This contemporary kitchen has some unique features. The island has 3 levels – a lower level Calcutta marble countertop for prepping, rolling, or mixing; a mid-level with the same height and material as the main perimeter countertops (Caesarstone “Blizzard”); and a slightly higher level made with a custom-designed maple table that fits over the end of the island counter. Although the custom table required extra time and consideration, the challenge to design it was well worth it. It is a pivotal element in the space and is both highly functional and aesthetic. Its inventive flexible design allows it to be moved to any side of the island. Moreover, by simply adding a leg, it easily converts into a free-standing table that can be positioned anywhere in the room. This flexibility maximizes its versatility. It can be arranged so guests can dine in close proximity to family members or it can be relocated where food and drinks can be served off to the side and out of the way. The table’s custom maple finish ties in well with the existing fireplace and bookshelf in the sitting room.

The Woodshop of Avon

Matt Schmitt Photography
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Minneapolis with a double-bowl sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, soapstone benchtops, light hardwood floors and with island.

Boyd Kitchen

Turan Designs, Inc.

Tradition Kitchen with Mobile Island photo credit: Sacha Griffin
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Atlanta with raised-panel cabinets, stainless steel appliances, an undermount sink, green cabinets, granite benchtops, beige splashback, stone tile splashback, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and beige benchtop.

Transitional Mediterranean Kitchen

Fran Kerzner- DESIGN SYNTHESIS

Transitional/Spanish Kitchen -Although this was a great space to work with the client had many requirements which took quite of bit of planning to fulfill. And though he changed from a more Traditional style to a more Contemporary version in the middle of the project we were able to create a beautiful Transitional space that is uniquely his.

Ambrosia Full Home Remodel

The TomKat Studio + TomKat Real Estate

Photo of a transitional galley kitchen in Phoenix with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, multi-coloured splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Village Green

Kitchen & Bath by Design LLC

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, brown splashback, travertine splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and brown benchtop.

Giallo Ornamental Granite

Gomez Granite Countertops

Mid-sized country l-shaped open plan kitchen in Grand Rapids with a double-bowl sink, raised-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, granite benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and beige floor.

Coastal Living Idea House 2017

Fireclay Tile

Thanks to designer Mark D. Sike's expert color blocking, the kitchen's upper white cabinetry and subway tile feel almost weightless in contrast to its rich royal blue foundation. Tile shown: 3x6 tiles in White Wash, one of our Foundation Collection colors/shapes, priced at $15.00/SF.

Winchester Twist on Traditional

PEGASUS Design-To-Build LLC

Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional u-shaped kitchen in Boston with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, granite benchtops, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and multi-coloured splashback.

Palm Harbor Coastal Kitchen

S&W Kitchens

Beautiful Coastal Style kitchen with beverage bar.
Large beach style l-shaped open plan kitchen in Tampa with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, blue splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and brown floor.

AC Dwellings Kitchen

AC Dwellings, llc & AT Dwellings, llc

Beautiful Kitchen brimming with pretty details
Design ideas for a large traditional u-shaped kitchen in Oklahoma City with raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, grey splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors and with island.

Mohawk Products

Flooring Connections

Photo of a mid-sized transitional eat-in kitchen in Orange County with raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, concrete benchtops, blue splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and beige floor.

Hunt Country Homestead

Mastercraft Design Inc.

Set in the rolling hills of Virginia known for its horse farms and wineries, this new custom home has Old World charm by incorporating such elements as reclaimed barnwood floors, rustic wood and timewonn paint finishes, and other treasures found at home and abroad treasured by this international family. Photos by :Greg Hadley

SAINT HELENA ISLAND HOME

Marvin

Built as a vacation home on the historic Port Royal Sound, the residence is patterned after the neo-traditional style that’s common in the low country of South Carolina. Key to the project was the natural wood interior widows, which added the classic look and warmth demanded for the project. In Addition, Integrity® Wood-Ultrex® windows stand up to blowing salt water spray year after year, which makes them ideal for building in a coastal environment.

Contemporary Kitchens

Elegant Stone Products, Inc.

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Milwaukee with raised-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, granite benchtops, white appliances, light hardwood floors, a peninsula, an undermount sink and beige floor.

Americana Inspired Home

Bee's Knees Design, LLC

Kyle Caldwell
Photo of a mid-sized country eat-in kitchen in Boston with an undermount sink, white splashback, porcelain splashback, with island, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, light hardwood floors, granite benchtops and stainless steel appliances.

1910 Foursquare Kitchen

Craftsman Design and Renovation

The original kitchen was disjointed and lacked connection to the home and its history. The remodel opened the room to other areas of the home by incorporating an unused breakfast nook and enclosed porch to create a spacious new kitchen. It features stunning soapstone counters and range splash, era appropriate subway tiles, and hand crafted floating shelves. Ceasarstone on the island creates a durable, hardworking surface for prep work. A black Blue Star range anchors the space while custom inset fir cabinets wrap the walls and provide ample storage. Great care was given in restoring and recreating historic details for this charming Foursquare kitchen.

Kitchen Remodel

David Clark Construction, LLC

Kitchen Remodel featuring Wolf and Subzero Appliances
Photo of a large traditional u-shaped open plan kitchen in Nashville with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, beige splashback, travertine splashback, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors and with island.

Transitional Mediterranean Kitchen

Fran Kerzner- DESIGN SYNTHESIS

Kitchen Remodel

TAYLORED RESTORATION

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, granite benchtops, beige splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and beige floor.

Kitchen with Raised-panel Cabinets and Light 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!