Design ideas for a contemporary u-shaped kitchen in Orange County with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, green cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, engineered quartz splashback, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

CRL Quartz Palermo family kitchen

CRL Stone

They say that first impressions count. When three sibling homeowners visited the CRL Stone showroom for inspiration for their kitchen renovation and spotted CRL Quartz Palermo, there was an instant attraction. And now that the surface is fitted in the completed room, it’s the first thing people notice when they visit. The project in question was a bungalow extension, with an open-plan kitchen diner. With the aim of creating a modern space that looked and felt bigger, the homeowners called in their son/nephew and owner of Jones Developments Ryan, to project manage the refurb. And the family affair didn’t stop there, with Ryan’s wife Demi on hand to help supply their dream kitchen through her role at Howdens Burnley, his in laws from Stewkley Stone recommending, supplying and fabricating the CRL Quartz surfaces and Ryan’s brother-in-laws Ewan & Harrison taking care of the installation. Choosing a quartz surface was an important element of the design, with the homeowners keen to opt for a surface that worked well with the new furniture in Fairford Pebble. “The colours work perfectly together and the rusty orange veining adds an ideal colour to the kitchen to make it look very classy and elegant,” comments Ryan. In fact, it was the colour of the veining that attracted the siblings to CRL Quartz Palermo as soon as they saw it. The crisp white background is the perfect backdrop for the bold veining, that adds instant character and an eye-catching level of detail. “It’s something of a marmite choice to many, but we’re so happy we went with it. Being able to vein match the surface just adds to the sense of flow within the large space. The result is a very modern looking kitchen, with lots of space and storage,” Ryan explains. Easy on the eye, installation of the surfaces was straightforward too, with all the fabrication done in advance to ensure the perfect, seamless fit. Quartz is the perfect choice for a busy family life on a practical level too, being water, heat, scratch and stain resistant and with no requirement for sealing at any stage. Palermo’s bold marble-inspired veining lends itself so well to being vein matched that Stewkley Stone were only too happy to oblige, despite the request not being part of the original brief for the project. “The finished look is very elegant and classy, with the colour of the kitchen doors perfectly complementing the veining of Palermo,” comments Ryan. With quirky features including a Quooker tap and pull-out accessories to future-proof the space, the comfort levels are high in the completed kitchen. But the homeowners’ favourite element of the new look? “100% the quartz; it’s the first thing you see when you enter the room,” concludes Ryan.

Design Done Wright

Fusion Cabinets, Inc.

How cute is the new bar with it's glass cabinets and stemware holder for the glasses?
Design ideas for a large arts and crafts l-shaped open plan kitchen in Tampa with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, engineered quartz splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island and multi-coloured benchtop.

Springfield Meadow

Kite Creative

We are regenerating for a better future. And here is how. Kite Creative – Renewable, traceable, re-useable and beautiful kitchens We are designing and building contemporary kitchens that are environmentally and sustainably better for you and the planet. Helping to keep toxins low, improve air quality, and contribute towards reducing our carbon footprint. The heart of the house, the kitchen, really can look this good and still be sustainable, ethical and better for the planet. In our first commission with Greencore Construction and Ssassy Property, we’ve delivered an eco-kitchen for one of their Passive House properties, using over 75% sustainable materials

White & Brown Inset Kitchen - Stuart

Kitchen, Bath & Home Design

Starmark Cabinetry; Kitchen Perimeter - Maple Lafontaine Inset Door style, Simply White; Kitchen Island- Alder Lafontaine Inset Door style, Tarragon Stain w/ Chocolate Glaze; Cambria Quartz - Southport Countertops

Okura

LaBella Kitchens Ltd.

Photo of a small contemporary u-shaped separate kitchen in Auckland with a single-bowl sink, beaded inset cabinets, black cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, engineered quartz splashback, black appliances, dark hardwood floors, no island, brown floor, multi-coloured benchtop and timber.

Black White & Beautiful!

Edmond Kitchen & Bath LLC

EKB Home designed and built this beautiful kitchen for our client building their new Stonemill home. The combination of black with white cabinets was repeated with the quartz tops, while adding just a touch of stained wood for warmth. Shaker doors were paired with black slab doors to bring a touch of contemporary into the transitional design.

Small Kitchen Top Tips

Aristocraft Kitchens and Bedrooms

Photo of a small transitional l-shaped separate kitchen in West Midlands with shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, engineered quartz splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, no island, brown floor, multi-coloured benchtop and exposed beam.

"Hart" of the House

HyggeHus

This is a major, comprehensive kitchen remodel on a home over 100 years old. 14" solid brick exterior walls and ornate architraves that replicate the original architraves which were preserved around the historic residence.

Kleinburg Heritage Home

Salerno Kitchens Inc.

Heritage Home in Kleinburg Ontario
Design ideas for a mid-sized country u-shaped open plan kitchen in Toronto with an undermount sink, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, engineered quartz splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and multi-coloured benchtop.

MONTGOMERY STREET

Build Forward Design & Remodel

Downtown waterfront high rise condo remodel
Small modern galley kitchen in Portland with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, engineered quartz splashback, stainless steel appliances, vinyl floors, grey floor, multi-coloured benchtop and vaulted.

Manor Makeover: Kitchen Coffee Bar

Tamara Day Design

Design ideas for a large galley open plan kitchen in Kansas City with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, engineered quartz splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

Collombatti Farm House Renovation NSW 2440

The Renovation Broker

Farm House renovation vaulted ceilings & contemporary fit out.
Large contemporary l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Other with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, engineered quartz splashback, black appliances, laminate floors, with island, brown floor, multi-coloured benchtop and exposed beam.

Blackheath Black Kitchen

piqu

This unusually shaped kitchen in Blackheath has been completely refurbished. Clever design has been used to maximise functionality in the space available by including a waterfall island with a reduced side to mirror the shape of the room, tall units that reach right up to the ceiling and reduced depth cupboards on one of the walls. The beautifully sleek German black cabinets have been complimented with striking Dekton Trillium stone from Cosentino.

Dark Green and Dark Wood Kitchen with Classic Quartz Worktop

Eternal Kitchen Ltd

A gorgeous forest green kitchen with wooden touches and a gorgeous quartz worktop
Inspiration for a large country l-shaped open plan kitchen in London with an integrated sink, flat-panel cabinets, green cabinets, quartzite benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, engineered quartz splashback, black appliances, with island and multi-coloured benchtop.

Kitchen Remodel With Amish-Built Cabinets, Skara Brae Cambria Quartz, and Viking

Village Home Stores

Kitchen remodel in Bettendorf, Iowa Quad Cities with Amish-built cabinets in a combination of "Warm White" paint and quarter sawn White Oak in a "Charcoal" stain". Skara Brae Cambria Quartz, Paramount Stockbridge Oak Gingerbread flooring, and Viking Appliances also featured. Design, materials, and complete start to finish remodel by Village Home Stores.

Broadway Heights Whole House

Neil Kelly Company

Opposite stunning views of the Portland, Oregon skyline, a large open kitchen features a custom quartz range hood with matching backsplash, handsome steel blue cabinets, wood and brass hardware, hardwood flooring, and high-end stainless steel appliances.

Dark cabinets

Coveted Interiors

Beautiful chestnut wood grain cabinets pop with translucent white subway tile backsplash and a gorgeous marble look quartz waterfall island.
Small midcentury l-shaped eat-in kitchen in New York with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, engineered quartz splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Devlin Place

Monaco Interiors

This home underwent a massive renovation. Walls were removed, some replaced with stunning archways. A mid-century modern vibe took over, inspiring the white oak floos, white and oak cabinetry throughout, terrazzo tiles and overall vibe. Our whimiscal side, wanting to pay homage to the clients meditteranean roots, and their desire to entertain as much as possible, found amazing vintage-style tiles to incorporate into the laundry room along with a terrazzo floor tile. The living room boasts built-ins, a huge porcelain slab that echos beach/ocean views and artwork that establishes the client's love of beach moments. A dining room focussed on dinner parties includes an innovative wine storage wall, two hidden wine fridges and enough open cabinetry to display their growing collection of glasses. To enhance the space, a stunning blue grasscloth wallpaper anchors the wine rack, and the stunning gold bulbous chandelier glows in the space. Custom dining chairs and an expansive table provide plenty of seating in this room. The primary bathroom echoes all of the above. Watery vibes on the large format accent tiles, oak cabinetry and a calm, relaxed environment are perfect for this luxe space.

Palm Springs Warm Modern Kitchen

Allred Collaborative

Our bespoke white island embodies both storage efficiency and dining versatility, featuring an extended built-in oak top that transforms into a spacious dining table. Crafted with precision, internal counterweights ensure seamless movement, offering a dynamic centerpiece that effortlessly adapts to your culinary and entertaining needs.

Kitchen with Multi-Coloured Splashback and Engineered Quartz 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!