Mid-sized traditional open plan kitchen in Los Angeles with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, blue splashback, quartz benchtops, glass tile splashback, medium hardwood floors, with island and blue benchtop.

Portside Court Townhouse

Simply Home Decorating

What comes to mind when you envision the perfect multi-faceted living spaces? Is it an expansive amount of counter space at which to cook, work, or entertain freely? Abundant and practical cabinet organization to keep clutter at bay and the space looking beautiful? Or perhaps the answer is all of the above, along with a cosy spot to retreat after the long day is complete. The project we are sharing with you here has each of these elements in spades: spaces that combine beauty with function, promote comfort and relaxation, and make time at home enjoyable for this active family of three. Our main focus was to remodel the kitchen, where we hoped to create a functional layout for everyday use. Our clients also hoped to incorporate a home office right into the kitchen itself. However, the clients realized that renovation the kitchen alone wouldn’t create the full transformation they were looking for. Kitchens interact intimately with their adjacent spaces, especially family rooms, and we were determined to elevate their daily living experience from top to bottom. We redesigned the kitchen and living area to increase work surfaces and storage solutions, create comfortable and luxurious spaces to unwind, and update the overall aesthetic to fit their more modern, collected taste. Here’s how it turned out…

Balmer Circle Kitchen Project

Neil Kelly Company

This home was worn out from family life and lacked the natural lighting the homeowners had desired for years. Removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room let the light pour in, and transformed the kitchen into an entertaining delight with seating/dining spaces at both ends. The breeze colored island stone backsplash tile (Pental Surfaces) is low maintenance and long-wearing, and pairs perfectly against the stained cherry contemporary cabinetry (Decor Cabinets). Quartz countertops were installed on the surround (Caesarstone) and island (a charcoal color with a suede finish was selected for the island to cut down on glare - Siletsone by Cosentino). Chilewich woven fabric applied to the back of the island adds durability and interest to a high-traffic area. The elevated, locally sourced Madrone bar (Sustainable NW Woods) at the end of the island—under a stunning "ribbon" pendant (Elan Lighting)—is a perfect spot to sip Sauvignon.

Brendonshire Residence

Jones Design Group LLC

Mid-sized transitional u-shaped separate kitchen in Indianapolis with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, green cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, no island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Edina Kitchen Refreshment

Thompson Construction

Spacecrafting
This is an example of a mid-sized transitional galley eat-in kitchen in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, a peninsula, brown floor and white benchtop.

Mid-century Modern Kitchen Remodel

Core Home Solutions, Inc.

Mid-century modern kitchen design featuring: - Kraftmaid Vantage cabinets (Barnet Golden Lager) with quartersawn maple slab fronts and tab cabinet pulls - Island Stone Wave glass backsplash tile - White quartz countertops - Thermador range and dishwasher - Cedar & Moss mid-century brass light fixtures - Concealed undercabinet plug mold receptacles - Undercabinet LED lighting - Faux-wood porcelain tile for island paneling

Los Altos- Modern Craftsman

Kerstin Dieterich Designs

Butlers pantry Photo credit- Alicia Garcia Staging- one two six design
This is an example of a large transitional l-shaped kitchen pantry in San Francisco with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and grey splashback.

SF Two-Unit Gem

Swanson Kitchens, Inc.

Marcell Puzsar BrightRoomSF.com
This is an example of a mid-sized transitional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in San Francisco with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, dark hardwood floors, with island, an undermount sink, quartz benchtops, green splashback, glass tile splashback and stainless steel appliances.

San Mateo Contemporary Condo

SENGA interior design

Space planning in this kitchen space was essential. We focused on using smaller appliances like the 30" double oven with rang, an 18" dishwasher, and a narrow fridge to allow for more counter space.

Karvelas Kitchen

Turan Designs, Inc.

Huge Contemporary Kitchen Designer: Teri Turan
Photo of an expansive transitional u-shaped kitchen in Atlanta with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, beige splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Kitchen and Outdoor Living Areas

Turnstone Custom Homes

Carolyn Watson
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped eat-in kitchen in DC Metro with recessed-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, an undermount sink, grey splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, marble floors, with island, white floor, quartz benchtops and turquoise benchtop.

Contemporary. clean, warm kitchen

Kristin Lam Interiors

Clean, contemporary white oak slab cabinets with a white Chroma Crystal White countertop. Cabinets are set off with sleek stainless steel handles. The appliances are also stainless steel. The diswasher is Bosch, the refridgerator is a Kenmore professional built-in, stainless steel. The hood is stainless and glass from Futuro, Venice model. The double oven is stainless steel from LG. The stainless wine cooler is Uline. the stainless steel built-in microwave is form GE. The irridescent glass back splash that sets off the floating bar cabinet and surrounds window is Vihara Irridescent 1 x 4 glass in Puka. Perfect for entertaining. The floors are Italian ceramic planks that look like hardwood in a driftwood color. Simply gorgeous. Lighting is recessed and kept to a minimum to maintain the crisp clean look the client was striving for. I added a pop of orange and turquoise (not seen in the photos) for pillows on a bench as well as on the accessories. Cabinet fabricator, Mark Klindt ~ www.creativewoodworks.info

Chestnut Ave, Clarendon Hills

Plain & Posh

This young family wanted to update their kitchen and loved getting away to the coast. We tried to bring a little of the coast to their suburban Chicago home. The statement pantry doors with antique mirror add a wonderful element to the space. The large island gives the family a wonderful space to hang out, The custom "hutch' area is actual full of hidden outlets to allow for all of the electronics a place to charge. Warm brass details and the stunning tile complete the area.

Mountain View Altadena Modern

Wendy Wilson & Associates

Mid-sized modern eat-in kitchen in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, white benchtop, vaulted, blue splashback and with island.

Chef's Pantry

Cheryl Chenault Interiors, Inc.

Design ideas for a small contemporary l-shaped kitchen pantry in Other with a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, beige cabinets, quartz benchtops, blue splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors and white benchtop.

Arcadia Ave

Hello Kitchen

Mid-sized transitional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Austin with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, blue splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, no island, brown floor and grey benchtop.

Petersburg

Emily Dyer Design

Large traditional u-shaped separate kitchen in Nashville with an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Brendonshire Residence

Jones Design Group LLC

This is an example of a mid-sized transitional u-shaped separate kitchen in Indianapolis with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, green cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, no island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Los Angeles Pied a Terre

Lauren Jacobsen Interior Design

Open plan galley kitchen. White, bright, and airy with incredible city view. All new cabinetry, plumbing, and countertops. Cabinetry is white gloss, flat panel and backsplash is a white subway glass tile to reflect light throughout the kitchen.

Cherry Laude Kitchen

Nest Kitchen, Bath & Home Design

www.nestkbhomedesign.com Photos: Linda McKee With large cabinet space everything you ever needed to be a chef has the perfect space.
This is an example of a mid-sized transitional u-shaped open plan kitchen in St Louis with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, brown cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, glass tile splashback, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop and vaulted.

Kitchen with Quartz Benchtops and Glass Tile 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!