Inspiration for a large contemporary l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, solid surface benchtops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors and with island.

Beach House- Carlsbad

REHAB Kitchen & Bath

This is an example of a mid-sized beach style l-shaped eat-in kitchen in San Diego with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, solid surface benchtops, grey splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island and brown floor.

White Kitchen

Mike's Factory Direct

Photo of a mid-sized transitional galley eat-in kitchen in New York with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, soapstone benchtops, black splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances and dark hardwood floors.

Project 15 in Briarcliff Manor

Amazing Spaces

The prep sink and cooking space are designed to be a social experience and are located close to, and in view of, the family room furniture arrangement. The clean-up area is located in a more private area of the space so that dirty dishes following a party could be stacked out of sight. The refrigerator is centrally located so it can efficiently service both work zones. Slab wood veneer doors in a textured gloss finish are framed by pilasters forming a cohesive furniture concept throughout the design. White countertops receive waterfall sides in strategic locations and are complimented by white porcelain tile backsplash with a modern wavy texture. Blue pendants, blue counter stools and a blue accent wall satisfy the client’s need for a splash of their favorite color. The wall between the kitchen and dining area was removed to achieve the open concept that the clients wanted. The existing small kitchen table was replaced by an eating area with stools at the island and a larger, family-friendly dining table. A window was relocated to accommodate a functional cabinet layout. Ilir Rizaj

A Warm and Light Bathroom and Kitchen Remodel in Keller, TX

LoneStar Design Build

Sonja Quintero
Mid-sized transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Dallas with a drop-in sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, brown splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island and brown floor.

Diewock Kitchen

Turan Designs, Inc.

Transitional White Kitchen Photographer: Sacha Griffin
This is an example of an expansive transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Atlanta with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, grey splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island and white benchtop.

Blue Louise Granite Kitchen Counter Top

Stone Pros Marble and Granite, Inc.

Granite kitchen countertop. Material: Blue Louise, edge detail: ogee over full bull-nose.
Photo of a large transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Seattle with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite benchtops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

6 Via Aragon - San Antonio Parade of Homes

K. Miller Interiors

SilverLeaf Custom Homes' San Antonio 2012 Parade of Homes Entry. Interior Design by Interiors by KM. Photos Courtesy: Siggi Ragnar.
This is an example of a large contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Austin with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, grey splashback, porcelain splashback, white appliances, dark hardwood floors and multiple islands.

Project Dumas - Kitchen Remodel

Delaney's Design

This kitchen and breakfast room underwent a MAJOR transformation. From the configuration and layout to every surface and fixture! We removed an eye sore of a post, replaced the ceramic tile floors with natural hardwoods which were continued from the living area to create better continuity and flow. The cabinets were refaced, where possible, we kept the existing cabinetry to save the budget and the Earth! Take a walk through of the space and look a the BEFORE to get the full WOW factor.

Colorful & Organized Small Kitchen

Tracey Stephens Interior Design Inc

The in-law suite kitchen could only be in a small corner of the basement. The kitchen design started with the question: how small can this kitchen be? The compact layout was designed to provide generous counter space, comfortable walking clearances, and abundant storage. The bold colors and fun patterns anchored by the warmth of the dark wood flooring create a happy and invigorating space. SQUARE FEET: 140

Weddington, NC- Main floor renovation-Kitchen

Leslie Williams Interior Design

This Old World Style house received a total transformation to bring it up to date! The client is loving the new fresh, brighter look! We also added wooden ceiling beams to give it a homey feel. Loving the sparkle in the shiny subway tile and the herringbone pattern.

Abiding Lounge

Amrami Design + Build

Photo By: Aimée Mazzenga
Inspiration for a transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Chicago with a drop-in sink, beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, tile benchtops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Project 13

American Kitchen Cabinets

This is an example of a mid-sized transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Sacramento with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, medium wood cabinets, solid surface benchtops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and black benchtop.

Historic Naperville Kitchen

Plain & Posh

This beautiful century old home had an addition aded in the 80's that sorely needed updated. Working with the homeowner to make sure it functioned well for her, but also brought in some of the century old style was key to the design.

Harlock

Jodie Rosen Design

stephani buchman photo
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped open plan kitchen in Toronto with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island and grey floor.

White Kitchens

Mike's Factory Direct

Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in New York with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, concrete benchtops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors and with island.

South Pasadena Transitional and Timeless Kitchen

Jamie's Kitchen & Bath

J.M.
Photo of a mid-sized transitional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Los Angeles with a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors and a peninsula.

Mountain Shadows Addition

Solid Rock Custom Homes

An addition and remodel on the main level of this home provided a larger kitchen, as well as the addition of a Father In Law suite that allowed aging in place accommodation. The kitchen was changed from a small 10'x8' room into a large 16'x14' area with vaulted ceilings and room for their family. The painted white cabinets are accented by an espresso stained island cabinet and have Labradorite Bianco granite countertops. The stainless steel Viking appliances tie in with the stainless plumbing fixtures and cabinet hardware. A white single bowl farmhouse sink, and beveled 3x6 white porcelain tiles add a transitional flair to this home. Paul Kohlman Photography

MacArthur Park Single Family Residence

Herron Horton Architects, Inc.

Photo of a large contemporary l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Little Rock with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop and vaulted.

Modern Vintage Kitchen

Next Stage Design + Build

Scott DuBose Photography
Design ideas for a small eclectic u-shaped kitchen in San Francisco with shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, quartz benchtops, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, a peninsula, brown floor and white benchtop.

Kitchen with Porcelain Splashback and Dark Hardwood 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!