PHOTO: Fresh Coast Collective
Mid-sized transitional l-shaped kitchen in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, dark wood cabinets and wood benchtops.

Stylish and Serene Traditional Kitchen by the Coast

Eagle Associates

This kitchen, with its breathtaking view of Walker Point in Kennebunkport, ME, is an escape from the monotony of everyday life. White walls, a neutral backsplash and a light countertop keep this traditional kitchen bright and airy. Rich, full overlay walnut cabinetry, finished in Cocoa, add interest and depth to the space. The Vogue door used with the perimeter cabinetry gives the space a certain understated elegance. The kitchen island, finished in dove white with 3˝ vogue doors on maple, contrast nicely with the rest of the kitchen. Deep, full-extension drawers in the end of the island, hold pots, pans and other cookware and are accessible any time they are needed. The island is a prime work station, but with a beautiful walnut countertop extension, it also doubles as a great spot to entertain guests. Not only does this traditional kitchen have just the right amount of work stations and ample room for family and friends, but it also has glass front cabinets with x-front mullion for displaying fine glassware and china. Though serene, this kitchen doesn't sacrifice style. It is a blissful escape from the everyday pressures and stresses of life, found right inside the comfort of home.

Custom tall oven cabinet with vertical tray storage, a French Door convection ov

Bay Area Kitchens

This custom tall cabinet includes vertical storage for cookie sheets & cake pans, space for a French door convection oven at the exact correct height for this chef client, and two deep drawers below.

Utah Valley Parade of Homes 2016 - The Clarkson

Design Hintz Interior Design

Large kitchen with an island that is 10' x 5'6". It has the ability to seat four across the back and one stool on each corner. Photo Credit: Caroline Merrill Real Estate Photography

Showhouse at Cavitt Ranch

Alliance Premier Real Estate

This is an example of a contemporary kitchen in Sacramento with shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, white splashback, stainless steel appliances and with island.

Vintage Farm Kitchen

Covenant Woodworks

Photo of a mid-sized country l-shaped kitchen in Atlanta with shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite benchtops, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, a peninsula and brown floor.

Knotty Walnut Kitchen

Rimrock Cabinet Co.

This is an example of a large traditional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors and with island.

Transitional Kitchen

Design ideas for a large transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Denver with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, beige splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors and multiple islands.

1960's Ranch Renovation

Red Mountain Restoration and Construction

Single wall layout with pro appliances. 7 ft island with microwave oven housed underneath.
This is an example of a mid-sized transitional single-wall eat-in kitchen in Birmingham with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors and with island.

Renaissance Solid Bronze Windows & Doors www.solidbronzewindows.com

Renaissance GSB

Renaissance solid bronze casement and picture window replicating old world craftsmanship, with narrow sightlines, factory glazing, and cremone bolt locking system. http://solidbronzewindows.com/

Hill Street Hacienda

Carl Mattison Design

josh vick, home tour america
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional galley eat-in kitchen in Atlanta with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors and with island.

Talbots Lane Kitchen

Refined Renovations

breakfast area, breakfast bar, island, eating area, kitchen island, hutch, storage, light cabinets, white cabinets, dark floor, quartzite, fusion, granite, stone, bar area, liquor storage, prep sink, cast iron, enamel, gray chair

Farmhouse Kitchen

Design ideas for a country open plan kitchen in New York with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets and panelled appliances.

Morrison Kitchen

JJ Interiors

Teri Fotheringham
This is an example of a contemporary kitchen in Denver with shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, marble benchtops, blue splashback, glass tile splashback and stainless steel appliances.

Yale Kitchen

TQ Construction

Vaulted ceiling with skylights.
Transitional l-shaped kitchen in Vancouver with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, multi-coloured splashback, mosaic tile splashback, stainless steel appliances and medium hardwood floors.

Kitchen Pantry

Andre Rothblatt Architecture

Design ideas for a contemporary kitchen in San Francisco with shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets and quartz benchtops.

Woodmaster Kitchen & Bath

Woodmaster Kitchen & Bath Inc.

Cabinet and Furniture Manufacturers & General Contractors Serving Los Angeles County
Inspiration for a contemporary kitchen in Los Angeles with shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, onyx benchtops, white splashback, stone tile splashback and ceramic floors.

Contemporary Home Interior

Rhoads Estate Homes, LLC

Photo of a large transitional kitchen in Cincinnati with an undermount sink, dark wood cabinets, granite benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, multi-coloured benchtop and shaker cabinets.

Adobe Casita

Design Studio 1127

Open concept small but updated kitchen. With drawer refrigerator and freezer on island.
Photo of a small galley kitchen in Phoenix with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, cement tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, brick floors, with island, beige benchtop and wood.

House Beautiful Whole Home Kitchen 2020

Studio Dearborn

This kitchen was designed by Sarah Robertsonof Studio Dearborn for the House Beautiful Whole Home Concept House 2020 in Denver, Colorado. Photos Adam Macchia. For more information, you may visit our website at www.studiodearborn.com or email us at info@studiodearborn.com.

Kitchen with Shaker Cabinets and Dark Wood Cabinets 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!