Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW The homeowner and his wife had lived in this beautiful townhome in Oak Brook overlooking a small lake for over 13 years. The home is open and airy with vaulted ceilings and full of mementos from world adventures through the years, including to Cambodia, home of their much-adored sponsored daughter. The home, full of love and memories was host to a growing extended family of children and grandchildren. This was THE place. When the homeowner’s wife passed away suddenly and unexpectedly, he became determined to create a space that would continue to welcome and host his family and the many wonderful family memories that lay ahead but with an eye towards functionality. We started out by evaluating how the space would be used. Cooking and watching sports were key factors. So, we shuffled the current dining table into a rarely used living room whereby enlarging the kitchen. The kitchen now houses two large islands – one for prep and the other for seating and buffet space. We removed the wall between kitchen and family room to encourage interaction during family gatherings and of course a clear view to the game on TV. We also removed a dropped ceiling in the kitchen, and wow, what a difference. Next, we added some drama with a large arch between kitchen and dining room creating a stunning architectural feature between those two spaces. This arch echoes the shape of the large arch at the front door of the townhome, providing drama and significance to the space. The kitchen itself is large but does not have much wall space, which is a common challenge when removing walls. We added a bit more by resizing the double French doors to a balcony at the side of the house which is now just a single door. This gave more breathing room to the range wall and large stone hood but still provides access and light. We chose a neutral pallet of black, white, and white oak, with punches of blue at the counter stools in the kitchen. The cabinetry features a white shaker door at the perimeter for a crisp outline. Countertops and custom hood are black Caesarstone, and the islands are a soft white oak adding contrast and warmth. Two large built ins between the kitchen and dining room function as pantry space as well as area to display flowers or seasonal decorations. We repeated the blue in the dining room where we added a fresh coat of paint to the existing built ins, along with painted wainscot paneling. Above the wainscot is a neutral grass cloth wallpaper which provides a lovely backdrop for a wall of important mementos and artifacts. The dining room table and chairs were refinished and re-upholstered, and a new rug and window treatments complete the space. The room now feels ready to host more formal gatherings or can function as a quiet spot to enjoy a cup of morning coffee.

Solon Home

The Hall Design Group

Cooking area
Photo of a large transitional galley eat-in kitchen in Cleveland with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, engineered quartz splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, multiple islands, white benchtop and vaulted.

Custom Modern Kitchen in Coto De Caza

Jeffrey V. Riggs, Architect

Expansive modern l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Orange County with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, quartzite benchtops, grey splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, cement tiles, multiple islands, grey floor, multi-coloured benchtop and vaulted.

Lake Oswego - Lake Front Residence

Pedini NW

This was full kitchen remodel in Lake Oswego. We wanted to take full advantage of the lake views by putting the cooktop on the main island facing the lake and the sink at the window which also has a view of the water. The double islands (island and peninsula) make for a huge amount of prep space and the back butler's counter provides additional storage and a place for the toaster oven to live. The bench below the window provides storage for shoes and other items. The glass door cabinets have LED lighting inside to display dishes and decorative items.

S. Columbine Court - White on White Kitchen

BKC Kitchen and Bath

This kitchen remodel in the Cherry Hills Farm neighborhood received a remarkable makeover when the room was expanded and colors softened to bring a crisp, clean aesthetic to the space. The extensive windows, skylights and light fixtures add an extra level of cheerfulness. David Bradley Cabinetry - Cascade door style with White paint. Kitchen design by Caitrin McIlvain, BKC Kitchen and Bath, in partnership with Carter Design Builders, Inc.

Chef's Kitchen

Function and Form Interiors

Design ideas for an expansive contemporary l-shaped open plan kitchen in Portland with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, vinyl floors, multiple islands, grey floor, white benchtop and vaulted.

Commerce Twp. New Construction

Exclusively Cabinets by Cabinetek

This contemporary kitchen includes many of the newest features showcased in kitchens around the country. Double islands, metal doors and hidden pantries are just a few of the items that make this kitchen unique.

Kitchen Addition & Accessory Unit

Reliance Design Build

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, stone slab splashback, white appliances, light hardwood floors, multiple islands, white benchtop and vaulted.

A Rural Renovation

BAKER POSEY DESIGN

This kitchen was an addition to the existing home, gracious archway connects to the original section of the house that was once the kitchen and now is dining.

Spectacular Contemporary

Parsons Construction Inc

This is an example of a contemporary u-shaped kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, blue splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, multiple islands, grey floor, white benchtop and vaulted.

Lone Ash Lookout

Cushman Design Group

This is an example of a transitional open plan kitchen in Burlington with white splashback, multiple islands, white benchtop and vaulted.

Wimberley Modern Hill Country

Levitas Modern Homes

Design ideas for an expansive modern eat-in kitchen in Austin with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, window splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, multiple islands, white benchtop and vaulted.

Holland

Signature Innovations LLC

Comforting yet beautifully curated, soft colors and gently distressed wood work craft a welcoming kitchen. The coffered beadboard ceiling and gentle blue walls in the family room are just the right balance for the quarry stone fireplace, replete with surrounding built-in bookcases. 7” wide-plank Vintage French Oak Rustic Character Victorian Collection Tuscany edge hand scraped medium distressed in Stone Grey Satin Hardwax Oil. For more information please email us at: sales@signaturehardwoods.com

French Country Character

TruKitchens

This French country-inspired kitchen shows off a mixture of natural materials like marble and alder wood. The cabinetry from Grabill Cabinets was thoughtfully designed to look like furniture. The island, dining table, and bar work table allow for enjoying good food and company throughout the space. The large metal range hood from Raw Urth stands sentinel over the professional range, creating a contrasting focal point in the design. Cabinetry that stretches from floor to ceiling eliminates the look of floating upper cabinets while providing ample storage space. Cabinetry: Grabill Cabinets, Countertops: Grothouse, Great Lakes Granite, Range Hood: Raw Urth, Builder: Ron Wassenaar, Interior Designer: Diane Hasso Studios, Photography: Ashley Avila Photography

Gourmet Kitchen Addition w/ 2 islands & Beverage Station

The Cleary Company

Design ideas for an expansive transitional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Columbus with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, green cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, multiple islands, white benchtop and vaulted.

Water's Edge

ID by Gwen

Photo of a beach style u-shaped open plan kitchen in Seattle with a single-bowl sink, recessed-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartzite benchtops, black splashback, porcelain splashback, black appliances, light hardwood floors, multiple islands, black benchtop and vaulted.

Modern Farmhouse Open Concept Living, Kitchen, & Dining

Ever After Custom Homes

Double Islands that are perfect for entertaining.
Inspiration for a large country l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Toronto with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, brown cabinets, granite benchtops, panelled appliances, multiple islands, grey benchtop and vaulted.

Lake Oswego - Lake Front Residence

Pedini NW

Kitchen | Seven Hills | 02104 by Pinnacle Architectural Studio

Pinnacle Architectural Studio

Design ideas for an expansive arts and crafts galley eat-in kitchen in Las Vegas with a double-bowl sink, medium wood cabinets, multi-coloured splashback, mosaic tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, multiple islands, brown benchtop and vaulted.

185 – Lake Forest Modern Transitional Kitchen Remodel

APlus Interior Design & Remodeling

Design Build Modern Transitional Kitchen Remodel with white cabinets, quartz countertops, wood floors in Lake Forest Orange County, California
Inspiration for a large transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Orange County with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, laminate benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, multiple islands, brown floor, white benchtop and vaulted.

Kitchen with multiple Islands and Vaulted 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!