Photo of a scandinavian single-wall open plan kitchen in Paris with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, wood benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, mosaic tile splashback, black appliances, light hardwood floors, no island and beige floor.

inside & outside kitchens

Frederick + Frederick Architects

Design ideas for a large country l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Atlanta with stainless steel appliances, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, black splashback, mosaic tile splashback, an undermount sink, granite benchtops, medium hardwood floors and with island.

North Of Nell

Cathers Home Furniture + Interior Design

Large transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Denver with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, white splashback, mosaic tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor, white benchtop and quartz benchtops.

Modern Home Overlooking Cape Cod Bay - North Truro, MA

Cape Associates, Inc.

This is an example of a large contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Boston with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, solid surface benchtops, beige splashback, mosaic tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, ceramic floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Hermosa Beach Contemporary Famrhouse

Christine Vroom Interiors

Beach style l-shaped open plan kitchen in Los Angeles with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, grey splashback, mosaic tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and grey benchtop.

Transitional Kitchen

Design ideas for a transitional open plan kitchen in Denver with medium wood cabinets and mosaic tile splashback.

East meets West

House of Funk

Photography by Mark Weinberg
Inspiration for a transitional l-shaped kitchen in New York with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, multi-coloured splashback, mosaic tile splashback, panelled appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, beige benchtop and exposed beam.

Lakeside Transitional #2

Cannarsa Structure and Design

This is an example of a large transitional u-shaped eat-in kitchen with flat-panel cabinets, beige splashback, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor, an undermount sink, mosaic tile splashback, black benchtop, medium wood cabinets and recessed.

Issaquah Modern

YS BUILT, LLC

A new custom residence in the Harrison Views neighborhood of Issaquah Highlands. The home incorporates high-performance envelope elements (a few of the strategies so far include alum-clad windows, rock wall house wrap insulation, green-roofs and provision for photovoltaic panels). The building site has a unique upper bench and lower bench with a steep slope between them. The siting of the house takes advantage of this topography, creating a linear datum line that not only serves as a retaining wall but also as an organizing element for the home’s circulation. The massing of the home is designed to maximize views, natural daylight and compliment the scale of the surrounding community. The living spaces are oriented to capture the panoramic views to the southwest and northwest, including Lake Washington and the Olympic mountain range as well as Seattle and Bellevue skylines. A series of green roofs and protected outdoor spaces will allow the homeowners to extend their living spaces year-round. With an emphasis on durability, the material palette will consist of a gray stained cedar siding, corten steel panels, cement board siding, T&G fir soffits, exposed wood beams, black fiberglass windows, board-formed concrete, glass railings and a standing seam metal roof. A careful site analysis was done early on to suss out the best views and determine how unbuilt adjacent lots might be developed. The total area is 3,425 SF of living space plus 575 SF for the garage. Photos by Benjamin Benschneider. Architecture by Studio Zerbey Architecture + Design. Cabinets by LEICHT SEATTLE.

Hilltop Modern Ranch

Wyrick Residential Design

Large transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Houston with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, grey splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, granite benchtops and mosaic tile splashback.

Dining room and new stair

RDM Architecture

A kitchen designed to be functional for 2 cooks to work simultaneously.
Design ideas for a large contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Kansas City with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, mosaic tile splashback, cork floors and stainless steel appliances.

An Earthy Coastal Design In Florida

Beasley & Henley Interior Design

The home includes a great room, island kitchen, dining room, library, four bedrooms, four full baths and two half-baths, and an outdoor living area with an outdoor kitchen with conversation areas. The earthy coastal design features monochromatic, tonal color elements in the backgrounds, with unique layered colors provided by the artwork and furniture fabrics. Bleached hardwood flooring creates a variety of patterns in the main living areas and cork flooring in the library brings warmth to the home. Wood beam details in both the master bedroom and great room embellish this home with the perfect amount of architectural detailing. An eclectic mixture of decorative lighting fixtures compliment the rooms in the most attractive way. The overall ambiance is one of light Florida living with an air of casual, barefoot elegance.

Hillside Sanctuary: Kitchen/Dining Area by Kimball Starr Interior Design

Kimball Starr Interior Design

Open plan kitchen with island, granite countertops, and mosaic tile backsplash. Hood and range over island.
This is an example of a contemporary galley open plan kitchen in San Francisco with panelled appliances, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, mosaic tile splashback, multi-coloured splashback, an undermount sink, granite benchtops and light hardwood floors.

San Jose Eichler 3

Urbanism Designs

Midcentury galley kitchen in San Francisco with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white splashback, mosaic tile splashback, with island, grey floor and white benchtop.

Mandarin

Candida L. Berrios

Inspiration for a contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Boston with flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, multi-coloured splashback and mosaic tile splashback.

Rockaway Beach, Md

Rogue Home Interiors

Photo of a mid-sized traditional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Baltimore with stainless steel appliances, white cabinets, mosaic tile splashback, shaker cabinets, quartz benchtops, an undermount sink, white splashback, medium hardwood floors and with island.

Mid Century Vibe

GRAVITATE interiors + design

Design ideas for a midcentury l-shaped kitchen in New York with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, grey splashback, mosaic tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and beige benchtop.

Balinese Influenced Kitchen

Robin Rigby Fisher, CMKBD/CAPS/CLIPPS

“I don’t want my kitchen to look like anyone else’s.” This was the client’s request to the designer. Influenced by the style of Bali and the client’s own design sense, the new style was dubbed “Julinese” (her name is Julie). In keeping with the Balinese style, bold design elements were chosen – 6” pyramidal columns stained with a deep java finish, support the 3” thick Purple Dunas granite countertops and the custom glass eating bar. The electrical outlets are housed in these columns. Further supporting the Balinese theme, the ceiling over the island was raised in a pyramid style – evoking an outdoor feel. Kable lighting illuminates the kitchen. Topping the cabinets along the walls and the window sill are dark grey 3” thick concrete counters. When the folding windows are open, the sill becomes a 15” deep serving bar for outdoor entertaining. For ergonomics – the dishwasher and microwave were raised to 42” and 54” comparatively. Additional Design elements: Cork floors in Autumn and Black Pepper finish Custom design cabinet doors support the strong linear lines. Stainless Steel Farm Sink Eclipse Architectural Folding window and door Cheng Design Custom Hood

NW inspired Crest Meadows Residence

Jordan Iverson Signature Homes

KuDa Photography 2013
Large contemporary l-shaped open plan kitchen in Portland with shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, mosaic tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, an undermount sink, medium hardwood floors, with island and brown floor.

1041 EL

Weaver Custom Homes

Traditional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Columbus with stainless steel appliances, a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, distressed cabinets, brown splashback, mosaic tile splashback, dark hardwood floors, with island, multi-coloured benchtop and exposed beam.

Kitchen with 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!