Mowlem& Co: Virtuoso kitchen This award-winning kitchen by Julia Brown effortlessly combines the classic with the contemporary, through the application of thoughtful styling and a clever use of colour. The timeless framed, shaker-style furniture is hand-painted in Farrow & Ball’s Railings, making a striking contrast with use of a Caesarstone worktop in raw concrete to the island unit and the beautiful Carrara Gioia marble on the splashback. There’s an industrial quality to the chocolate bronze metal handles that are recessed into the furniture doors, and the Siemens ovens are discreetly integrated to the island, which is raised on robust legs for a nod to the chic freestanding look. The design maximises both working space and opportunities for social interaction, with storage optimised by the extra height wall units that take advantage of the period property’s high ceilings. Pendant lamps, stylish stools and a herringbone white-washed Oak wooden floor add the perfect finishing touches.

East Austin Revival: Whole House Remodel & Addition

ESS Design+Build

This is an example of a mid-sized transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Austin with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, concrete benchtops, metallic splashback, mosaic tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island and medium hardwood floors.

Historic Shotgun Style Renovation

StoneHorse Design, Inc.

Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional galley open plan kitchen in Other with a drop-in sink, shaker cabinets, black cabinets, concrete benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, a peninsula, beige floor and grey benchtop.

Brooklyn Farmhouse Kitchen

Gil Mill Custom Homes

In this floor to ceiling gut renovation, we paired old world charm with modern amenities. A chef's kitchen with tons of light, stainless steel farm sink, stainless steel appliances, concrete countertops, butcher block cutting board next to sink, under cabinet lighting, inset face-frame mortised hinge shaker cabinets, Exposed Brick and Beams, crown moldings throughout, and a wormy chestnut range hood, with a herringbone subway tile backsplash. The effect is a Rustic Elegance that is both warm and inviting, and comfortable and clean. The breakfast bar seats two and the cabinet space is nearly endless.

Winton Residence

Synthesis Design Inc.

Contractor: Naikoon Contracting Ltd Photography: Ema Peter
This is an example of a large contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Vancouver with brown floor, a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, concrete benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island and grey benchtop.

Modern Ranch House

Folkway Design & Wares Co.

Photography: Jen Burner Photography
Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Dallas with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, green cabinets, concrete benchtops, white splashback, brick splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Blue Sky Thinking

Mowlem & Co

Edwardian Residence

RYAN ASSOCIATES GENERAL CONTRACTORS

Design ideas for a traditional u-shaped open plan kitchen in San Francisco with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, concrete benchtops, yellow splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors and with island.

East Village Duplex

General Assembly

Modern Appliances and updates were brought into this East Village kitchen on a budget and with improved efficiency in mind. The open plan for the kitchen and living area allows for a bright kitchen and a great place to entertain. © Devon Banks

Nevada City Knotty Alder

User

Inspiration for a large country galley open plan kitchen in Sacramento with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, medium wood cabinets, concrete benchtops, grey splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, multi-coloured floor and grey benchtop.

A Cozy Family Kitchen

Covered Bridge Cabinetry

A Cozy Family Kitchen AS SEEN ON: SEASON 3, EPISODE 2 OF MASTERS OF FLIP The charming exterior of this cottage contains a beautiful family home, with an eat-in custom kitchen that boasts ample space and clever storage, making it perfect for hosting family gatherings. Polished hardwood floors, a brick fireplace, and our stylish Nobel doors come together to create a welcoming atmosphere in this custom-designed kitchen. This space makes great use of our wide range of enamel finishes and combines moody Cavern with Sugar White and Oyster to create depth and warmth. The custom island seats four and the additional plush upholstered stools invite you to kick off your shoes and relax. A busy family needs a space that’s just as functional as it is cozy, and this kitchen is up for the challenge. Pull out pantry drawers and a lazy susan in the base cabinets are easy to access by the entire family while a clever base end corner cabinet means that every last bit of space is utilized.

Urban meets Rustic shaker kitchen

Kettle Co. Kitchens

Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional u-shaped open plan kitchen in Cornwall with a drop-in sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, concrete benchtops, white splashback, glass tile splashback, black appliances, laminate floors, no island and white benchtop.

Traditional Kitchen

Select Cabinetree

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional u-shaped open plan kitchen in Boston with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, concrete benchtops, grey splashback, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors and with island.

Eclectic Modern

Halo Interior Design

Photo by Eric Staudenmaier
This is an example of a mid-sized country l-shaped open plan kitchen in Orange County with concrete benchtops, stainless steel appliances, a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white splashback, subway tile splashback, beige floor, concrete floors and with island.

#ModernCottage

Ember & Brune

Inspiration for a transitional single-wall eat-in kitchen in Chicago with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, concrete benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island and white benchtop.

JP Kitchen

Boxco Studio

Small u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Boston with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, concrete benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, no island, brown floor and grey benchtop.

Completed Projects

mortise concrete ltd

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped kitchen in London with grey cabinets, concrete benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, white floor and shaker cabinets.

Coastal Eclectic | La Jolla Shores

SD Design Studio

Scott Carmella
Large beach style l-shaped open plan kitchen in San Diego with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, concrete benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and beige floor.

Beaumaris - Project 1

GIA Bathrooms & Kitchens

GIA Bathrooms & Kitchens www.giarenovations.com.au 1300 442 736
Inspiration for a mid-sized scandinavian galley open plan kitchen in Melbourne with a drop-in sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, window splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, a peninsula, concrete benchtops, brown floor and white benchtop.

Kitchen and Bar Area in La Selva Beach Home

Golden Visions Design

The open kitchen design features a walnut end-grain butcher block style island surrounded by polished concrete countertops complimented by white shaker cabinets with lighted display accents at the top. The kitchen also includes a bar area with seating for three.

Kitchen with Shaker Cabinets and Concrete 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!