This kitchen beautifully portrays how simple white cabinetry, well-made, can be the perfect backdrop for stunning accessories. The use of more traditionally styled lighting and feature tile splashback, plus the rich dark timber flooring, create a sophisticated contemporary look, which is at the same time, comforting and inviting.

Fuller Residence

marcon KITCHEN + BATH STUDIO

Design by Amanda Watson Photos by Uli Rankin
Inspiration for a small transitional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Toronto with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, vinyl floors, no island, black floor and white benchtop.

Midtown Manhattan

Tiffany Hicks Design

a very dated kitchen in well renowned building in Midtown Manhattan received a gut renovation, keeping all gas, water and electrical lines as is. Walls were skimmed and repainted with a warm vibrant apricot color, all cabinets custom made, new appliances and beautiful stone flooring.

PB Kitchen Design Showroom - Geneva, IL

PB Kitchen Design

Bar and front kitchen display in Geneva, IL showroom.
Mid-sized transitional l-shaped separate kitchen in Chicago with an integrated sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, porcelain splashback, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, black floor and grey benchtop.

Luxe Kitchen

Inspired Interiors by Robyn Cote

Kitchen renovation project with hand painted doors, Calacatta marble design slabs, timber shelves, bespoke handles, pendant lighting.
Photo of a small contemporary u-shaped kitchen in Sydney with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, porcelain splashback, black appliances, porcelain floors, a peninsula and black floor.

Catalina Kitchen

South Bay Design Center

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Los Angeles with a farmhouse sink, quartz benchtops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, no island, black floor, raised-panel cabinets and light wood cabinets.

Contemporary Kitchen

Bates Joinery

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary galley eat-in kitchen in Christchurch with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, black splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island and black floor.

St Petersburg Residence

ZaZood

BEL Photography
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Tampa with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, a peninsula, black floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

Seahurst Waterfront Residence, Seattle WA

Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects

Kitchen.
Photo of a mid-sized modern galley kitchen in Seattle with an undermount sink, glass-front cabinets, light wood cabinets, granite benchtops, black splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island, black floor and black benchtop.

Midtown Manhattan

Tiffany Hicks Design

Fletcher Court

Brian David Roberts | Interior Planning & Design

Design ideas for a large contemporary l-shaped separate kitchen in Seattle with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, solid surface benchtops, grey splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, ceramic floors, with island, black floor and white benchtop.

Built-in Bliss - Project 4528

Design 1 Kitchen & Bath

The existing white laminate cabinets, gray counter tops and stark tile flooring did not match the rich old-world trim, natural wood elements and traditional layout of this Victorian home. The new kitchen boasts custom painted cabinets in Blue Mill Springs by Benjamin Moore. We also popped color in their new half bath using Ravishing Coral by Sherwin Williams on the new custom vanity. The wood tones brought in with the walnut island top, alder floating shelves and bench seat as well as the reclaimed barn board ceiling not only contrast the intense hues of the cabinets but help to bring nature into their world. The natural slate floor, black hexagon bathroom tile and custom coral back splash tile by Fire Clay help to tie these two spaces together. Of course the new working triangle allows this growing family to congregate together with multiple tasks at hand without getting in the way of each other and the added storage allow this space to feel open and organized even though they still use the new entry door as their main access to the home. Beautiful transformation!!!!

Alba Beach House

Unique Homestays

Design ideas for a mid-sized beach style open plan kitchen in Cornwall with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, distressed cabinets, wood benchtops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, a peninsula, black floor and brown benchtop.

SLEEPLESS in PORTLAND: Houseboat Diary

Design Vision Studio

Photo by: Shawn St. Peter Photography -
This is an example of a mid-sized eclectic galley open plan kitchen in Portland with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, wood benchtops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, black appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island and black floor.

PB Kitchen Design Showroom - Geneva, IL

PB Kitchen Design

Island featuring Dornbracht's pivot faucet, neolith countertops with integral chopping board. Claro walnut merges in same plane with counter's worksurface.

Pretty, Pretty, Pretty, Pretty, Good!

SGDI - Sarah Gallop Design Inc.

This is an example of an expansive traditional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Vancouver with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite benchtops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, black floor and grey benchtop.

South Hill View Rancher

Taylor Design

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Seattle with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island, black floor and white benchtop.

Painted Shaker Style

Precision Cabinets Inc.

This lovely china cabinet used to be a walled off furnace. we put the furnace into the attic and completely changed the feel of the kitchen with a now functional and decorative storage space.

North Epping

Nouvelle Kitchens & Bathrooms

Wellborn Cabinetry

Custom Development of California

Inspiration for a transitional kitchen in Sacramento with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, green cabinets, soapstone benchtops, black splashback, porcelain splashback, coloured appliances, porcelain floors and black floor.

Kitchen with Porcelain Splashback and Black Floor 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!