ZeroEnergy Design (ZED) created this modern home for a progressive family in the desirable community of Lexington. Thoughtful Land Connection. The residence is carefully sited on the infill lot so as to create privacy from the road and neighbors, while cultivating a side yard that captures the southern sun. The terraced grade rises to meet the house, allowing for it to maintain a structured connection with the ground while also sitting above the high water table. The elevated outdoor living space maintains a strong connection with the indoor living space, while the stepped edge ties it back to the true ground plane. Siting and outdoor connections were completed by ZED in collaboration with landscape designer Soren Deniord Design Studio. Exterior Finishes and Solar. The exterior finish materials include a palette of shiplapped wood siding, through-colored fiber cement panels and stucco. A rooftop parapet hides the solar panels above, while a gutter and site drainage system directs rainwater into an irrigation cistern and dry wells that recharge the groundwater. Cooking, Dining, Living. Inside, the kitchen, fabricated by Henrybuilt, is located between the indoor and outdoor dining areas. The expansive south-facing sliding door opens to seamlessly connect the spaces, using a retractable awning to provide shade during the summer while still admitting the warming winter sun. The indoor living space continues from the dining areas across to the sunken living area, with a view that returns again to the outside through the corner wall of glass. Accessible Guest Suite. The design of the first level guest suite provides for both aging in place and guests who regularly visit for extended stays. The patio off the north side of the house affords guests their own private outdoor space, and privacy from the neighbor. Similarly, the second level master suite opens to an outdoor private roof deck. Light and Access. The wide open interior stair with a glass panel rail leads from the top level down to the well insulated basement. The design of the basement, used as an away/play space, addresses the need for both natural light and easy access. In addition to the open stairwell, light is admitted to the north side of the area with a high performance, Passive House (PHI) certified skylight, covering a six by sixteen foot area. On the south side, a unique roof hatch set flush with the deck opens to reveal a glass door at the base of the stairwell which provides additional light and access from the deck above down to the play space. Energy. Energy consumption is reduced by the high performance building envelope, high efficiency mechanical systems, and then offset with renewable energy. All windows and doors are made of high performance triple paned glass with thermally broken aluminum frames. The exterior wall assembly employs dense pack cellulose in the stud cavity, a continuous air barrier, and four inches exterior rigid foam insulation. The 10kW rooftop solar electric system provides clean energy production. The final air leakage testing yielded 0.6 ACH 50 - an extremely air tight house, a testament to the well-designed details, progress testing and quality construction. When compared to a new house built to code requirements, this home consumes only 19% of the energy. Architecture & Energy Consulting: ZeroEnergy Design Landscape Design: Soren Deniord Design Paintings: Bernd Haussmann Studio Photos: Eric Roth Photography

Kitchen

Coastal Signature Homes

Cabinets: Centerpoint Black splash: Savannah Surfaces Perimeter: Caesarstone Island Countertop: Precision Granite & Marble- Cygnus Leather Appliances: Ferguson, Kitchenaid

El Dorado Hills Brass & Navy

Precision Cabinetry and Design

Stephanie Russo
Transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Sacramento with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

The Doheny Penthouse

Osinoff General Contractors

This traditional Shaker Kitchen has a masculine feel with its chocolate lower cabinets and walls of subway tile. The apron farmhouse sink is the centerpiece of the galley juxtaposed with a contemporary pull-out faucet. By applying a mirror on the door it gives the impression that it leads to a Dining Room. The wide plank flooring in a walnut stain adds texture and richness to this space. Laura Hull Photography

Contemporary Kitchens

Hurst Design Build Remodeling

Darren Sinnett
Large contemporary kitchen in Cleveland with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, black cabinets, white splashback, with island, quartz benchtops, stone slab splashback, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors and beige floor.

Urban Farmhouse

DK Homes

This home is full of clean lines, soft whites and grey, & lots of built-in pieces. Large entry area with message center, dual closets, custom bench with hooks and cubbies to keep organized. Living room fireplace with shiplap, custom mantel and cabinets, and white brick.

Whitefish Bay Tudor Kitchen

Angela Westmore, LLC.

Mid-sized traditional u-shaped separate kitchen in Milwaukee with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, with island, grey floor, marble benchtops, white splashback, cement tile splashback, panelled appliances, porcelain floors and multi-coloured benchtop.

Fox Road House Leavenworth

Syndicate Smith LLC

http://willaustin.com/

Classic Coastal

Oakley Home Builders

Luxury kitchen
This is an example of a large transitional u-shaped separate kitchen in Chicago with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island and granite benchtops.

Culinary Inspired Condo

Mackenzie Collier Interiors

James Stewart
Photo of a small contemporary open plan kitchen in Phoenix with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, quartz benchtops, white splashback, glass sheet splashback, porcelain floors and with island.

Modern Farmhouse in Dallas, Texas

DEMESNE

A Modern Farmhouse Kitchen with ebonized oak cabinets, stainless steel appliances, silestone counters and natural white oak floors.
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped open plan kitchen in Dallas with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors and with island.

Craftsman

B Street Design

Design ideas for a mid-sized arts and crafts l-shaped eat-in kitchen in San Diego with shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, solid surface benchtops, white splashback, stainless steel appliances, an undermount sink, ceramic splashback, medium hardwood floors and with island.

Swanson

Pennville Custom Cabinetry

Karen Swanson, owner of New England Design Works in Manchester, MA keeps designing award winning Pennville Custom Cabinetry kitchens. You may remember that earlier this year, Karen won both the regional Sub-Zero Design Contest and the National Kitchen & Bath Association's medium kitchen of the year. nedesignworks@gmail.com 978.500.1096.

Kitchen Island with Carrara Mable Countertop

Midland Cabinet Company

Another view of the classically styled white kitchen, part of a complete home restoration project, here highlighting the walnut island with Carrara marble countertop and the coffer ceiling beams with panelized bottoms. Photo by Rusty Reniers

Off-white Kitchen

User

Heidi Lancaster Photography
Transitional kitchen in San Francisco with recessed-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback and stainless steel appliances.

Kitchen transformation

Smith & Vansant Architects PC

This kitchen was formerly a dark paneled, cluttered, and divided space with little natural light. By eliminating partitions and creating a more functional, open floorplan, as well as adding modern windows with traditional detailing, providing lovingly detailed built-ins for the clients extensive collection of beautiful dishes, and lightening up the color palette we were able to create a rather miraculous transformation. The wide plank salvaged pine floors, the antique french dining table, as well as the Galbraith & Paul drum pendant and the salvaged antique glass monopoint track pendants all help to provide a warmth to the crisp detailing. Renovation/Addition. Rob Karosis Photography

Modern Montecito, Danville, CA

Lauren Evans Interiors, LLC

This is an example of a transitional l-shaped kitchen in San Francisco with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, white splashback, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Petrie

KITCHEN CREATIONS LTD

Inspiration for a mid-sized midcentury l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Denver with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, turquoise cabinets, granite benchtops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop and vaulted.

Woodstock Mid-century Remodel

Context

Photo of a small midcentury l-shaped open plan kitchen in New York with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Cottage Chic: White Oak Cabinets and Island Define Modern Elegance

Chervin Kitchen & Bath Inc.

White oak reigns supreme in this modern kitchen, adorning both the cabinets and the island with effortless grace. The cabinets, with their sleek design and light wood finish, bring a sense of warmth and sophistication to the space. Their smooth surfaces gleam in the natural light, creating an inviting atmosphere that beckons guests to gather and linger. At the center of it all stands the kitchen island, a masterpiece of white oak craftsmanship. Its clean lines and minimalist design exude contemporary flair, offering both functionality and style. The light hue of the wood brightens the room, while its natural grain adds texture and depth, creating a captivating focal point.

Kitchen with Red Splashback and White 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!