Custom kitchen with wolf and subzero appliances, Icestone counters, glass tile backsplashes, custom cabinets, Sun tunnel skylights, recessed LED lighting

Cardiff Family Kitchen

LJS Design Inc

Design ideas for a mid-sized tropical u-shaped eat-in kitchen in San Diego with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, recycled glass benchtops, green splashback, stainless steel appliances, limestone floors and with island.

Cape Home Addition - Expanding Home and Lifestyle

'g' Green Design Center

Green Home Remodel – Clean and Green on a Budget – with Flair The dining room addition also served as a family room space and has easy access to the updated kitchen. Today many families with young children put health and safety first among their priorities for their homes. Young families are often on a budget as well, and need to save in important areas such as energy costs by creating more efficient homes. In this major kitchen remodel and addition project, environmentally sustainable solutions were on top of the wish list producing a wonderfully remodeled home that is clean and green, coming in on time and on budget. ‘g’ Green Design Center was the first and only stop when the homeowners of this mid-sized Cape-style home were looking for assistance. They had a rough idea of the layout they were hoping to create and came to ‘g’ for design and materials. Nicole Goldman, of ‘g’ did the space planning and kitchen design, and worked with Greg Delory of Greg DeLory Home Design for the exterior architectural design and structural design components. All the finishes were selected with ‘g’ and the homeowners. All are sustainable, non-toxic and in the case of the insulation, extremely energy efficient. Beginning in the kitchen, the separating wall between the old kitchen and hallway was removed, creating a large open living space for the family. The existing oak cabinetry was removed and new, plywood and solid wood cabinetry from Canyon Creek, with no-added urea formaldehyde (NAUF) in the glues or finishes was installed. Existing strand woven bamboo which had been recently installed in the adjacent living room, was extended into the new kitchen space, and the new addition that was designed to hold a new dining room, mudroom, and covered porch entry. The same wood was installed in the master bedroom upstairs, creating consistency throughout the home and bringing a serene look throughout. The kitchen cabinetry is in an Alder wood with a natural finish. The countertops are Eco By Cosentino; A Cradle to Cradle manufactured materials of recycled (75%) glass, with natural stone, quartz, resin and pigments, that is a maintenance-free durable product with inherent anti-bacterial qualities. In the first floor bathroom, all recycled-content tiling was utilized from the shower surround, to the flooring, and the same eco-friendly cabinetry and counter surfaces were installed. The similarity of materials from one room creates a cohesive look to the home, and aided in budgetary and scheduling issues throughout the project. Throughout the project UltraTouch insulation was installed following an initial energy audit that availed the homeowners of about $1,500 in rebate funds to implement energy improvements. Whenever ‘g’ Green Design Center begins a project such as a remodel or addition, the first step is to understand the energy situation in the home and integrate the recommended improvements into the project as a whole. Also used throughout were the AFM Safecoat Zero VOC paints which have no fumes, or off gassing and allowed the family to remain in the home during construction and painting without concern for exposure to fumes. Dan Cutrona Photography

Moroccan Red IceStone Installations

IceStone

Modern galley kitchen in New York with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, recycled glass benchtops, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors and with island.

Creative colorful kitchen in Monterey

WoodMaster

A mixture of maple, alder, mahogany and metal cabinets. All clear lacquer finish.
This is an example of a mid-sized modern u-shaped eat-in kitchen in San Francisco with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, recycled glass benchtops, blue splashback, cement tile splashback, white appliances, linoleum floors and a peninsula.

Modern Hillside Home Bistro Green Kitchen

Vetrazzo

Full slab backsplashes in Bistro Green carry up the pattern for a bold color statement, complimented by the white cabinetry, producing a unified and clean aesthetic. Photo: Glenn Koslowsky

Element Surfaces

Rust Brothers LLC

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Minneapolis with recessed-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, recycled glass benchtops, stainless steel appliances and with island.

Stunning Eco-friendly modern kitchen design

Stoneham Kitchens

Our modish Evolve kitchen comes in a variety of finishes. Here, we are delighted to showcase this clean white Eco-friendly design featuring smooth curved surfaces, hidden accent lighting and streamlined handleless storage.

California Living

User

Focusing on style, as well as functionality, the designer created a modern residence while keeping the warmth and familiarity of a Traditional home.
This is an example of a large beach style u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Los Angeles with with island, a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, recycled glass benchtops, white splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances and medium hardwood floors.

Beach House - Cardiff-by-the-Sea

Bigelow Interiors

This kitchen has it all - dishwasher drawers, sub-zero built-in refrigerator with over-lay panel, Siberian Oak floors, planked wood ceiling, recycled glass countertops, a two-sided fireplace with French Limestone surround, custom cabinets, specialty paint and a view of the ocean... John Durant Photography, Chereskin Architecture

Biddeford Kitchen

Robin Amorello, CKD CAPS - Atmoscaper Design

Photos by Robin Amorello, CKD CAPS
Small traditional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Portland Maine with an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island and recycled glass benchtops.

Kitchen countertops featuring Curava recycled glass surfaces in Savaii

Curava Recycled Glass Surfaces

Kitchen countertops featuring Curava recycled glass surfaces in Savaii. The Savaii countertops by Curava featuring recycled glass and natural golden seashells sparkle against the dark cabinetry, stainless appliances, beautiful blue tile and natural light through the kitchen window.

Madeli Gold Collection, 18 Gauge, KG-1180C-KIT

Madeli USA

Large contemporary l-shaped eat-in kitchen in New York with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, red cabinets, recycled glass benchtops, black splashback, stainless steel appliances, linoleum floors and with island.

James Island Renovation

GlassEco Surfaces by Fisher Recycling

Manufacturer of custom recycled glass counter tops and landscape glass aggregate. The countertops are individually handcrafted and customized, using 100% recycled glass and diverting tons of glass from our landfills. The epoxy used is Low VOC (volatile organic compounds) and emits no off gassing. The newest product base is a high density, UV protected concrete. We now have indoor and outdoor options. As with the resin, the concrete offer the same creative aspects through glass choices. "Colleen Green" contributed her own Grolsch bottles. We added Bombay Sapphire gin bottles and oysters and other green wine bottles.

Kitchen countertops featuring Curava recycled glass surfaces in Savaii

Curava Recycled Glass Surfaces

Contemporary Kitchen

Deep River Partners

Photo: Doug Edmonds
This is an example of a contemporary l-shaped kitchen in Milwaukee with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, recycled glass benchtops, black splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, linoleum floors and with island.

St. Louis Kitchen Update

Mosby Building Arts

A 1930s brick bungalow in South St. Louis was ready for an update. The layout remains the same for a full pull and replace of flooring, cabinets, countertops, lighting and appliances.

Charming, Inviting and Sustainable - Los Gatos Kitchen & Bath Remodel

Urbana Design Studio

This kitchen renovation features numerous storage options to maximize the small space. These features include a pull out pantry, a blind corner unit, and a spice & oil pull out. Photo by Paul Schraub Photography

Deschutes House

FINNE Architects

Benjamin Benschneider
This is an example of a mid-sized modern galley open plan kitchen in Seattle with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, recycled glass benchtops, grey splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors and with island.

Modern & Bright

MAC Renovations LTD.

A kitchen that had been remodel in the 80's required a facelift! The homeowner wanted the kitchen very bright with clean lines. With environmental impact being a concern as well, we installed recycled porcelain floor tile and glass countertops. Adding a touch of warmth with the natural maple completed this fresh modern look.

All Cabinet Styles Kitchen with Recycled Glass Benchtops 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!