Inspiration for a transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Melbourne with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white splashback, stone slab splashback, black appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Periscope House

Mihaly Slocombe

Periscope House draws light into a young family’s home, adding thoughtful solutions and flexible spaces to 1950s Art Deco foundations. Our clients engaged us to undertake a considered extension to their character-rich home in Malvern East. They wanted to celebrate their home’s history while adapting it to the needs of their family, and future-proofing it for decades to come. The extension’s form meets with and continues the existing roofline, politely emerging at the rear of the house. The tones of the original white render and red brick are reflected in the extension, informing its white Colorbond exterior and selective pops of red throughout. Inside, the original home’s layout has been reimagined to better suit a growing family. Once closed-in formal dining and lounge rooms were converted into children’s bedrooms, supplementing the main bedroom and a versatile fourth room. Grouping these rooms together has created a subtle definition of zones: private spaces are nestled to the front, while the rear extension opens up to shared living areas. A tailored response to the site, the extension’s ground floor addresses the western back garden, and first floor (AKA the periscope) faces the northern sun. Sitting above the open plan living areas, the periscope is a mezzanine that nimbly sidesteps the harsh afternoon light synonymous with a western facing back yard. It features a solid wall to the west and a glass wall to the north, emulating the rotation of a periscope to draw gentle light into the extension. Beneath the mezzanine, the kitchen, dining, living and outdoor spaces effortlessly overlap. Also accessible via an informal back door for friends and family, this generous communal area provides our clients with the functionality, spatial cohesion and connection to the outdoors they were missing. Melding modern and heritage elements, Periscope House honours the history of our clients’ home while creating light-filled shared spaces – all through a periscopic lens that opens the home to the garden.

Traditional with a modern twist

Collaroy Kitchen Centre

Inspiration for a large transitional open plan kitchen in Sydney with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, black appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Kitchen & Bath Renovation in Orleans, MA

Cape Associates, Inc.

As innkeepers, Lois and Evan Evans know all about hospitality. So after buying a 1955 Cape Cod cottage whose interiors hadn’t been updated since the 1970s, they set out on a whole-house renovation, a major focus of which was the kitchen. The goal of this renovation was to create a space that would be efficient and inviting for entertaining, as well as compatible with the home’s beach-cottage style. Cape Associates removed the wall separating the kitchen from the dining room to create an open, airy layout. The ceilings were raised and clad in shiplap siding and highlighted with new pine beams, reflective of the cottage style of the home. New windows add a vintage look. The designer used a whitewashed palette and traditional cabinetry to push a casual and beachy vibe, while granite countertops add a touch of elegance. The layout was rearranged to include an island that’s roomy enough for casual meals and for guests to hang around when the owners are prepping party meals. Placing the main sink and dishwasher in the island instead of the usual under-the-window spot was a decision made by Lois early in the planning stages. “If we have guests over, I can face everyone when I’m rinsing vegetables or washing dishes,” she says. “Otherwise, my back would be turned.” The old avocado-hued linoleum flooring had an unexpected bonus: preserving the original oak floors, which were refinished. The new layout includes room for the homeowners’ hutch from their previous residence, as well as an old pot-bellied stove, a family heirloom. A glass-front cabinet allows the homeowners to show off colorful dishes. Bringing the cabinet down to counter level adds more storage. Stacking the microwave, oven and warming drawer adds efficiency.

Chandler Remodel Project

Alisha Taylor Interiors

This modern Chandler Remodel project features a completely transformed kitchen with navy blue acting as neutral and wooden accents.
Inspiration for a mid-sized beach style eat-in kitchen in Phoenix with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, stone tile splashback, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Grand River Drive kitchen remodel

Copper Acorn Interior Design Studio

Inspiration for an arts and crafts u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Grand Rapids with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, grey splashback, mosaic tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Kitchen

Thompson Construction

The cabinet paint color is Sherwin-Williams - SW 7008 Alabaster
This is an example of an expansive traditional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Minneapolis with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, engineered quartz splashback, white appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Brookhaven Walk Way #2

Custom Design Kitchens, Inc.

214 Photography, John Harper Homes, Custom Kitchen Cabinets, White kitchen cabinets
This is an example of a beach style kitchen in Atlanta with white cabinets, with island, white benchtop, a farmhouse sink, beige splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and recessed-panel cabinets.

Lake Cottage Chic

Mary Rossi Designs

Design ideas for a large beach style u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Phoenix with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, grey splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and grey benchtop.

Elegant Kitchen Remodel in a Soft Warm Gray

Paper Moon Painting

This gorgeous kitchen features a double range, marble counters and backsplash, brass fixtures, plus these freshly-painted cabinets in Sherwin Williams' "Amazing Gray". Design by Hilary Conrey of Courtney & Co. (Plus this is one of the prettiest islands we've ever seen!)

Town & Country Remodel

Liberty Building Group

This is an example of a traditional eat-in kitchen in St Louis with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, grey splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and grey benchtop.

The coto project

Rosewood Interiors

This is an example of a beach style u-shaped kitchen in Los Angeles with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island and brown floor.

Painted Cabinets

Everingham Design

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Columbus with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Crystal Cabinets

Katy Kitchen & Bath

This is an example of a large traditional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Houston with a double-bowl sink, recessed-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, granite benchtops, beige splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel 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.

Minneapolis Kitchen

Fiddlehead Design Group, LLC

Design ideas for a traditional l-shaped kitchen in Minneapolis with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, grey splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Van Drunen Project 2019

Freestyle Interiors

Photo of a large beach style l-shaped kitchen in Miami with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white splashback, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, white benchtop, timber and recessed.

Greenwich Renovation

William D. Earls AIA Architect

Pantry with fully tiled wall.
Design ideas for a traditional l-shaped kitchen pantry in New York with recessed-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, wood benchtops, dark hardwood floors, no island, brown floor and brown benchtop.

Modern Farmhouse

User

This modern farmhouse located outside of Spokane, Washington, creates a prominent focal point among the landscape of rolling plains. The composition of the home is dominated by three steep gable rooflines linked together by a central spine. This unique design evokes a sense of expansion and contraction from one space to the next. Vertical cedar siding, poured concrete, and zinc gray metal elements clad the modern farmhouse, which, combined with a shop that has the aesthetic of a weathered barn, creates a sense of modernity that remains rooted to the surrounding environment. The Glo double pane A5 Series windows and doors were selected for the project because of their sleek, modern aesthetic and advanced thermal technology over traditional aluminum windows. High performance spacers, low iron glass, larger continuous thermal breaks, and multiple air seals allows the A5 Series to deliver high performance values and cost effective durability while remaining a sophisticated and stylish design choice. Strategically placed operable windows paired with large expanses of fixed picture windows provide natural ventilation and a visual connection to the outdoors.

Transitional Navy

Sanctuary Kitchen and Bath Design

Design ideas for a large transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Denver with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and blue benchtop.

Kitchen with Recessed-panel Cabinets and Brown Floor 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!