This kitchen was such a joy to design! The crisp white cabinetry is flanked with stained walnut to provide a sharp contrast. Featuring Perla Venata quartzite slabs that have custom details like: waterfall ends, 2.5" mitered edge, and custom apron detail at the sink.

Park Ridge Classic Kitchen

Rutt Quality Cabinetry

Rutt kitchen from Vine Street Design
Design ideas for a large traditional u-shaped kitchen in Chicago with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, blue splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, white benchtop, coffered, wood and brown floor.

Long Beach Historic Remodel

Zieba Builders, Inc.

This is an example of a mid-sized arts and crafts l-shaped open plan kitchen in Los Angeles with a farmhouse sink, white cabinets, green splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, exposed beam, recessed-panel cabinets and brown benchtop.

12143 - Silver Cloud Granite Project

Kitchen Stone Design LLC

Silver Cloud granite, eased edge, stainless steel, apron front sink.
Photo of a large l-shaped open plan kitchen in Other with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, a peninsula, brown floor and grey benchtop.

Miner's Climb kitchen

Colorado Timberframe

Country l-shaped kitchen in Denver with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, brown splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop, exposed beam, vaulted and wood.

Alta Loma

Maven Home Interiors

Photo of a large transitional u-shaped kitchen pantry in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Cliffbrook Contemporary Whole House Conversion

Alair Homes Plano

Our clients were living in a Northwood Hills home in Dallas that was built in 1968. Some updates had been done but none really to the main living areas in the front of the house. They love to entertain and do so frequently but the layout of their house wasn’t very functional. There was a galley kitchen, which was mostly shut off to the rest of the home. They were not using the formal living and dining room in front of your house, so they wanted to see how this space could be better utilized. They wanted to create a more open and updated kitchen space that fits their lifestyle. One idea was to turn part of this space into an office, utilizing the bay window with the view out of the front of the house. Storage was also a necessity, as they entertain often and need space for storing those items they use for entertaining. They would also like to incorporate a wet bar somewhere! We demoed the brick and paneling from all of the existing walls and put up drywall. The openings on either side of the fireplace and through the entryway were widened and the kitchen was completely opened up. The fireplace surround is changed to a modern Emser Esplanade Trail tile, versus the chunky rock it was previously. The ceiling was raised and leveled out and the beams were removed throughout the entire area. Beautiful Olympus quartzite countertops were installed throughout the kitchen and butler’s pantry with white Chandler cabinets and Grace 4”x12” Bianco tile backsplash. A large two level island with bar seating for guests was built to create a little separation between the kitchen and dining room. Contrasting black Chandler cabinets were used for the island, as well as for the bar area, all with the same 6” Emtek Alexander pulls. A Blanco low divide metallic gray kitchen sink was placed in the center of the island with a Kohler Bellera kitchen faucet in vibrant stainless. To finish off the look three Iconic Classic Globe Small Pendants in Antiqued Nickel pendant lights were hung above the island. Black Supreme granite countertops with a cool leathered finish were installed in the wet bar, The backsplash is Choice Fawn gloss 4x12” tile, which created a little different look than in the kitchen. A hammered copper Hayden square sink was installed in the bar, giving it that cool bar feel with the black Chandler cabinets. Off the kitchen was a laundry room and powder bath that were also updated. They wanted to have a little fun with these spaces, so the clients chose a geometric black and white Bella Mori 9x9” porcelain tile. Coordinating black and white polka dot wallpaper was installed in the laundry room and a fun floral black and white wallpaper in the powder bath. A dark bronze Metal Mirror with a shelf was installed above the porcelain pedestal sink with simple floating black shelves for storage. Their butlers pantry, the added storage space, and the overall functionality has made entertaining so much easier and keeps unwanted things out of sight, whether the guests are sitting at the island or at the wet bar! The clients absolutely love their new space and the way in which has transformed their lives and really love entertaining even more now!

Point Loma Addition Remodel

Lars Remodeling & Design

The goal for this Point Loma home was to transform it from the adorable beach bungalow it already was by expanding its footprint and giving it distinctive Craftsman characteristics while achieving a comfortable, modern aesthetic inside that perfectly caters to the active young family who lives here. By extending and reconfiguring the front portion of the home, we were able to not only add significant square footage, but create much needed usable space for a home office and comfortable family living room that flows directly into a large, open plan kitchen and dining area. A custom built-in entertainment center accented with shiplap is the focal point for the living room and the light color of the walls are perfect with the natural light that floods the space, courtesy of strategically placed windows and skylights. The kitchen was redone to feel modern and accommodate the homeowners busy lifestyle and love of entertaining. Beautiful white kitchen cabinetry sets the stage for a large island that packs a pop of color in a gorgeous teal hue. A Sub-Zero classic side by side refrigerator and Jenn-Air cooktop, steam oven, and wall oven provide the power in this kitchen while a white subway tile backsplash in a sophisticated herringbone pattern, gold pulls and stunning pendant lighting add the perfect design details. Another great addition to this project is the use of space to create separate wine and coffee bars on either side of the doorway. A large wine refrigerator is offset by beautiful natural wood floating shelves to store wine glasses and house a healthy Bourbon collection. The coffee bar is the perfect first top in the morning with a coffee maker and floating shelves to store coffee and cups. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring was selected for use throughout the home, offering the warm feel of hardwood, with the benefits of being waterproof and nearly indestructible - two key factors with young kids! For the exterior of the home, it was important to capture classic Craftsman elements including the post and rock detail, wood siding, eves, and trimming around windows and doors. We think the porch is one of the cutest in San Diego and the custom wood door truly ties the look and feel of this beautiful home together.

Edgewood Drive Residence

First Impression Designs Inc.

French Country Kitchen & Dining: Warm woods, neutral linens, and rustic accessories create a comfortable casual county space. Photo Credit: Oliver Rathonyi Reusz

Coffee Bar

Built by YOU

We updated this kitchen by removing a wall and creating an open floor concept! A loose, stacked stone display makes for a unique island feature. Two sliding barn doors tuck away the pantry beautifully as a custom built coffee bar shines on the opposite wall. We can update your old outdated kitchen, create an entire new space, create an open concept, or whatever you can imagine and create in your Houzz Ideabook!

Shipton

Visbeen Architects

Mid-sized transitional galley kitchen pantry in Grand Rapids with recessed-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, granite benchtops, white splashback, shiplap splashback, stainless steel appliances, brick floors, red floor, white benchtop and no island.

Tuxedo Kitchen Remodel

Kovalinskiy Design, LLC

This is an example of a transitional u-shaped kitchen in Other with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, black cabinets, white splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and white benchtop.

1920's kitchen

Winsweiler Design

Design ideas for a small transitional galley separate kitchen in Seattle with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, no island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Schuller Residence

AB Design Elements, LLC

This casita kitchen is a smaller version of the expansive custom kitchen in the main house. A fresh white and black palette with natural wood floors is inviting and casual..a perfect Arizona escape for family and friends

119 West Shore

3rd Street Custom Homes

Design ideas for an expansive transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Dallas with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, black cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

The Magnolia

Drewett Works

WINNER: Silver Award – One-of-a-Kind Custom or Spec 4,001 – 5,000 sq ft, Best in American Living Awards, 2019 Affectionately called The Magnolia, a reference to the architect's Southern upbringing, this project was a grass roots exploration of farmhouse architecture. Located in Phoenix, Arizona’s idyllic Arcadia neighborhood, the home gives a nod to the area’s citrus orchard history. Echoing the past while embracing current millennial design expectations, this just-complete speculative family home hosts four bedrooms, an office, open living with a separate “dirty kitchen”, and the Stone Bar. Positioned in the Northwestern portion of the site, the Stone Bar provides entertainment for the interior and exterior spaces. With retracting sliding glass doors and windows above the bar, the space opens up to provide a multipurpose playspace for kids and adults alike. Nearly as eyecatching as the Camelback Mountain view is the stunning use of exposed beams, stone, and mill scale steel in this grass roots exploration of farmhouse architecture. White painted siding, white interior walls, and warm wood floors communicate a harmonious embrace in this soothing, family-friendly abode. Project Details // The Magnolia House Architecture: Drewett Works Developer: Marc Development Builder: Rafterhouse Interior Design: Rafterhouse Landscape Design: Refined Gardens Photographer: ProVisuals Media Awards Silver Award – One-of-a-Kind Custom or Spec 4,001 – 5,000 sq ft, Best in American Living Awards, 2019 Featured In “The Genteel Charm of Modern Farmhouse Architecture Inspired by Architect C.P. Drewett,” by Elise Glickman for Iconic Life, Nov 13, 2019

Cherokee Triangle Kitchen

Centered Interiors

Small transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Louisville with a single-bowl sink, recessed-panel cabinets, green cabinets, quartzite benchtops, grey splashback, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, a peninsula and grey benchtop.

Aging in Place Arlington Cape Cod

Alair Homes Arlington

After deciding to age-in-place and encountering physical limitations, the clients wanted to create single level living in their Arlington Cape Cod home, where they have lived for 27 years. They wanted an open, light-filled space for themselves and for entertaining, space to put often-used items that had been relegated to the basement and leave the 2nd floor as-is for guests, all while maintaining the integrity of the exterior style and interior character of their 1946 home and neighborhood.

The Aurora : 2019 Clark County Parade of Homes : Butler's Pantry

Cascade West Development

Inspired by the majesty of the Northern Lights and this family's everlasting love for Disney, this home plays host to enlighteningly open vistas and playful activity. Like its namesake, the beloved Sleeping Beauty, this home embodies family, fantasy and adventure in their truest form. Visions are seldom what they seem, but this home did begin 'Once Upon a Dream'. Welcome, to The Aurora.

North Oaks - Craftsman Kitchen Remodel

Michels Homes

Remodeler: Michels Homes Photography: Landmark Photography
Photo of a mid-sized transitional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and grey benchtop.

Kitchen with Recessed-panel Cabinets and Stainless Steel Appliances 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!