Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Other with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, recycled glass benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, linoleum floors, a peninsula and grey floor.

Kitchen on Main

LaPlante Designs

Mid-sized modern l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Boston with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, recycled glass benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, grey floor and white benchtop.

Cape Home Addition - Expanding Home and Lifestyle

'g' Green Design Center

Cabinet Detail - Roll out Trays - Green Home Remodel – Clean and Green on a Budget – with Flair Close up shows roll out trays to keep pots and pans close at hand. Today many families with young children put health and safety first among their priorities for their homes. Young families are often on a budget as well, and need to save in important areas such as energy costs by creating more efficient homes. In this major kitchen remodel and addition project, environmentally sustainable solutions were on top of the wish list producing a wonderfully remodeled home that is clean and green, coming in on time and on budget. ‘g’ Green Design Center was the first and only stop when the homeowners of this mid-sized Cape-style home were looking for assistance. They had a rough idea of the layout they were hoping to create and came to ‘g’ for design and materials. Nicole Goldman, of ‘g’ did the space planning and kitchen design, and worked with Greg Delory of Greg DeLory Home Design for the exterior architectural design and structural design components. All the finishes were selected with ‘g’ and the homeowners. All are sustainable, non-toxic and in the case of the insulation, extremely energy efficient. Beginning in the kitchen, the separating wall between the old kitchen and hallway was removed, creating a large open living space for the family. The existing oak cabinetry was removed and new, plywood and solid wood cabinetry from Canyon Creek, with no-added urea formaldehyde (NAUF) in the glues or finishes was installed. Existing strand woven bamboo which had been recently installed in the adjacent living room, was extended into the new kitchen space, and the new addition that was designed to hold a new dining room, mudroom, and covered porch entry. The same wood was installed in the master bedroom upstairs, creating consistency throughout the home and bringing a serene look throughout. The kitchen cabinetry is in an Alder wood with a natural finish. The countertops are Eco By Cosentino; A Cradle to Cradle manufactured materials of recycled (75%) glass, with natural stone, quartz, resin and pigments, that is a maintenance-free durable product with inherent anti-bacterial qualities. In the first floor bathroom, all recycled-content tiling was utilized from the shower surround, to the flooring, and the same eco-friendly cabinetry and counter surfaces were installed. The similarity of materials from one room creates a cohesive look to the home, and aided in budgetary and scheduling issues throughout the project. Throughout the project UltraTouch insulation was installed following an initial energy audit that availed the homeowners of about $1,500 in rebate funds to implement energy improvements. Whenever ‘g’ Green Design Center begins a project such as a remodel or addition, the first step is to understand the energy situation in the home and integrate the recommended improvements into the project as a whole. Also used throughout were the AFM Safecoat Zero VOC paints which have no fumes, or off gassing and allowed the family to remain in the home during construction and painting without concern for exposure to fumes. Dan Cutrona Photography

Village Park Eco Home

BGI Design

This galley sink is a cook's dream! Any board or bowl imaginable comes as an integrated piece so that cooking and serving are easy. Placed in front of the window with a park nearby, this is the perfect location for the sink. The countertops are made from recycled glass bottles and have specs of blue/green in them, perfectly enhanced by the glass backsplash. Michael Hunter Photography

Mill Valley Addition and Remodel

Sarah Zimmerman Architect

Custom kitchen with wolf and subzero appliances, Icestone counters, glass tile backsplashes, custom cabinets, Sun tunnel skylights, recessed LED lighting

Oasis Blue Kitchen

White Wood Kitchens

This Diamond Cabinetry kitchen designed by White Wood Kitchens reflects the owners' love of Cape Life. The cabinets are maple painted an "Oasis" blue. The countertops are Saravii Curava, which are countertops made out of recycled glass. With stainless steel appliances and a farm sink, this kitchen is perfectly suited for days on Cape Cod. The bathroom includes Versiniti cabinetry, including a vanity and two cabinets for above the sink and the toilet. Builder: McPhee Builders.

Charlotte Farmhouse

Classic Home Design + Construction

Susan Teare
Inspiration for a mid-sized country l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Burlington with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, recycled glass benchtops, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors and with island.

Acton Cherry Kitchen

LaPlante Designs

Mid-sized transitional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Boston with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, medium wood cabinets, recycled glass benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, no island and white benchtop.

Two Tone Driftwood

Waterview Kitchens

Two Tone Driftwood and Gray kitchen Shiplap hood with a Hickory Shelf with Vetrazzo Recycled Glass Gray Island
Photo of an industrial single-wall open plan kitchen in Other with shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, recycled glass benchtops and with island.

2014 Parade Homes

Norduk Fine Homes

nordukfinehomes
Expansive transitional u-shaped open plan kitchen in Oklahoma City with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, recycled glass benchtops, metallic splashback, metal splashback, stainless steel appliances, concrete floors and with island.

Kitchen

Whitten Architects

photography by Trent Bell
Design ideas for a traditional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Portland Maine with recycled glass benchtops, an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, medium wood cabinets and stainless steel appliances.

Oasis Blue Kitchen

White Wood Kitchens

Centerville Green Beats Blue Kitchen

Murphy's Design

This Beautifully warm and inviting kitchen in rich green beats blue anyday. The painted cabients are a custom sherwin williams color and the warm and "toasty" cherry accents add a classic feel. Not too traditional or coastal this kitchen fits perfectly into the Fairfax Virginia Vibe.

Illuminating Journey - Kitchen

Griffin Design

Designed By: Robby & Lisa Griffin Photos By: Desired Photo
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional galley eat-in kitchen in Houston with a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, recycled glass benchtops, grey splashback, mosaic tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, ceramic floors and grey floor.

Scituate Kitchen

'g' Green Design Center

Rich Texture of Stone Backsplash Sets the Tone for a Kitchen of Color and Character - We created this transitional style kitchen for a client who loves color and texture. When she came to ‘g’ she had already chosen to use the large stone wall behind her stove and selected her appliances, which were all high end and therefore guided us in the direction of creating a real cooks kitchen. The two tiered island plays a major roll in the design since the client also had the Charisma Blue Vetrazzo already selected. This tops the top tier of the island and helped us to establish a color palette throughout. Other important features include the appliance garage and the pantry, as well as bar area. The hand scraped bamboo floors also reflect the highly textured approach to this family gathering place as they extend to adjacent rooms. Dan Cutrona Photography

Contemporary White Kitchen

BGI Design

An airy and light feeling inhabits this kitchen from the white walls to the white cabinets to the bamboo countertop and to the contemporary glass pendant lighting. Glass subway tile serves as the backsplash with an accent of organic leaf shaped glass tile over the cooktop. The island is a two part system that has one stationary piece closes to the window shown here and a movable piece running parallel to the dining room on the left. The movable piece may be moved around for different uses or a breakfast table can take its place instead. LED lighting is placed under the cabinets at the toe kick for a night light effect. White leather counter stools are housed under the island for convenient seating. Michael Hunter Photography

Emerald Coast Vetrazzo Beachy Kitchen Design

Vetrazzo

The coastal theme of this Vero Beach, FL kitchen design makes use of the recycled architectural glass, oyster shells and white marble chips in the Vetrazzo Emerald Coast countertops, skillfully fabricated and installed by Abbate Tile & Marble. A cool green glass backsplash plays off the countertops as well for a perfect beachy decor. Photo Credit: Abbate Tile & Marble

Bombay Sapphire Recycled Glass

Sheffield Sustainable Kitchens

Small eclectic l-shaped kitchen in Manchester with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, recycled glass benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, no island and multi-coloured benchtop.

Project 3414-1 Ericsson Neighborhood South Minneapolis Kitchen + Bath Remodel

Castle Building & Remodeling

This 1907 home in the Ericsson neighborhood of South Minneapolis needed some love. A tiny, nearly unfunctional kitchen and leaking bathroom were ready for updates. The homeowners wanted to embrace their heritage, and also have a simple and sustainable space for their family to grow. The new spaces meld the home’s traditional elements with Traditional Scandinavian design influences. In the kitchen, a wall was opened to the dining room for natural light to carry between rooms and to create the appearance of space. Traditional Shaker style/flush inset custom white cabinetry with paneled front appliances were designed for a clean aesthetic. Custom recycled glass countertops, white subway tile, Kohler sink and faucet, beadboard ceilings, and refinished existing hardwood floors complete the kitchen after all new electrical and plumbing. In the bathroom, we were limited by space! After discussing the homeowners’ use of space, the decision was made to eliminate the existing tub for a new walk-in shower. By installing a curbless shower drain, floating sink and shelving, and wall-hung toilet; Castle was able to maximize floor space! White cabinetry, Kohler fixtures, and custom recycled glass countertops were carried upstairs to connect to the main floor remodel. White and black porcelain hex floors, marble accents, and oversized white tile on the walls perfect the space for a clean and minimal look, without losing its traditional roots! We love the black accents in the bathroom, including black edge on the shower niche and pops of black hex on the floors. Tour this project in person, September 28 – 29, during the 2019 Castle Home Tour!

Project 1322-20 Northeast Minneapolis Mid-Century Modern Kitchen Remodel

Castle Building & Remodeling

The goal of the homeowner was to modernize and make the existing kitchen more functional by adding storage, countertop work space, and better task lighting. Castle was able to design an updated kitchen that refaced and painted half of the cabinets and added new deeper cabinets in an L shape that helped meet the clients goals. White painted shaker style doors and slab drawers help compliment the locally made recycled glass countertops and white oak hardwood floors. Thanks to ample LED cabinet lighting the most noticeable feature of this updated kitchen is the local hand-made mid-century backsplash tile from Mercury Mosaics. A new ThermaTru fiberglass backdoor was also installed. Stainless steel LG appliances from Warner’s Stellian and classic chrome accessories and fixtures give the perfect finishing touches. See this kitchen on the 2018 Castle Educational Home Tour, and while you’re at it, check out the previously remodeled basement / bathroom / laundry room which is also on tour!

Kitchen with Shaker Cabinets and Recycled Glass 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!