen designed by Gail Bolling pairs cool gray cabinetry with a crisp white waterfall countertop while the backsplash adds just a touch of shine. It is a national award-winning design.

Lake Oswego Modern Retreat

Grove Custom Homes

Large modern u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Portland with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, mosaic tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Scullery

Pike Properties

Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional l-shaped kitchen pantry in Charlotte with a farmhouse sink, blue cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, mosaic tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and white benchtop.

Dartmouth Park

Pardon Chambers Architects Ltd

Caroline Mardon
Design ideas for a contemporary l-shaped eat-in kitchen in London with flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, marble benchtops, mosaic tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, concrete floors, with island, grey floor, an undermount sink, beige splashback and grey benchtop.

Custom Kitchen & Baths

Seaside Kitchens & Baths Inc.

Inspiration for a large transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Boston with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, brown splashback, mosaic tile splashback, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, stainless steel appliances and marble benchtops.

Complete Home Build, Marco Island

User

This is an example of a large beach style l-shaped open plan kitchen in Miami with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, with island, marble benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, mosaic tile splashback, medium hardwood floors and brown floor.

Interior Style and terrace

The León Group, LLC

Photo of a large contemporary galley open plan kitchen in New York with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, grey splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, marble benchtops, mosaic tile splashback and an undermount sink.

Kirkwood Main Floor Renovation

G. Terbrock Luxury Homes

Transitional kitchen in St Louis with white cabinets, marble benchtops, blue splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, an undermount sink, shaker cabinets and mosaic tile splashback.

LIGHTHOUSE POINT SPEC HOME

COSENTINO ARCHITECTURE, INC.

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Miami with an undermount sink, glass-front cabinets, light wood cabinets, marble benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, mosaic tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors and with island.

Pantry

Lauren Shadid Architecture + Interiors

Photos by Holly Lepere
Photo of a large beach style l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Los Angeles with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, blue splashback, mosaic tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island and marble benchtops.

Heights Victorian 2

Brickmoon Design

Design ideas for a traditional kitchen in Houston with marble benchtops, beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, white splashback, mosaic tile splashback and panelled appliances.

Nobscot Road

Oak Hill Architects

Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional u-shaped kitchen in Boston with raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, beige splashback, an undermount sink, marble benchtops, mosaic tile splashback, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors, no island and brown floor.

Tustin Kitchen

Vision Interiors

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Orange County with with island, an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, grey splashback, porcelain floors, mosaic tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, grey floor and white benchtop.

Bohns Point Residence

Alexander Design Group, Inc.

Photo of an expansive beach style u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Minneapolis with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, beige splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, a farmhouse sink, marble benchtops, mosaic tile splashback and brown floor.

Spanish Colonial Grand Kitchen

Tracy Berman Interiors

With this kitchen remodel we were able to highlight the Spanish Mediterranean style of the home. The tall transom pantry cabinets that almost touch the beams elevate your eyes and transform the space. In the back, the handmade mosaic backsplash although very intricate remains muted to accentuate the featured stone hood. The kitchen is equipped with high-end appliances and water stone plumping fixtures. For our countertop, we have selected marble in a perfect blend of colors that coordinate with this two-toned kitchen.

Second Home

Lume Architecture

Photo of a mid-sized midcentury galley open plan kitchen in Melbourne with a double-bowl sink, medium wood cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, mosaic tile splashback, black appliances, concrete floors, with island, grey floor and white benchtop.

Kitchen with Marble Benchtops and Mosaic 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!