What used to be a dated 1980's u-shaped kitchen without any flow or interest is now an open and inviting gathering space with plenty of room to cook and for everyone to sit or walk around. We squared off the bay window area making cabinets with drawers and pull-outs a possibility, plus the extra deep sink cabinet has room for a filtered water/carbonated water system. The side windows are easy to reach, and one is a pass through to the BBQ area. The island doubles as a large dining table and has a prep sink that can also be used by the bar area and refrigerator/microwave/leftovers area without bothering the chef. Also in the island is a Perlick ice maker, wicker pull out baskets for fruits and vegetable and an open bookcase for cookbooks and to tuck away school/homework supplies. All the tall items like the refrigerator, pantry and wall ovens are grouped together to one side to keep the room from getting too choppy. The bar area has a beverage refrigerator and liquor and stemware storage but also has a charging station and drop zone storage since it is next to the door coming from the garage. (Photo credit; Shawn Lober Construction)

Coastal Living

DEANE Inc | Distinctive Design & Cabinetry

The second home of a California-based family was intended to use as an East-coast gathering place for their extended family. It was important to deliver elegant, indoor-outdoor living. The kitchen was designed to be the center of this newly renovated home, with a good flow for entertaining and celebrations. The homeowner wanted the cooktop to be in the island facing outward to see everyone. The seating area at the island has a thick, walnut wood countertop that delineates it from the rest of the island's workspace. Both the countertops and backsplash feature a Polished Naica Quartzite for a cohesive effect, while white custom cabinetry and satin brass hardware add subtle hints of glamour. The decision was made to panel the SubZero appliances for a seamless look, while intelligent space planning relocated the door to the butler's pantry/mudroom, where the wine unit and additional sink/dishwasher for large-scale entertaining needs were housed out of sight.

Modern and warm Farmhouse Kitchen

Laurie DiGiacomo Interiors

Warm taupe kitchen cabinets and crisp white kitchen island lend a modern, yet warm feel to this beautiful kitchen. This kitchen has luxe elements at every turn, but it stills feels comfortable and inviting.

The Dumbo Project

Coastal Cabinet Works

Design ideas for a small beach style single-wall eat-in kitchen in New York with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, engineered quartz splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, a peninsula and white benchtop.

Grange House

Shane Marsh Architects

Inspiration for a mid-sized modern galley open plan kitchen in Brisbane with a double-bowl sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, engineered quartz splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, no island, brown floor, white benchtop and recessed.

Dallas | Lakehurst | Kitchen

Kitchen Design Concepts

This sleek kitchen space used to be about half the size and twice as hard to use. Originally a "g-shape" we opened up walls and removed some windows to create a truly functional and friendly space. Flush and integrated appliances uplift the look and create a truly customized kitchen.

WHITE CEDAR RESIDENCE

Kitchens by Emanuel

HAMPTON HOME - Two tone 'satin' polyurethane - In house custom door profile - 60mm Smartstone 'Borghini Naturale' with a triple half bull-nose edge - 40mm mitred Caesarstone 'Snow' - Walk in pantry - Custom mantle and decorative features - Satin nickel hardware - Blum hardware Sheree Bounassif, Kitchens by Emanuel

Locust Rye

Monique Varsames Design, LLC

Inspiration for a large transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in New York with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, engineered quartz splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, grey floor and white benchtop.

Dark Painted Built In Subzero and Pantry Ground the Kitchen Design

Urbana Design Studio

These dark cabinets ground the entire kitchen-dining room design adding a unique focal point that reflects a little an elegant yet edgy style.
Design ideas for a mid-sized eclectic l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, engineered quartz splashback, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Solana Beach

Paschall Design and Clutch Modern

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary u-shaped open plan kitchen in San Diego with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, engineered quartz splashback, stainless steel appliances, cement tiles, a peninsula, white floor and white benchtop.

Country House Project

Bayswater Interiors

A light and airy kitchen with dining area which links to the Snug is the heart of this Country Home. With large sliding doors this links to the garden so it is ideal for the family with plenty of space to spread out.

Eltham Skinny Shaker Kitchen

piqu

A carefully thought-out design to maximise the space in this lovely light and airy kitchen extension in Eltham. The little details come together in this skinny shaker kitchen, painted in popular Little Greene Pleat to create a stylish and inviting space where everything is to hand. The large kitchen island helps to perfectly zone the areas and allows for bar stool seating and additional storage as well as housing the ovens and hob.

Thorncrest Village Traditional

marcon KITCHEN + BATH STUDIO

Design and photos by Uli Rankin
Design ideas for a large traditional u-shaped kitchen in Toronto with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, engineered quartz splashback, stainless steel appliances, marble floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Woodhill

Designs by D

Design ideas for a transitional kitchen in Minneapolis with recessed-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, engineered quartz splashback, panelled appliances and black benchtop.

Dayton Lodge

Mark D. Williams Custom Homes, Inc.

Incredible double island entertaining kitchen. Rustic douglas fir beams accident this open kitchen with a focal feature of a stone cooktop and steel backsplash.

Kitchen Remodel - White Lake, MI

User

Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional single-wall eat-in kitchen in Detroit with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, engineered quartz splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Кухня "BAGUETTE".

Комод & Кухни (ООО "Комод и Кухни)

Мебель в стиле "неоклассика " во всем своем великолепии, Карниз верхний с подкарнизником. Цоколь- МДФ с фрезировкой. Цвет эмали по RAL9003. Подсветка- врезной профиль в навесных корпусах и колонках.

A Contemporary Kitchen Remodel in Alamo

Gayler Design Build

Contemporary black matte metal light fixtures anchor the kitchen space.
Large contemporary single-wall open plan kitchen in San Francisco with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, engineered quartz splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor, white benchtop, vaulted and a farmhouse sink.

Manhattan Upper East Side Before and After

Bilotta Kitchen & Home

Bilotta Senior Designer, Thomas Vecchio, and Patrick J. Hamilton of Patrick James Hamilton Designs, partnered on this Manhattan upper east side kitchen renovation. This nondescript ‘60’s co-op and galley kitchen were reimagined into a pre-war era gem by adding architectural details: paneling, coffers, and moldings. Widening the opening created an open vista. Upper panes of glass on the Bilotta Collection wall cabinets echo the apartment’s transoms and unite the two sections that are interrupted by the paneled structural column. To compensate for the shorter wall, storage is optimized with plentiful pullouts, dividers, and specialized organizers. The “dead end” under the window was eliminated by continuing cabinetry and countertop materials around the room. Countertop wall cabinets create a hutch in full view of the dining room. With dark gray paint, corner posts and furniture base molding, the peninsula reads like an island and bridges the two areas. Quartz countertops sport “lightning bolt” veins for pattern. Sophisticated on- trend brushed brass was employed on the cabinet pulls and knobs, faucet, sconces, and pendants. A gamechanger was extending the footprint of the kitchen into the hallway with two tall cabinets. One is allocated for cleaning supplies, bulk items, recycling, and the vacuum. The other conceals a built-in wine rack; glassware and bar items; a docking drawer for charging devices; and a Penda-flex rack for files. An absolutely stunning metamorphosis. Written by Paulette Gambacorta adapted for Houzz. Bilotta Designer: Tom Vecchio Interior Designer: Patrick J. Hamilton of Patrick James Hamilton Designs Photographer: John Bessler

Stylish Carmel Kitchen Transformation

Corinthian Fine Homes

This homeowner came to us with her basic design ready for us to execute for her kitchen, but also asked us to design and update her entry, sunroom and fireplace. Her kitchen was 80’s standard builder grade cabinetry and laminate countertops and she had a knee wall separating her kitchen from the family room. We removed that wall and installed a custom cabinetry buffet to complement the cabinetry of the kitchen, allowing for access from all sides. We removed a desk area in the kitchen and converted it to a closed organization station complete with a charging station for phones and computers. Calcutta Quartzite countertops were used throughout and continued seamlessly up the walls as a backsplash to create a wow factor. We converted a closet into a pantry cabinet, and new stainless appliances, including a microwave drawer completed this renovation. Additionally, we updated her sunroom by removing the “popcorn” textured ceiling and gave it a fresh updated coat of paint. We installed 12x24 tile floor giving the room a simple classic transformation. Finally, we renewed the fireplace area, by building a custom mantle and adding wood paneling and trim to soften the marble fireplace face and a simple coat of paint in the entry and a new chandelier brought a lighter and fresher impact upon entering the home.

Kitchen with Recessed-panel Cabinets and Engineered Quartz 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!