Photo of a contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Sydney with an undermount sink, light wood cabinets, white splashback, stone slab splashback, panelled appliances, with island, grey floor and white benchtop.

Newport Home

Joanne Green Landscape & Interior

Joanne Green Landscape and Interior transformed a dated interior into a relaxed and fresh apartment that embraces the sunlit marine setting of Sydney's Barrenjoey peninsula. The client's brief was to create a layered aesthetic that captures the property's expansive view and amplifies the flow between the interior and exterior spaces. The project included updates to three bedrooms, an ensuite, a bathroom, a kitchen with a butler's pantry, a study nook, a dedicated laundry, and a generous dining and living area. By using thoughtful interior design, the finished space presents a unique, comfortable, and contemporary atmosphere to the waterfront home.

Bayadere Newport Beach

William Guidero Planning and Design

Mid-sized transitional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Orange County with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, stone slab splashback, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Lakeside Retreat

Tielens Construction Inc.

This is an example of a mid-sized modern single-wall open plan kitchen in Other with with island, an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, concrete benchtops, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and grey benchtop.

Peak Performance

JayJeffers

Matthew Millman
This is an example of a contemporary galley open plan kitchen in San Francisco with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, concrete benchtops, grey splashback, stone tile splashback, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and grey benchtop.

Navarin

BAT & CO

Inspiration for a large contemporary l-shaped open plan kitchen in Paris with an integrated sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, marble benchtops, beige splashback, marble splashback, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and beige benchtop.

Modern Spanish Revival

SDG Architects

Photo by John Merkl
Inspiration for a mid-sized mediterranean open plan kitchen in San Francisco with a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartzite benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, ceramic splashback, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and beige benchtop.

White Oak and Quartz Shine in Modern Cottage Kitchen

Chervin Kitchen & Bath Inc.

In the heart of a modern cottage kitchen, elegance meets rustic charm with the stunning combination of white oak cabinets and a gleaming quartz countertop. As sunlight pours through the windows, it dances upon the smooth surface of the countertops, casting a radiant glow throughout the space. The pristine white oak cabinets, with their clean lines and timeless appeal, exude a sense of warmth and sophistication. The white oak cabinets, meticulously crafted and finished to perfection, add a touch of natural beauty to the kitchen. Their light hue complements the airy ambiance of the cottage kitchen, creating a sense of openness and serenity. The wood's subtle grain patterns add depth and character to the space, infusing it with a sense of authenticity and charm.

San Carlos Treetop

Cathie Hong Interiors

What started as a kitchen and two-bathroom remodel evolved into a full home renovation plus conversion of the downstairs unfinished basement into a permitted first story addition, complete with family room, guest suite, mudroom, and a new front entrance. We married the midcentury modern architecture with vintage, eclectic details and thoughtful materials.

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.

Noir Peaks

The Ranch Mine

Photo by Roehner + Ryan
Country galley open plan kitchen in Phoenix with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, limestone splashback, panelled appliances, concrete floors, with island, grey floor, white benchtop and vaulted.

Mini studio à Neuilly Plaisance

AGENCE MARN DÉCO

Cuisine ouverte et salle d'eau.
Photo of a small modern single-wall open plan kitchen in Paris with a single-bowl sink, beaded inset cabinets, light wood cabinets, laminate benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, ceramic splashback, panelled appliances, terrazzo floors, multi-coloured floor and white benchtop.

Projet Montcalm Architectes d'intérieurs : Margaux Meza et Carla Lopez

Transition Interior Design

Contemporary u-shaped kitchen in Paris with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, white splashback, panelled appliances, no island, grey floor and white benchtop.

Sea Cliff Huntington Beach

Remodel Experts, Inc.

Photo of a large tropical l-shaped separate kitchen in Orange County with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, marble benchtops, metallic splashback, mirror splashback, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and grey benchtop.

Durham Whole House Remodel

Neil Kelly Company

Photo of a large transitional galley eat-in kitchen in Portland with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, granite benchtops, green splashback, ceramic splashback, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and grey benchtop.

MONTORGUEIL

atelier daaa

Photo : BCDF Studio
This is an example of a mid-sized scandinavian single-wall open plan kitchen in Paris with an undermount sink, light wood cabinets, white splashback, no island, beaded inset cabinets, quartzite benchtops, ceramic splashback, panelled appliances, cement tiles, multi-coloured floor and white benchtop.

Open Concept Kitchen

Aniko Nicholson Design

In this open concept kitchen, you'll discover an inviting, spacious island that's perfect for gatherings and gourmet cooking. With meticulous attention to detail, custom woodwork adorns every part of this culinary haven, from the richly decorated cabinets to the shiplap ceiling, offering both warmth and sophistication that you'll appreciate. The glistening countertops highlight the wood's natural beauty, while a suite of top-of-the-line appliances seamlessly combines practicality and luxury, making your cooking experience a breeze. The prominent farmhouse sink adds practicality and charm, and a counter bar sink in the island provides extra convenience, tailored just for you. Bathed in natural light, this kitchen transforms into a welcoming masterpiece, offering a sanctuary for both culinary creativity and shared moments of joy. Count on the quality, just like many others have. Let's make your culinary dreams come true. Take action today and experience the difference.

Eastgate

Baluco

Custom White oak slim shaker kitchen cabinets
This is an example of a large contemporary l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Seattle with a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, porcelain splashback, light hardwood floors, with island, white benchtop and panelled appliances.

Windy Creek - Classic Kitchen

In the Deets

Classic kitchen & pantry, dining, great room, and mudroom remodel. Two-tone rift cut white oak and white cabinetry, zellige-style backsplash, plaster hood, and brass fixtures.

House with a view

Studio 73 Design

Photo of a contemporary l-shaped kitchen in London with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, panelled appliances, with island, white benchtop and vaulted.

Kitchen with Light Wood Cabinets and Panelled Appliances 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!