The U-shaped kitchen features a peninsula for extra countertop prep space and a "hidden" cabinet-panel dishwasher. The new, sliding glass doors flood warm light into the breakfast area, creating a cozy spot for morning coffee. A cabinetry-style pantry is tucked into a formerly unused wall void at the far left, adding extra storage space that our clients have always desired.

MODERN DREAM

d2 interieurs

Inspiration for a contemporary l-shaped open plan kitchen in New York with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, green cabinets, marble benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, marble splashback, black appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

The Hertfordshire Home

Simpson & Voyle

Discover the timeless charm of this bespoke kitchen, where classic design elements are seamlessly integrated with modern sophistication. The deep green cabinets exude elegance and depth, while the fluted glass upper cabinets add a touch of refinement and character. A copper-finished island stands as a focal point, infusing the space with warmth and style. With its concrete countertop and large-scale ceramic floor tiles, this kitchen strikes the perfect balance between timeless tradition and contemporary allure.

AvvA

u n s e i s y u n c u a t r o

Design ideas for a contemporary galley eat-in kitchen in Madrid with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, marble splashback, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

Kingston extension

VORBILD Architecture

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary single-wall eat-in kitchen in London with shaker cabinets, green cabinets, marble benchtops, marble splashback, with island, beige floor, exposed beam, a farmhouse sink, multi-coloured splashback, panelled appliances, porcelain floors and multi-coloured benchtop.

Appartement Boyer

Ludily

Au cœur de la place du Pin à Nice, cet appartement autrefois sombre et délabré a été métamorphosé pour faire entrer la lumière naturelle. Nous avons souhaité créer une architecture à la fois épurée, intimiste et chaleureuse. Face à son état de décrépitude, une rénovation en profondeur s’imposait, englobant la refonte complète du plancher et des travaux de réfection structurale de grande envergure. L’une des transformations fortes a été la dépose de la cloison qui séparait autrefois le salon de l’ancienne chambre, afin de créer un double séjour. D’un côté une cuisine en bois au design minimaliste s’associe harmonieusement à une banquette cintrée, qui elle, vient englober une partie de la table à manger, en référence à la restauration. De l’autre côté, l’espace salon a été peint dans un blanc chaud, créant une atmosphère pure et une simplicité dépouillée. L’ensemble de ce double séjour est orné de corniches et une cimaise partiellement cintrée encadre un miroir, faisant de cet espace le cœur de l’appartement. L’entrée, cloisonnée par de la menuiserie, se détache visuellement du double séjour. Dans l’ancien cellier, une salle de douche a été conçue, avec des matériaux naturels et intemporels. Dans les deux chambres, l’ambiance est apaisante avec ses lignes droites, la menuiserie en chêne et les rideaux sortants du plafond agrandissent visuellement l’espace, renforçant la sensation d’ouverture et le côté épuré.

Marbleous

Tracy Lynn Studio

Photo of a transitional u-shaped kitchen pantry in San Diego with marble benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, marble splashback, light hardwood floors, multiple islands and white benchtop.

Finsbury Park - Full House Renovation

Varisco Stone Ltd

Kitchen worktops and full height splashback in Calacatta Borghini
Photo of a contemporary single-wall open plan kitchen in London with marble benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, marble splashback, with island and multi-coloured benchtop.

Kitchen and Dining

Burbeck Interiors ltd

Inspiration for a transitional galley eat-in kitchen in London with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, marble benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, marble splashback, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors, a peninsula, beige floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

White Appliance Pantry with Marble Benchtops

Improva

Design ideas for a large modern u-shaped open plan kitchen in Sydney with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, marble splashback, black appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, black floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

Coeur d'Alene Contemporary

Berry Built and Design, inc.

This project involved multiple walls being removed in order to create a more unified and open space.
Large contemporary l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Seattle with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Great Room

Claude C. Lapp Architects, LLC

Sean Shanahan
Photo of a large transitional u-shaped open plan kitchen in DC Metro with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, marble splashback, panelled appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

La Castana

Osinoff General Contractors

Light from the french doors and transom windows bouncing off the white cabinets and beautiful marble counters gives this galley kitchen the illusion of being much bigger. Gleaming stainless steel appliances and a fantastic modern light fixture make it very fresh and contemporary. The garden window over the farm sink and the shaker cabinets keep it timeless. Having a peninsula gives the space delineation without compromising the open concept feel. Roberto Garcia Photography

Kitchen Remodel

EIZEN Interiors

Photo Credit: Wynne Earle Photography
Mid-sized transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Seattle with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and brown floor.

Kitchen / Pantry / Study / Laundry / Bathroom - Complete project!

Palazzo Kitchens & Appliances

Perfect blend of Black and White. This kitchen required the perfect balance of black and white high gloss cabinetry, to blend and complement the tones of the floor and the surrounding home. Conscious that the benchtop added an exciting and interesting feel to the overall project, the black appliances and black glass windows were subtle enough to finish the project perfectly.

Davis Modern Contemporary

Crosby Homes

Large modern u-shaped kitchen in Sacramento with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, marble benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island and beige floor.

Modern kitchen in Toronto

Meraki Home Services

Photo of a large contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Toronto with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartzite benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, multiple islands, beige floor and white benchtop.

Sevenoaks Classic Painted Shaker Kitchen with statement marble splashback

Higham Furniture

The awe-inspiring Arabescato Rosso marble splashback takes center stage in this kitchen we designed in Sevenoaks, Kent, serving as a captivating focal point that sparks conversations. Our client's vision for their new kitchen was brought to life with a perfect blend of elements; the classic shaker cabinets harmonize beautifully with the dramatic marble, while the expansive island and art-deco style bar stools enhance both functionality and style. The result is a stunning and functional kitchen that effortlessly captures attention and leaves a lasting impression, creating a dream kitchen for our client.

Dauphin Street

Gnome Architects LLC

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped open plan kitchen in Philadelphia with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, marble benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, ceramic floors, with island, multi-coloured floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

Fallston Kitchen

Whitney Garrett / Kenwood Kitchens

Large transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Baltimore with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island, grey floor and white benchtop.

Kitchen with Multi-Coloured Splashback and Marble 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!