Design ideas for a small transitional galley open plan kitchen in DC Metro with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Urban Farmhouse

DK Homes

This home is full of clean lines, soft whites and grey, & lots of built-in pieces. Large entry area with message center, dual closets, custom bench with hooks and cubbies to keep organized. Living room fireplace with shiplap, custom mantel and cabinets, and white brick.

Kenilworth Project - Mid Century Modern Whole House Remodel

Haven Design and Construction

The kitchen in this Mid Century Modern home is a true showstopper. The designer expanded the original kitchen footprint and doubled the kitchen in size. The walnut dividing wall and walnut cabinets are hallmarks of the original mid century design, while a mix of deep blue cabinets provide a more modern punch. The triangle shape is repeated throughout the kitchen in the backs of the counter stools, the ends of the waterfall island, the light fixtures, the clerestory windows, and the walnut dividing wall.

Boho Bungalow Kitchen

Arcata Cabinet & Design Company

Design ideas for a small scandinavian l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, beige splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Class Act Modern Kitchen Renovation

Omorfia' Designs Inc

This modern kitchen update was a dream to work on. Every detail down to the lighting included inside the cabinets and drawers was well thought out executed by our team of designers, architects and builders. We are proud of the end result and more importantly our home owners are ecstatic and can't wait to spend every moment possible in their new mid century modern inspired kitchen.

New Kitchen, Fresh Start

Drury Design

THE SETUP “You have to figure out how to rebuild a life worth living,” Basia Kozub’s client says. Her husband passed away suddenly three years ago. Holidays with family became more important, and she found herself struggling with a 37-year old kitchen that was falling apart. “I made a decision to move forward,” she says. “I went, ‘You know what? I’m redoing the kitchen.'” The big task of getting started was as easy as having a conversation – literally. Basia was on the job, helping the client sort through priorities, wishes and ideas. Basia’s client is 5′ 4″, likes keeping an eye on the kiddoes in the backyard and wanted certain things to have their own place. THE REMODEL The objectives were: Enlarge and open the space Find a classic look that incorporates blues Upgrade to easy-to-use appliances Hide an office space within the space Ample storage for dishes Design challenges: Uneven window alignment on the back wall Original kitchen smaller than desired, stuctural concerns if walls to be moved Keep folks close – figure out seating for entertaining Main sink in corner is ideal, but windows are hard to reach Lots of storage needed for dishes, glass collection, pantry items, bar bottles and office supplies Specific storage needs for oft-used spices and utensils THE RENEWED SPACE Design solutions: Replace back wall windows, establish window size continuity Take out two walls to open up the space, tall shallow cabinet and a tall filler added to conceal a new header Large island that seats six easily Custom corner sink cabinet with recessed edge allows vertically challenged homeowner to reach the windows Mindful storage planning features: plenty of cabinets, pull-out bar bottle storage, file drawers & cubbies with pocket doors for office appliances, magic corner pullouts, and appliance garages with pocket doors Shelf behind range for easy access to daily-use spices and oils. Also: spice and utensil pullouts on either side of range The clients says every priority and wish box got checked. The highly functional design absorbed everything that used to be in that area of the house, but now those things are out of the way. “In the past, we were all spread out when we gathered for the holidays, because we had to spread out. Now, we’re all in here together, including my 92-year old mother. We’re visiting, cooking, laughing… everyone is here. And I’m really learning how to use these appliances. This kitchen has given me a whole new life.”

Calle Del Cerrito

Joseph Rodrigues Interiors

Spanish Revival Kitchen Renovation
Large mediterranean u-shaped separate kitchen in Orange County with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, green cabinets, quartz benchtops, beige splashback, ceramic splashback, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and beige benchtop.

Lake of the Isles Kitchen

M. Victoria Johnson Interiors

Design ideas for a beach style u-shaped open plan kitchen in Minneapolis with a single-bowl sink, recessed-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, multi-coloured benchtop and vaulted.

Modern Farmhouse with Natural Alder

Kitchen Associates

Modern farmhouse kitchen with white and natural alder wood cabinets. BRAND: Brighton DOOR STYLE: Hampton MT FINISH: Lower - Natural Alder with Brown Glaze; Upper - “Hingham” Paint HARDWARE: Amerock BP53529 Oil Rubbed Bronze Pulls DESIGNER: Ruth Bergstrom - Kitchen Associates

Kitchen

ING Construction

Complete ADU Build; Framing, drywall, insulation, carpentry and all required electrical and plumbing needs per the ADU build. Installation of all tile; Kitchen flooring and backsplash. Installation of hardwood flooring and base molding. Installation of all Kitchen cabinets as well as a fresh paint to finish.

Indigo Kitchen

Karr Bick Kitchen and Bath

Photo of a mid-sized transitional u-shaped open plan kitchen in St Louis with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, ceramic splashback, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Quimby

risa boyer architecture

Josh Partee
This is an example of a mid-sized midcentury l-shaped kitchen in Portland with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, white benchtop, white cabinets and beige floor.

Concordia Midcentury Modern

risa boyer architecture

Reagen Taylor
Photo of a mid-sized midcentury l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Portland with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, blue splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors and with island.

Seashore

Legacy Custom Homes

Ryan Garvin
Mid-sized beach style u-shaped open plan kitchen in Orange County with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, blue splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island and dark hardwood floors.

Greenhaven Road Rye NY Shingle Style

Studio Dearborn

A spacious colonial in the heart of the waterfront community of Greenhaven still had its original 1950s kitchen. A renovation without an addition added space by reconfiguring, and the wall between kitchen and family room was removed to create open flow. A beautiful banquette was built where the family can enjoy breakfast overlooking the pool. Kitchen Design: Studio Dearborn. Interior decorating by Lorraine Levinson. All appliances: Thermador. Countertops: Pental Quartz Lattice. Hardware: Top Knobs Chareau Series Emerald Pulls and knobs. Stools and pendant lights: West Elm. Photography: Jeff McNamara.

Hilltop Road

Dichotomy Interiors

warm white oak and blackened oak custom crafted kitchen with zellige tile and quartz countertops.
This is an example of a large midcentury open plan kitchen in New York with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, beige splashback, ceramic splashback, black appliances, concrete floors, with island, grey floor and grey benchtop.

Boho Bungalow Kitchen

Arcata Cabinet & Design Company

Small scandinavian l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, beige splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Bedford Village

Erika Jayne Design Build

Tired of the original, segmented floor plan of their midcentury home, this young family was ready to make a big change. Inspired by their beloved collection of Heath Ceramics tableware and needing an open space for the family to gather to do homework, make bread, and enjoy Friday Pizza Night…a new kitchen was born. Interior Architecture. Removal of one wall that provided a major obstruction, but no structure, resulted in connection between the family room, dining room, and kitchen. The new open plan allowed for a large island with seating and better flow in and out of the kitchen and garage. Interior Design. Vertically stacked, handmade tiles from Heath Ceramics in Ogawa Green wrap the perimeter backsplash with a nod to midcentury design. A row of white oak slab doors conceal a hidden exhaust hood while offering a sleek modern vibe. Shelves float just below to display beloved tableware, cookbooks, and cherished souvenirs.

Two-toned Quartz Kitchen

Eisenbrandt Companies

Two-toned kitchen accented with a blue island and white cabinets. Avanti quartz island countertop paired perfectly with the Black Ocean Leathered Granite for the surrounding stone. Herringbone subway tile backsplash with light gray grout to form depth and contrast. Gold hardware mixed with stainless steel appliances and rattan pendants to bring warmth into the space. Custom drop zone/mudroom area and a fun powder room refresh with palm wallpaper.

Terrace Kitchen

HDR Remodeling Inc.

Photo of a large transitional galley open plan kitchen in San Francisco with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, brown floor and white benchtop.

Kitchen with Quartz Benchtops and Ceramic 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!