What had been a wonderful new construction project got even better when learned that the homeowner wanted to build a contemporary bar - kind of like a kitchen, actually - with stone countertops, high-end appliances, and beautiful tile and custom cabinets in the basement. It's a unique project in that it is not fully a kitchen [there's only a beverage fridge, drawer microwave, ice maker, and dishwasher, but no oven], and it's more than a simple bar as it accommodates food preparation or a catering service. For the homeowner, who is a huge Vikings fan and entertains large groups of sports-loving fans, the perfect project was a full bar/kitchenette that would serve as the ideal place for friends to gather, eat and drink.!

Brilliant in Black

Rochon New York

Clean cut, modern, and magnificent! Rochon custom made black flat panel cabinets and center island set the tone for this open and airy contemporary kitchen and great room. The island lights add a touch of whimsical . The kitchen also features an extra large Frigidaire refrigerator and freezer and wall oven.

Capitol Hill Rowhome

EastWing Architects

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary galley eat-in kitchen in DC Metro with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and yellow benchtop.

Edgewater - Entire Home Renovation

Mancuso Homes

Inspiration for a large transitional kitchen in Cleveland with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, grey splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and white benchtop.

Newport

Elton R Construction

The open-concept of space keeps the house feeling free and bright! Dark cabinets with a built-in fridge are offset by a bright quartz island with double waterfall edges.

Small Galley Kitchen

Wilkinson Brochier Interior Design

Open plan apartment living for urban dwellers optimizes small space city living. Here a galley kitchen in white and dark gray makes a style statement.

Gainesville Lake Home Remodeling - Kitchen, Butler's Pantry & Laundry

Tracy Tesmer Design/Remodeling

Gainesville Lake Home Kitchen, Butler's Pantry & Laundry Room Remodel
Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional galley kitchen pantry in Atlanta with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartzite benchtops, grey splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island, grey floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

A Light Filled White Kitchen with Seafoam Accents

Amazing Spaces

Photo of a large traditional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in New York with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, green splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island, grey floor and grey benchtop.

White Kitchen & Storage

Lamar's Custom Cabinets

This is an example of a large transitional galley separate kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, brown floor, shaker cabinets, ceramic splashback, a peninsula and multi-coloured benchtop.

Kenmare, Burr Ridge Kitchen

Tate Enterprises

This classic traditional kitchen works perfect in this Tudor home. The previous kitchen was knotty pine and very country. Our client was looking for a modern kitchen that would fit with the traditional exterior of the home. The white perimeter cabinets we took to the ceiling and stacked for a clean line and maximum storage. The large island is perfect for prep work and serving a large buffet when entertaining. The paneled appliances keep the kitchen clean and blend into the adjoining cabinetry. A few special details we included are the pull-out shelves in the built-in pantry, for easy access to the items that usually get lost in the back, and a shallow top drawer under the cooktop, for utensils. This kitchen is perfect for our client.

Two Doors Down

Romina Black Interiors

This is an example of a large transitional u-shaped kitchen pantry in Austin with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Downtown Refresh

Usable Space Interiors, LLC

Another angle.
Design ideas for a small transitional galley open plan kitchen in Nashville with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Modern Farm House

UpperTown Homes

Inspiration for a mid-sized country l-shaped open plan kitchen in Atlanta with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, grey splashback, ceramic splashback, black appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Lakeville, IN. Haas Signature Collection. Dark Cherry Kitchen

Bailey's Cabinets

Cabinet Brand: Haas Signature Collection Wood Species: Cherry Cabinet Finish: Bourbon (discontinued) Door Style: Monticello Countertops: Viatera Quartz, Bevel edge, Aria color

Coastal Cottage

ADŌR Homes

reclaimed wood drawers Benjamin moore super white cabinets quartz countertops closet organizer in gray Smoke Gray tile with white grout Sub Zero glass front fridge Microwave with Trim Kit Image by @Spacecrafting

Fortson Avenue

Spruill Custom Homes, LLC

This is an example of a large transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Dallas with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

New Construction in Charlotte, NC

Walker Woodworking

This large, custom kitchen has multiple built-ins and a large, cerused oak island. There is tons of storage and this kitchen was designed to be functional for a busy family that loves to entertain guests.

Crystallo Quartzite, White Kitchen

YK Stone Center Inc.

Cristallo Quartzite kitchen Island. Mitred edges. galerisa photography - gina@ykmarble.com
Photo of a large kitchen in Denver with a farmhouse sink, quartzite benchtops, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, brick floors, with island and beige benchtop.

Modern Spanish Revival

SDG Architects

Photo by John Merkl
Design ideas for a mid-sized mediterranean l-shaped kitchen in San Francisco with quartzite benchtops, ceramic splashback, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, blue splashback and white benchtop.

Contemporary Kitchen

Inspiration for a large contemporary galley open plan kitchen in London with flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, concrete floors, with island, grey floor, white splashback, a drop-in sink, quartzite benchtops, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances and white benchtop.

Kitchen with Quartzite 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!