Don’t shy away from the style of New Mexico by adding southwestern influence throughout this whole home remodel!
Photo of a large u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Albuquerque with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, multi-coloured splashback, stainless steel appliances, terra-cotta floors, no island, orange floor and white benchtop.

Mid-Century Modern Kitchen

EmV Design Build

Robin Stancliff photo credits. This kitchen had a complete transformation, and now it is beautiful, bright, and much more accessible! To accomplish my goals for this kitchen, I had to completely demolish the walls surrounding the kitchen, only keeping the attractive exposed load bearing posts and the HVAC system in place. I also left the existing pony wall, which I turned into a breakfast area, to keep the electric wiring in place. A challenge that I encountered was that my client wanted to keep the original Saltillo tile that gives her home it’s Southwestern flair, while having an updated kitchen with a mid-century modern aesthetic. Ultimately, the vintage Saltillo tile adds a lot of character and interest to the new kitchen design. To keep things clean and minimal, all of the countertops are easy-to-clean white quartz. Since most of the cooking will be done on the new induction stove in the breakfast area, I added a uniquely textured three-dimensional backsplash to give a more decorative feel. Since my client wanted the kitchen to be disability compliant, we put the microwave underneath the counter for easy access and added ample storage space beneath the counters rather than up high. With a full view of the surrounding rooms, this new kitchen layout feels very open and accessible. The crisp white cabinets and wall color is accented by a grey island and updated lighting throughout. Now, my client has a kitchen that feels open and easy to maintain while being safe and useful for people with disabilities.

Maine Cottage Colors

Christine Donner Kitchen Design Inc.

The Majestic range from Ilve in cobalt blue. The bonnet hood was custom designed to match the range. Cabinets in knotty butternut with antique glass panels, glass cup pulls. The hand painted tile backsplash was custom designed in this color palette of blue, gold, light brown and notes of soft green. Photo by Nancy E. Hill

Hacienda Ranch House

C-Reese Architectural Design

This is an example of a mediterranean u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Austin with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, multi-coloured splashback, mosaic tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, terra-cotta floors, with island, orange floor and beige benchtop.

Brazilian Luna Pearl Granite Kitchen

Stone Action

Brazilian Luna Pearl Granite is shown in this project! Search "Brazilian Luna Pearl" granite, see more granite or other stone options: http://www.stoneaction.com Learn more about granite to see if it’s right for you: Granite countertops can last a lifetime. It contains no harmful chemicals and do not emit harmful radiation or gasses. Granite is heat resistant and is one of the most heat-resistant countertops on the market. You can place a hot pan out of the oven directly onto the countertop surface. Experts do recommend the use of a trivet when using appliances that emit heat for long periods of time, such as crockpots. Since the material is so dense, there is a small possibility heating one area of the top and not the entire thing, could cause the countertop to crack. Granite is scratch resistant. You can cut on it, but it will dull your knives! Granite scores a seven on Moh’s hardness scale. Granite countertops are considered to be a low maintenance countertop surface. The likelihood of needing to be repaired or resurfaced is low. Granite is a porous material. Most fabricators will apply a sealer to granite countertops before they are installed which will protect them from absorbing liquids too quickly. Many sealers last more than 10 years before needing to be reapplied. When they do need to be reapplied, it is something that most homeowners can do on their own as the process is similar to cleaning. Darker granites are very dense and sometimes don’t even require a sealer. When it comes to pricing, there are a lot of variables such as edge profile, total square footage, backsplash, etc. Don’t be fooled by the stereotype that all granite is expensive. Lower-range granites will cost less than high-range laminate. Though granite countertops are not considered “low range” in pricing, there are a lot of affordable options. If you are looking for something truly unique, consider an exotic granite. Some quarries are not easily accessible and/or only able to be quarried for short periods of time throughout the year. If these circumstances exist in a quarry with gorgeous stone, the price will be driven upward. You won’t find a lot of solid patterns or bright colors, but both do exist. Also, watch for a large range of color and pattern within the same color of stone. It’s always a good idea to view the exact slab(s) that will be fabricated for your kitchen to make sure they are what you expected to see from the sample. Another factor is that many exotic types of granite have huge flowing waves, and a small sample will not be an accurate representation of the whole slab. Granite countertops are very resistant to chemicals. Acids and bases will not harm the material.

Vaycay

Kehoe Wilson Design LLC

Michael Hunter
This is an example of a large mediterranean u-shaped open plan kitchen in Houston with open cabinets, green cabinets, multi-coloured splashback, mosaic tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, terra-cotta floors, with island, red floor, an undermount sink and tile benchtops.

Monte Vista Residence

DK Studio

This early 20th-century house needed careful updating so it would work for a contemporary family without feeling as though the historical integrity had been lost. We stepped in to create a more functional combined kitchen and mud room area. A window bench was added off the kitchen, providing a new sitting area where none existed before. New wood detail was created to match the wood already in the house, so it appears original. Custom upholstery was added for comfort. In the master bathroom, we reconfigured the adjacent spaces to create a comfortable vanity, shower and walk-in closet. The choices of materials were guided by the existing structure, which was very nicely finished.

Multi-Room Renovation

SPINAZZOLA & CO.

Inspiration for a mid-sized country single-wall eat-in kitchen in Dallas with shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, solid surface benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, mosaic tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, terra-cotta floors, a peninsula and red floor.

Farmhouse Kitchen Santa Fe, NM

STATEMENTS IN Tile/Lighting/Kitchens/Flooring

Rustic, terra cotta tile is used for the backsplash and countertop in this Santa Fe laundry room. Designed by Woods Builders, Santa Fe, NM. Photo: Christopher Martinez Photography

Flea Market Style

Alison Kandler Interior Design

Bret Gum for Cottages and Bungalows
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Los Angeles with beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, a farmhouse sink, tile benchtops, terra-cotta splashback, stainless steel appliances, terra-cotta floors and multi-coloured splashback.

Orange Drive

Brown Design Group

Photo of a mediterranean u-shaped kitchen in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, beige cabinets, multi-coloured splashback, stainless steel appliances, terra-cotta floors and with island.

Eagle Lake Kitchen addition and remodel

Alan L Ulch, Inc.

David Woods
Inspiration for a country kitchen in Tampa with a single-bowl sink, beaded inset cabinets, green cabinets, wood benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, mosaic tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, terra-cotta floors and a peninsula.

Cate Grosch Studio

Stephanie Russo Photography

Large custom kitchen island. Oversized custom pendant lights. Custom flooring and backsplash.
This is an example of a mediterranean u-shaped eat-in kitchen in San Francisco with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, marble benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, stainless steel appliances, terra-cotta floors, with island, brown floor, multi-coloured benchtop and exposed beam.

Malibu Transitional Remodel

JRP Design & Remodel

This transitional style living space is a breath of fresh air, beginning with the open concept kitchen featuring cool white walls, bronze pendant lighting and classically elegant Calacatta Dorada Quartz countertops by Vadara. White frameless cabinets by DeWils continue the soothing, modern color palette, resulting in a kitchen that balances a rustic Spanish aesthetic with bright, modern finishes. Mission red cement tile flooring lends the space a pop of Southern California charm that flows into a stunning stairwell highlighted by terracotta tile accents that complement without overwhelming the ceiling architecture above. The bathroom is a soothing escape with relaxing white relief subway tiles offset by wooden skylights and rich accents. PROJECT DETAILS: Style: Transitional Countertops: Vadara Quartz (Calacatta Dorado) Cabinets: White Frameless Cabinets, by DeWils Hardware/Plumbing Fixture Finish: Oil Rubbed Bronze Lighting Fixtures: Bronze Pendant lighting Flooring: Cement Tile (color = Mission Red) Tile/Backsplash: White subway with Terracotta accent Paint Colors: White Photographer: J.R. Maddox

Preserved Oak Tree Residence

Newberry Architecture

Trey Hunter Photography
This is an example of a large mediterranean u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Houston with a double-bowl sink, beaded inset cabinets, green cabinets, wood benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, mosaic tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, terra-cotta floors and with island.

Rustic Americana

Portfolio Kitchens

Mid-sized country l-shaped separate kitchen in DC Metro with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, granite benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, brick splashback, stainless steel appliances, terra-cotta floors, with island and beige floor.

Exotic Moroccan Retreat

Moxie Design Studio, LLC

Photo of a large mediterranean u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Phoenix with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, terra-cotta floors, with island, orange floor and white benchtop.

Mulberry Lane Residence

User

Bruce Damonte
Inspiration for a mediterranean kitchen in San Francisco with glass-front cabinets, medium wood cabinets, multi-coloured splashback, stainless steel appliances and terra-cotta floors.

Kitchen examples

Marrokal Design & Remodeling

Mid-sized transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in San Diego with granite benchtops, an undermount sink, dark wood cabinets, panelled appliances, flat-panel cabinets, multi-coloured splashback, stone slab splashback, terra-cotta floors and beige floor.

Braeburn Mid Century Modern, Houston, TX

Victoria Sheffield

Midcentury modern kitchen with white kitchen cabinets, solid surface countertops, and tile backsplash. Open shelving is used throughout. The wet bar design includes teal grasscloth. The floors are the original 1950's Saltillo tile. A flush mount vent hood has been used to not obstruct the view.

Kitchen with Multi-Coloured Splashback and Terra-cotta Floors 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!