A Light-Filled Kitchen in Historic Amherst, New Hampshire

This is a beautiful kitchen transformation created in the historic district of Amherst, New Hampshire. The prior space consisted of a small, outdated kitchen with a separate dining nook that did not suit the client’s needs. We opened up the entire space, added open shelving, replaced the cabinetry, and added a stunning quartz island. The homeowner’s personalities really shine through in the design in this project, and are left with a beautiful, bright space that will be enjoyed for years to come!

Worldly Heritage

JRP Design & Remodel

To spotlight the owners’ worldly decor, this remodel quietly complements the furniture and art textures, colors, and patterns abundant in this beautiful home. The original master bath had a 1980s style in dire need of change. By stealing an adjacent bedroom for the new master closet, the bath transformed into an artistic and spacious space. The jet-black herringbone-patterned floor adds visual interest to highlight the freestanding soaking tub. Schoolhouse-style shell white sconces flank the matching his and her vanities. The new generous master shower features polished nickel dual shower heads and hand shower and is wrapped in Bedrosian Porcelain Manifica Series in Luxe White with satin finish. The kitchen started as dated and isolated. To add flow and more natural light, the wall between the bar and the kitchen was removed, along with exterior windows, which allowed for a complete redesign. The result is a streamlined, open, and light-filled kitchen that flows into the adjacent family room and bar areas – perfect for quiet family nights or entertaining with friends. Crystal Cabinets in white matte sheen with satin brass pulls, and the white matte ceramic backsplash provides a sleek and neutral palette. The newly-designed island features Calacutta Royal Leather Finish quartz and Kohler sink and fixtures. The island cabinets are finished in black sheen to anchor this seating and prep area, featuring round brass pendant fixtures. One end of the island provides the perfect prep and cut area with maple finish butcher block to match the stove hood accents. French White Oak flooring warms the entire area. The Miele 48” Dual Fuel Range with Griddle offers the perfect features for simple or gourmet meal preparation. A new dining nook makes for picture-perfect seating for night or day dining. Welcome to artful living in Worldly Heritage style. Photographer: Andrew - OpenHouse VC

Rift White Oak Beaded inset

Wende Woodworking LLC

Furniture toe details throughout kitchen. Fridge/freezer Sub-Zero units. All switches and outlets are underneath upper cabinetry to keep a clean backsplash.

Kitchen

Great Rooms Building Group

This is an example of a large transitional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Chicago with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, engineered quartz splashback, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop, exposed beam and white splashback.

Northern MN Lakeside Home

Lenox House Design

This custom support kitchen is a gem. The scalloping at the top of the cabinets was patterned directly from the cottage on the property to compliment the windows that were used as the upper cabinet doors. The original pine finish shown on the front was actually inside of the cottage but when you open them they are blue, since the exterior of the cottage was white and blue. The blue and white tile coordinates with the antique hand painted dishware collected by the home owner. Butcher block countertops, a cast iron undermount sink, a bridge faucet and dutch door painted in Showstopper Red to match the front door helps complement this space.

CP Residence

Karen Aston Design

Large midcentury galley kitchen pantry in Sydney with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, quartz benchtops, window splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, a peninsula, beige floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

Modern Farmhouse Kitchen

Kowalske Kitchen & Bath

Creating a space to entertain was the top priority in this Mukwonago kitchen remodel. The homeowners wanted seating and counter space for hosting parties and watching sports. By opening the dining room wall, we extended the kitchen area. We added an island and custom designed furniture-style bar cabinet with retractable pocket doors. A new awning window overlooks the backyard and brings in natural light. Many in-cabinet storage features keep this kitchen neat and organized. Bar Cabinet The furniture-style bar cabinet has retractable pocket doors and a drop-in quartz counter. The homeowners can entertain in style, leaving the doors open during parties. Guests can grab a glass of wine or make a cocktail right in the cabinet. Outlet Strips Outlet strips on the island and peninsula keeps the end panels of the island and peninsula clean. The outlet strips also gives them options for plugging in appliances during parties. Modern Farmhouse Design The design of this kitchen is modern farmhouse. The materials, patterns, color and texture define this space. We used shades of golds and grays in the cabinetry, backsplash and hardware. The chevron backsplash and shiplap island adds visual interest. Custom Cabinetry This kitchen features frameless custom cabinets with light rail molding. It’s designed to hide the under cabinet lighting and angled plug molding. Putting the outlets under the cabinets keeps the backsplash uninterrupted. Storage Features Efficient storage and organization was important to these homeowners. We opted for deep drawers to allow for easy access to stacks of dishes and bowls. Under the cooktop, we used custom drawer heights to meet the homeowners’ storage needs. A third drawer was added next to the spice drawer rollout. Narrow pullout cabinets on either side of the cooktop for spices and oils. The pantry rollout by the double oven rotates 90 degrees. Other Updates Staircase – We updated the staircase with a barn wood newel post and matte black balusters Fireplace – We whitewashed the fireplace and added a barn wood mantel and pilasters.

Chabot Whole House Remodel

HDR Remodeling Inc.

Photo Credit: Treve Johnson Photography
Large transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in San Francisco with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, green cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, black appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Modern Living in Downtown Birmingham

Stalburg Design

This stylish, family friendly kitchen is also an entertainer’s dream! This young family desired a bright, spacious kitchen that would function just as well for the family of 4 everyday, as it would for hosting large events (in a non-covid world). Apart from these programmatic goals, our aesthetic goal was to accommodate all the function and mess into the design so everything would be neatly hidden away behind beautiful cabinetry and panels. The navy, bifold buffet area serves as an everyday breakfast and coffee bar, and transforms into a beautiful buffet spread during parties (we’ve been there!). The fridge drawers are great for housing milk and everyday items during the week, and both kid and adult beverages during parties while keeping the guests out of the main cooking zone. Just around the corner you’ll find the high gloss navy bar offering additional beverages, ice machine, and barware storage – cheers! Super durable quartz with a marbled look keeps the kitchen looking neat and bright, while withstanding everyday wear and tear without a problem. The practical waterfall ends at the island offer additional damage control in bringing that hard surface all the way down to the beautiful white oak floors. Underneath three large window walls, a built-in banquette and custom table provide a comfortable, intimate dining nook for the family and a few guests while the stunning chandelier ties in nicely with the other brass accents in the kitchen. The thin black window mullions offer a sharp, clean contrast to the crisp white walls and coordinate well with the dark banquette. Thin, tall windows on either side of the range beautifully frame the stunningly simple, double curvature custom hood, and large windows in the bar/butler’s pantry allow additional light to really flood the space and keep and airy feel. The textured wallpaper in the bar area adds a touch of warmth, drama and interest while still keeping things simple.

Modern Meets South Minneapolis | Minneapolis, MN

White Birch Design, LLC

When the clients for this 1940's Minneapolis home came to us with their kitchen, they wanted to really make a kitchen they could be proud to come home to and entertain friends and family. With a Scandinavian focus in mind, we played with a number of different elements to bring the whole design together. The cabinets are painted a blue/gray color and the tops are a marble-like quartz. The backsplash is a simple, yet elegant, gray elongated subway tile that tucks up right under the floating shelves and upper cabinets. The floors are a wood-looking luxury vinyl plank. Finally the open shelves are made of reclaimed barn wood sourced from Minnesota. One of the focuses in this kitchen was to create a space for coffee. The coffee nook was specifically designed to accommodate the specific coffee maker the homeowners selected. Overall, we are completely in love with this look and how beautiful it turned out!

Denver Modern Farmhouse

Woodharbor Custom Cabinetry

Madison door, Prairie profile, Slab drawer front, Cashmere on Quarter Sawn White Oak & Graphite enamel.
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional l-shaped kitchen in Denver with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Moore St House

BD Building Design

Design ideas for a large contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Melbourne with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, engineered quartz splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor, white benchtop and recessed.

A Bold and Beautiful Blue Kitchen in Glen Ellyn

TKS Design Group

Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW The new galley style configuration features a simple work triangle of a Kitchenaid refrigerator, Wolf range and Elkay sink. With plenty of the seating nearby, we opted to utilize the back of the island for storage. In addition, the two tall cabinets flanking the opening of the breakfast room feature additional pantry storage. An appliance garage to the left of the range features roll out shelves. The tall cabinets and wall cabinets feature simple white shaker doors while the base cabinets and island are Benjamin Moore “Hale Navy”. Hanstone Campina quartz countertops, walnut accents and gold hardware and lighting make for a stylish and up-to-date feeling space. The backsplash is a 5" Natural Stone hex. Faucet is a Litze by Brizo in Brilliant Luxe Gold. Hardware is It Pull from Atlas in Vintage Brass and Lighting was purchased by the owner from Schoolhouse Electric. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKBD Photography by: LOMA Studios For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Piano Gloss Sensation

Interiology Design Co.

Pull up a stool to this 13’ island! A wall of white picket backsplash tile creates subtle drama surrounding 54” hood and flanking windows. Integrated refrigerator and freezer panels both hinge right for easy access. Piano gloss cabinetry and modern gold sculptural chandelier add an unexpected pop of style.

Greystone French Farmhouse Transitional

Katz Builders, Inc.

Blue is the go-to color this year and it is featured on the island. White raised panel cabinets with lighted upper glass doors. Major lighting changes include recessed can lighting and pendant lights over the island. Saddle bar stools. Island seats five. Calcutta Classique Quartz countertops are on the oversized island and surrounding cabinets. Induction cooktop, Convection, and Steam oven are some of the appliance package. Hickory plank hardwood provides a beautiful floor. Two large porcelain farmhouse sinks for two working prep stations.

Franklin Park Custom Home

WINN Design+Build

This is an example of a large u-shaped open plan kitchen in DC Metro with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, stone tile splashback, black appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and white benchtop.

Log Cabin gets a Blue Kitchen

Lampert Lumber - Rice Lake

The coziest of log cabins got a hint of the lake with these blue cabinets. Integrating antiques and keeping a highly functional space was top priority for this space. Features include painted blue cabinets, white farm sink, and white & gray quartz countertops.

Modern French Provincial

Kristin Hoaglund Design

This beautiful French Provincial home is set on 10 acres, nestled perfectly in the oak trees. The original home was built in 1974 and had two large additions added; a great room in 1990 and a main floor master suite in 2001. This was my dream project: a full gut renovation of the entire 4,300 square foot home! I contracted the project myself, and we finished the interior remodel in just six months. The exterior received complete attention as well. The 1970s mottled brown brick went white to completely transform the look from dated to classic French. Inside, walls were removed and doorways widened to create an open floor plan that functions so well for everyday living as well as entertaining. The white walls and white trim make everything new, fresh and bright. It is so rewarding to see something old transformed into something new, more beautiful and more functional.

Modern kitchen in Manhattan Beach, Brooklyn

European Kitchen Center

Working on this modern kitchen design gave me great pleasure. Unique flat-panel door, integrated and paneled high-end appliances, quartz counters, lacquered and wood veneer finishes, are just a few attributes of this stunning kitchen. Many intricate details, handle-less design, ample modern storage, elevated this kitchen to be one of my favorites projects.

Oak island with seating

Marvista Design + Build

Oak island featuring Edison style pendant lights and soft white cabinets at perimeter.
Photo of a mid-sized country l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Other with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, timber splashback, stainless steel appliances, vinyl floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Kitchen with Quartz Benchtops 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!