This kitchen design effortlessly marries reimagined traditional elements with a touch of postmodern flair, crafting a truly one-of-a-kind and personalized space. One cannot help but be drawn to the unique brushed brass rangehood, a true hero piece in this design. It not only adds a powerful stroke of creativity but also serves as a sturdy anchor, grounding the entire space with its commanding presence.

Kitchen

brwarchitects

Photo credit: Virginia Hamrick
Photo of a large traditional u-shaped kitchen in Other with a farmhouse sink, stainless steel appliances, with island, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, granite benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, medium hardwood floors and brown floor.

Malibu Beachfront Contemporary

JRP Design & Remodel

Our clients are seasoned home renovators. Their Malibu oceanside property was the second project JRP had undertaken for them. After years of renting and the age of the home, it was becoming prevalent the waterfront beach house, needed a facelift. Our clients expressed their desire for a clean and contemporary aesthetic with the need for more functionality. After a thorough design process, a new spatial plan was essential to meet the couple’s request. This included developing a larger master suite, a grander kitchen with seating at an island, natural light, and a warm, comfortable feel to blend with the coastal setting. Demolition revealed an unfortunate surprise on the second level of the home: Settlement and subpar construction had allowed the hillside to slide and cover structural framing members causing dangerous living conditions. Our design team was now faced with the challenge of creating a fix for the sagging hillside. After thorough evaluation of site conditions and careful planning, a new 10’ high retaining wall was contrived to be strategically placed into the hillside to prevent any future movements. With the wall design and build completed — additional square footage allowed for a new laundry room, a walk-in closet at the master suite. Once small and tucked away, the kitchen now boasts a golden warmth of natural maple cabinetry complimented by a striking center island complete with white quartz countertops and stunning waterfall edge details. The open floor plan encourages entertaining with an organic flow between the kitchen, dining, and living rooms. New skylights flood the space with natural light, creating a tranquil seaside ambiance. New custom maple flooring and ceiling paneling finish out the first floor. Downstairs, the ocean facing Master Suite is luminous with breathtaking views and an enviable bathroom oasis. The master bath is modern and serene, woodgrain tile flooring and stunning onyx mosaic tile channel the golden sandy Malibu beaches. The minimalist bathroom includes a generous walk-in closet, his & her sinks, a spacious steam shower, and a luxurious soaking tub. Defined by an airy and spacious floor plan, clean lines, natural light, and endless ocean views, this home is the perfect rendition of a contemporary coastal sanctuary. PROJECT DETAILS: • Style: Contemporary • Colors: White, Beige, Yellow Hues • Countertops: White Ceasarstone Quartz • Cabinets: Bellmont Natural finish maple; Shaker style • Hardware/Plumbing Fixture Finish: Polished Chrome • Lighting Fixtures: Pendent lighting in Master bedroom, all else recessed • Flooring: Hardwood - Natural Maple Tile – Ann Sacks, Porcelain in Yellow Birch • Tile/Backsplash: Glass mosaic in kitchen • Other Details: Bellevue Stand Alone Tub Photographer: Andrew, Open House VC

Docking Drawer in Studio Dearborn Kitchen

Studio Dearborn

A 1920s colonial in a shorefront community in Westchester County had an expansive renovation with new kitchen by Studio Dearborn. Countertops White Macauba; interior design Lorraine Levinson. Photography, Timothy Lenz.

Beach Ct. Master Suite & Family Room Addition

H&H Builders LLC

Photo of a small country galley kitchen pantry in Denver with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and grey benchtop.

Sherwood Eclectic Farmhouse

Northland Design & Build

This is an example of a large country l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Portland with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, cement tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, multiple islands and white benchtop.

Glencoe Transitional Kitchen Remodel

Kitchens & Baths Unlimited

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Chicago with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, granite benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, porcelain splashback, panelled appliances and light hardwood floors.

California Adobe

2B Design, LLC

California early Adobe, opened up and contemporized. Full of light and easy neutral tones and natural surfaces. Indoor, Outdoor living created and enjoyed by family.

Boho Bungalow Kitchen

Arcata Cabinet & Design Company

Design ideas for a small scandinavian l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, beige splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

San Carlos Treetop

Cathie Hong Interiors

What started as a kitchen and two-bathroom remodel evolved into a full home renovation plus conversion of the downstairs unfinished basement into a permitted first story addition, complete with family room, guest suite, mudroom, and a new front entrance. We married the midcentury modern architecture with vintage, eclectic details and thoughtful materials.

Stonebridge Stunner

Design Studio West

Step into a kitchen that exudes both modern sophistication and inviting warmth. The space is anchored by a stunning natural quartzite countertop, its veined patterns reminiscent of a sun-drenched landscape. The countertop stretches across the kitchen, gracing both the perimeter cabinetry and the curved island, its gentle curves adding a touch of dynamism to the layout. White oak cabinetry provides a grounding contrast to the cool quartzite. The rich, natural grain of the wood, paired with a crisp white paint, create a sense of airiness and visual lightness. This interplay of textures and tones adds depth and dimension to the space. Breaking away from the traditional rectilinear lines, the island features curved panels that echo the countertop's gentle sweep. This unexpected detail adds a touch of whimsy and softens the overall aesthetic. The warm vinyl flooring complements the wood cabinetry, creating a sense of continuity underfoot.

Farmhouse Kitchen

Country kitchen in San Francisco with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island and white benchtop.

Fall Haven

Castle Kitchens and Interiors

Wide and tall pull out rack for optimal pantry storage. Kitchen design and photography by Jennifer Hayes of Castle Kitchens and Interiors.
Inspiration for a large arts and crafts l-shaped kitchen pantry in Denver with shaker cabinets and light wood cabinets.

EAST COBB Modern Boho Kitchen

Rosa Moreno Kitchens

This is an example of a large modern l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Atlanta with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Industrial Revolution

Troico

Photo of a mid-sized industrial single-wall eat-in kitchen in Vancouver with a drop-in sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, grey splashback, brick splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, grey benchtop and concrete benchtops.

Benders Landing New Construction

Studio E Designs LLC

This is an example of a large modern l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Houston with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and white benchtop.

Riverside Transitional Modern Home

Osada Construction

Mid-sized transitional l-shaped kitchen in Other with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, white splashback, ceramic splashback, panelled appliances, cement tiles, with island, grey floor and white benchtop.

Scandinavian Mid Modern Family Kitchen

Bobeche Interiors

Small appliance storage idea.
Photo of a large scandinavian l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Toronto with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and white benchtop.

Inset Face Frame - Vaughan

Devix Kitchens

Inset face frame kitchen cabinets
Design ideas for a large modern u-shaped open plan kitchen in Toronto with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, beige splashback, porcelain splashback, panelled appliances, ceramic floors, with island, black floor, beige benchtop and wallpaper.

Pinckard

Kelly Shepard Designs.

Photo of a beach style l-shaped kitchen in Los Angeles with shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, white splashback, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop, exposed beam, timber and vaulted.

Kitchen with Shaker Cabinets and Light 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!