Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW For many, extra time at home during COVID left them wanting more from their homes. Whether you realized the shortcomings of your space or simply wanted to combat boredom, a well-designed and functional home was no longer a want, it became a need. Tina found herself wanting more from her Old Irving Park home and reached out to The Kitchen Studio about adding function to her kitchen to make the most of the available real estate. At the end of the day, there is nothing better than returning home to a bright and happy space you love. And this kitchen wasn’t that for Tina. Dark and dated, with a palette from the past and features that didn’t make the most of the available square footage, this remodel required vision and a fresh approach to the space. Lead designer, Stephanie Cole’s main design goal was better flow, while adding greater functionality with organized storage, accessible open shelving, and an overall sense of cohesion with the adjoining family room. The original kitchen featured a large pizza oven, which was rarely used, yet its footprint limited storage space. The nearby pantry had become a catch-all, lacking the organization needed in the home. The initial plan was to keep the pizza oven, but eventually Tina realized she preferred the design possibilities that came from removing this cumbersome feature, with the goal of adding function throughout the upgraded and elevated space. Eliminating the pantry added square footage and length to the kitchen for greater function and more storage. This redesigned space reflects how she lives and uses her home, as well as her love for entertaining. The kitchen features a classic, clean, and timeless palette. White cabinetry, with brass and bronze finishes, contrasts with rich wood flooring, and lets the large, deep blue island in Woodland’s custom color Harbor – a neutral, yet statement color – draw your eye. The kitchen was the main priority. In addition to updating and elevating this space, Tina wanted to maximize what her home had to offer. From moving the location of the patio door and eliminating a window to removing an existing closet in the mudroom and the cluttered pantry, the kitchen footprint grew. Once the floorplan was set, it was time to bring cohesion to her home, creating connection between the kitchen and surrounding spaces. The color palette carries into the mudroom, where we added beautiful new cabinetry, practical bench seating, and accessible hooks, perfect for guests and everyday living. The nearby bar continues the aesthetic, with stunning Carrara marble subway tile, hints of brass and bronze, and a design that further captures the vibe of the kitchen. Every home has its unique design challenges. But with a fresh perspective and a bit of creativity, there is always a way to give the client exactly what they want [and need]. In this particular kitchen, the existing soffits and high slanted ceilings added a layer of complexity to the lighting layout and upper perimeter cabinets. While a space needs to look good, it also needs to function well. This meant making the most of the height of the room and accounting for the varied ceiling features, while also giving Tina everything she wanted and more. Pendants and task lighting paired with an abundance of natural light amplify the bright aesthetic. The cabinetry layout and design compliments the soffits with subtle profile details that bring everything together. The tile selections add visual interest, drawing the eye to the focal area above the range. Glass-doored cabinets further customize the space and give the illusion of even more height within the room. While her family may be grown and out of the house, Tina was focused on adding function without sacrificing a stunning aesthetic and dreamy finishes that make the kitchen the gathering place of any home. It was time to love her kitchen again, and if you’re wondering what she loves most, it’s the niche with glass door cabinetry and open shelving for display paired with the marble mosaic backsplash over the range and complimenting hood. Each of these features is a stunning point of interest within the kitchen – both brag-worthy additions to a perimeter layout that previously felt limited and lacking. Whether your remodel is the result of special needs in your home or simply the excitement of focusing your energy on creating a fun new aesthetic, we are here for it. We love a good challenge because there is always a way to make a space better – adding function and beauty simultaneously.

Modern Mediterranean

Model Remodel

Built-in swivel bar stools at the kitchen island.
Mid-sized contemporary l-shaped open plan kitchen in Seattle with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, cement tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, white benchtop and vaulted.

Lake House

Shannon Callaghan Interior Design

laurie lane studios
This is an example of a mid-sized country l-shaped open plan kitchen in Other with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, solid surface benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, cement tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

SkyTerrace @Dawson

Fuse Concept Pte Ltd

Design ideas for a contemporary kitchen in Singapore with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, multi-coloured splashback, cement tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, no island, white floor and white benchtop.

Greene

Blu and White

Inspiration for a small transitional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, cement tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, a peninsula and brown floor.

Dark Blue Geometric Kitchen

Sustainable Kitchens

Shaker kitchen cabinets painted in Farrow & Ball Hague blue with antique brass knobs, pulls and catches. The worktop is Arabescato Corcia Marble. A wall of tall cabinets feature a double larder, double integrated oven and integrated fridge/freezer. A shaker double ceramic sink with polished nickel mixer tap and a Quooker boiling water tap sit in the perimeter run of cabinets with a Bert & May Majadas tile splash back topped off with a floating oak shelf. An induction hob sits on the island with three hanging pendant lights. Two moulded dark blue bar stools provide seating at the overhang worktop breakfast bar. The flooring is dark oak parquet. Photographer - Charlie O'Beirne

Kitchen

Hill Swift Architect, pllc

Mid-sized traditional galley eat-in kitchen in Houston with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, marble benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, cement tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island and brown floor.

Transitional Paradise Valley Farms House Renovation

Caine & Company

Lovely transitional style custom home in Scottsdale, Arizona. The high ceilings, skylights, white cabinetry, and medium wood tones create a light and airy feeling throughout the home. The aesthetic gives a nod to contemporary design and has a sophisticated feel but is also very inviting and warm. In part this was achieved by the incorporation of varied colors, styles, and finishes on the fixtures, tiles, and accessories. The look was further enhanced by the juxtapositional use of black and white to create visual interest and make it fun. Thoughtfully designed and built for real living and indoor/ outdoor entertainment.

Coeur D'Alene Lake Home

User

Two levels of South-facing (and lake-facing) outdoor spaces wrap the home and provide ample excuses to spend leisure time outside. Acting as an added room to the home, this area connects the interior to the gorgeous neighboring countryside, even featuring an outdoor grill and barbecue area. A massive two-story rock-faced wood burning fireplace with subtle copper accents define both the interior and exterior living spaces. Providing warmth, comfort, and a stunning focal point, this fireplace serves as a central gathering place in any season. A chef’s kitchen is equipped with a 48” professional range which allows for gourmet cooking with a phenomenal view. With an expansive bunk room for guests, the home has been designed with a grand master suite that exudes luxury and takes in views from the North, West, and South sides of the panoramic beauty.

Street of Dreams 2018

Destination Lighting

Inspiration for a country single-wall kitchen in Seattle with recessed-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, multi-coloured splashback, cement tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, no island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Storage Wall with Pantry and Coffee Station

MAK Design + Build Inc.

Photo of a transitional kitchen in Sacramento with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, cement tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Spanish Santa Fe

Fuzzy Wuzzy Interiors, LLC

This is an example of a large transitional galley eat-in kitchen in Albuquerque with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, black cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, cement tile splashback, black appliances, with island, brown floor, white benchtop and porcelain floors.

Tennyson

Pamela Chelle Interior Design

Shawn O'Connor Photography
Design ideas for a country kitchen in Denver with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, multi-coloured splashback, cement tile splashback, medium hardwood floors and brown floor.

Rolling Hills

Ottolia & Barnes Architecture

Photo of a large country galley open plan kitchen in Los Angeles with quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, multiple islands, an undermount sink, dark wood cabinets, cement tile splashback, brown floor, white benchtop and recessed-panel cabinets.

White Kitchen With Black and White Ardoz Cement Tile Backsplash

Granada Tile

This kitchen, by Casey Roy Design, illustrates the impact of a bold backsplash. Granada Tile Company's Ardoz cement tiles in black and white help take the traditional white cabinetry boldly into the present. Bright green knobs add a wink of color.

Toyon Residence

Renovation Drafting and Design LLC

Inspiration for a mid-sized mediterranean single-wall separate kitchen in Other with shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, cement tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, a peninsula, grey floor and orange benchtop.

Silver Creek Remodel

Halo Development, Inc.

Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional l-shaped kitchen pantry in Phoenix with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, cement tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Andesite Ridge Residence

KA Architecture

Photo of a large country l-shaped kitchen in Other with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, distressed cabinets, marble benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, cement tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors and with island.

Roma Road

Studio Fabbri

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary single-wall eat-in kitchen in London with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartzite benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, cement tile splashback, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and white benchtop.

Studio - Paris 5

Cécile Humbert - Design d'intérieur

Design ideas for a small midcentury single-wall open plan kitchen in Paris with an undermount sink, black cabinets, wood benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, cement tile splashback, panelled appliances, cement tiles and multi-coloured floor.

Kitchen with Multi-Coloured Splashback and Cement 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!