When selling your home, It can be a mistake to rip out an original kitchen or bathroom if it is in good condition, has all the mod cons people expect and can showcase the potential for future adaptation or renovations. This kitchen had been previously updated in the 1970s - as in wood grain bench tops and brown wall tiles - but had great storage, and the potential for further floor space by closing off two of the four doors into the room. So instead of demolishing and starting over, extra space was created for a dishwasher and open shelving for vintage kitchenalia to be displayed, new "retro" wall tiles, a vintage double sink, tapware, new bench tops and handles were added to bring back that cheery 1950s feel, while also improving function. Result? A kitchen that sold the house to some young mid century enthusiasts!

Red and Retro

The Remodel Group

A white subway tile accented with red and black for the back splash tie all the Kitchen materials together.
This is an example of a small eclectic l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Portland with an undermount sink, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, white cabinets, shaker cabinets, solid surface benchtops, a peninsula, black floor, red benchtop and vinyl floors.

Hartung House

Philip Leeson Architects

Anthony Basheer
Design ideas for a mid-sized modern galley open plan kitchen in Canberra - Queanbeyan with an integrated sink, black cabinets, wood benchtops, metallic splashback, stainless steel appliances, ceramic floors, with island, black floor and red benchtop.

Red and Retro

The Remodel Group

This retro kitchen is complete with black and white flooring, a red counter top, and open shelving providing space for colorful accent dishware.
This is an example of a small eclectic l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Portland with an undermount sink, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, solid surface benchtops, a peninsula, black floor, red benchtop and vinyl floors.

Rosanna Property Presentation

Larkspur Lane Design

Betty Sue, the 1956 New World cooker has pride of place in this retro-renovation. the inset shelving area was once a doorway to formal living room.
Photo of a mid-sized separate kitchen in Melbourne with a double-bowl sink, blue cabinets, laminate benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, glass tile splashback, white appliances, linoleum floors, with island, black floor and red benchtop.

Kitchen with Black Floor and Red Benchtop 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!