Alise O'Brian Photography
Mid-sized country l-shaped eat-in kitchen in St Louis with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, concrete benchtops, black appliances, cork floors, grey floor, white splashback, ceramic splashback and grey benchtop.

White & Grey Kitchen Remodel

Construction Ahead

Nelson Salvia
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Atlanta with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, cork floors and with island.

Log & Timber - Harrington

Harkins Inc.

Michelle Drouin Photographe
Design ideas for a mid-sized scandinavian u-shaped kitchen in Montreal with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite benchtops, stone tile splashback, cork floors and with island.

Working Within

BZ Architects

Working within the footprint of the existing house and a new, 3 by 11 foot addition, the scope of this project called for enhanced use of the existing kitchen space and better views to the heavily landscaped and terraced rear yard. In response, numerous operable windows and doors wrap around three sides of the design, allowing the exterior landscaping and renovated deck to be more a part of the interior. A 9'-6" ceiling height helps define the kitchen area and provides enhanced views to an existing gazebo via the addition's high windows. With views to the exterior as a goal, most storage cabinets have been relocated to an interior wall. Glass doors and cabinet-mounted display lights accent the floor-to-ceiling pantry unit. A Rain Forest Green granite countertop is complemented by cork floor tiles, soothing glass mosaics and a rich paint palette. The adjacent dining area's charcoal grey slate pavers provide superior functionality and have been outfitted with a radiant heat floor system.

Ingram

The Cabinet Connection

The Cabinet Connection
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Ottawa with an undermount sink, beige cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, cork floors, shaker cabinets and no island.

Dallas | Lakewood | Kitchen (Revive)

Kitchen Design Concepts

Yes, you read the title right. Small updates DO make a BIG difference. Whether it’s updating a color, finish, or even the smallest: changing out the hardware, these minor updates together can all make a big difference in the space. For our Flashback Friday Feature, we have a perfect example of how you can make some small updates to revamp the entire space! The best of all, we replaced the door and drawer fronts, and added a small cabinet (removing the soffit, making the cabinets go to the ceiling) making this space seem like it’s been outfitted with a brand new kitchen! If you ask us, that’s a great way of value engineering and getting the best value out of your dollars! To learn more about this project, continue reading below! Cabinets As mentioned above, we removed the existing cabinet door and drawer fronts and replaced them with a more updated shaker style door/drawer fronts supplied by Woodmont. We removed the soffits and added an extra cabinet on the cooktop wall, taking the cabinets to the ceiling. This small update provides additional storage, and gives the space a new look! Countertops Bye-bye laminate, and hello quartz! As our clients were starting to notice the wear-and-tear of their original laminate tops, they knew they wanted something durable and that could last. Well, what better to install than quartz? Providing our clients with something that’s not only easy to maintain, but also modern was exactly what they wanted in their updated kitchen! Backsplash The original backsplash was a plain white 4×4″ tile and left much to be desired. Having lived with this backsplash for years, our clients wanted something more exciting and eye-catching. I can safely say that this small update delivered! We installed an eye-popping glass tile in blues, browns, and whites from Hirsch Glass tile in the Gemstone Collection. Hardware You’d think hardware doesn’t make a huge difference in a space, but it does! It adds not only the feel of good quality but also adds some character to the space. Here we have installed Amerock Blackrock knobs and pulls in Satin Nickel. Other Fixtures To top off the functionality and usability of the space, we installed a new sink and faucet. The sink and faucet is something used every day, so having something of great quality is much appreciated especially when so frequently used. From Kohler, we have an under-mount castiron sink in Palermo Blue. From Blanco, we have a single-hole, and pull-out spray faucet. Flooring Last but not least, we installed cork flooring. The cork provides and soft and cushiony feel and is great on your feet!

Montepelier Blue Arlington Kitchens 1 &2

Karen Walson Interiors

2 Clients choose Ben Moore Montepelier Blue as their cabinet color and we thought we would show you both applications.
Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Boston with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, cork floors, a peninsula, beige floor and white benchtop.

Altadena Mid-Century home update

MDB Design Group

We selected a new kitchen base cabinets in a soft green to replace the washer/dryer cabinet. This new cabinet is a standard 36” height on the kitchen side, surfaced with new Calcutta quartz. The pony wall between the kitchen and dining room is faced with the same quartz as well as the counter top in the dining room. The existing kitchen base cabinets were painted to match the new cabinet. The dark granite was replaced with the Calcutta quartz too. The existing wall cabinets were painted white and received under cabinet LED task lights. The range and refrigerator were replaced. The linoleum was resurfaced with a light taupe cork flooring. JRY & Co.

Moorecroft Kitchen

Copperstone Kitchens and Renovations

the backsplash is: Sarana Tile, Deco D'Antan, (TRESBLGRI), White and Grey in a 24 x 24
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional separate kitchen in Ottawa with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, grey splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, cork floors and with island.

Pressed tin splashback

Marlene Hudson Design

Photo credit - Deanna Onan Pressed tin splash back in distressed paint finish
Country u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Hamilton with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz benchtops, stainless steel appliances, cork floors, a peninsula, beige floor, beige benchtop and vaulted.

Universal Design galley kitchen

Re-Vital-Eyes Interiors

Photo of a transitional galley kitchen pantry in Toronto with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, laminate benchtops, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances and cork floors.

Modern Kitchen Redefined

You-Neek Designs

Third Shift Photography
Inspiration for a large modern l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Other with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, stainless steel appliances, cork floors, with island and glass tile splashback.

Warm Fir Kitchen and Blue Island

White Wood Kitchens

This beautifully handcrafted fir kitchen was built by J.Binnette Cabinetry and Pinsonneault Builders. The frameless construction and full overlay shaker door style are made of fir with a natural finish on the kitchen and a custom paint on the island. The homeowners wish for function was solved with many great elements in the kitchen, trash pull outs, drawer organizers, ample cabinet space and working areas. Their style was transitional and clean lines which was achieved using the lovely grain of natural fir.

Back in Time Kitchen

Brook and Company

Photo of a mid-sized country u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Seattle with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, white appliances, cork floors, with island and brown floor.

Roslindale Kitchen in Earth Tones

Boston Building Resources

A spice rack mounted on the inside of the cabinet door keeps seasonings organized and convenient.
Mid-sized transitional kitchen in Boston with a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, stainless steel appliances, cork floors, a peninsula, brown floor and grey benchtop.

Recycled Glass Tile Random Sized Backsplash

Eco-Friendly Flooring Inc.

Art Deco Style recycled glass tile backsplash. By using multiple tile sizes we break up the grout joints. Use charcoal grout to make the tile pop.
Mid-sized kitchen in Other with shaker cabinets, solid surface benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances and cork floors.

Small Kitchen

Rutt of Los Altos

Dean J. Birinyi Photography
Inspiration for a traditional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in San Francisco with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, a farmhouse sink, marble benchtops and cork floors.

Mission Style Galley Kitchen

Lucci Kitchen and Bath Center Inc.

Prairie Mullion clear glass hutch cabinet / Built in stainless steel oven & microwave cabinet with clipped corner / Cornice crown moulding to the ceiling / Cork floor / Cross angled inset sink base /

Reclaimed Backyard Cottage

Targa Homes

Small scandinavian galley kitchen in Seattle with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, wood benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, cork floors and a peninsula.

Bold & Industrial Kitchen-diner

Sheffield Sustainable Kitchens

Photo of a large industrial eat-in kitchen in Other with shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, stainless steel benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, cork floors, a peninsula and white floor.

Kitchen with Shaker Cabinets and Cork Floors 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!