Our clients wanted to update their kitchen and create more storage space. They also needed a desk area in the kitchen and a display area for family keepsakes. With small children, they were not using the breakfast bar on the island, so we chose when redesigning the island to add storage instead of having the countertop overhang for seating. We extended the height of the cabinetry also. A desk area with 2 file drawers and mail sorting cubbies was created so the homeowners could have a place to organize their bills, charge their electronics, and pay bills. We also installed 2 plugs into the narrow bookcase to the right of the desk area with USB plugs for charging phones and tablets. Our clients chose a cherry craftsman cabinet style with simple cups and knobs in brushed stainless steel. For the countertops, Silestone Copper Mist was chosen. It is a gorgeous slate blue hue with copper flecks. To compliment this choice, I custom designed this slate backsplash using multiple colors of slate. This unique, natural stone, geometric backsplash complemented the countertops and the cabinetry style perfectly. We installed a pot filler over the cooktop and a pull-out spice cabinet to the right of the cooktop. To utilize counterspace, the microwave was installed into a wall cabinet to the right of the cooktop. We moved the sink and dishwasher into the island and placed a pull-out garbage and recycling drawer to the left of the sink. An appliance lift was also installed for a Kitchenaid mixer to be stored easily without ever having to lift it. To improve the lighting in the kitchen and great room which has a vaulted pine tongue and groove ceiling, we designed and installed hollow beams to run the electricity through from the kitchen to the fireplace. For the island we installed 3 pendants and 4 down lights to provide ample lighting at the island. All lighting was put onto dimmer switches. We installed new down lighting along the cooktop wall. For the great room, we installed track lighting and attached it to the sides of the beams and used directional lights to provide lighting for the great room and to light up the fireplace. The beautiful home in the woods, now has an updated, modern kitchen and fantastic lighting which our clients love.

Gem Retreat Chalet

Weninger Construction & Design Ltd

Entering the chalet, an open concept great room greets you. Kitchen, dining, and vaulted living room with wood ceilings create uplifting space to gather and connect with additional seating at granite kitchen island/bar.

Kitchen, mud room and Laundry renovation

Glickman Design Build

Kitchen, pantry, mud, Laundry room
Inspiration for a large transitional u-shaped kitchen pantry in DC Metro with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, slate splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors and multiple islands.

Small Apartment Kitchen

Countryline Woodcraft

New, efficient, shaker -style white cabinets brighten up this small apartment kitchen space
Small transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Toronto with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, slate splashback, stainless steel appliances, laminate floors, no island, beige floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

Cozy Rustic Lakeside Kitchen

Michelle Lecinski

Project by Advance Design Studio Kitchen Design by Michelle Lecinski Photography NOT professional, just snap shots for now ;)
Photo of a large country l-shaped open plan kitchen in Chicago with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, medium wood cabinets, granite benchtops, green splashback, slate splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and black benchtop.

Parade of Homes - Aspen II

Titan Homes, Inc.

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped open plan kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, grey splashback, slate splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and brown floor.

Dalston Shaker Style Kitchen

Murray & Ball Furniture Ltd

Stunning shaker kitchen in muted tones from Farrow and Ball with bespoke Oak internals and many bespoke features including a lovely larder cupboard with solid Oak spice racks and Ladder. A freestanding island unit marks the design with a fantastic polished concrete worktop.

Warm Craftsman Kitchen Renovation

A la Carte Home Design

Holly Werner
This is an example of a mid-sized arts and crafts l-shaped open plan kitchen in St Louis with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, slate splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and grey benchtop.

Lighting in Big Sky

Ambiance, Inc.

Home automation is an area of exponential technological growth and evolution. Properly executed lighting brings continuity, function and beauty to a living or working space. Whether it’s a small loft or a large business, light can completely change the ambiance of your home or office. Ambiance in Bozeman, MT offers residential and commercial customized lighting solutions and home automation that fits not only your lifestyle but offers decoration, safety and security. Whether you’re adding a room or looking to upgrade the current lighting in your home, we have the expertise necessary to exceed your lighting expectations.

Fonseca

Danmar Cabinet Company

Inspiration for a large arts and crafts l-shaped eat-in kitchen in San Francisco with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, medium wood cabinets, granite benchtops, grey splashback, slate splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors and with island.

Kitchen in the Woods

Design Perspective Interior Design, LLC

Clever Kitchen Storage - DeWitt, MI

McDaniels Kitchen and Bath

This craftsman style kitchen design is the perfect combination of form and function. With a custom designed hutch and eat-in kitchen island featuring a CraftArt wood tabletop, the kitchen is the perfect place for family and friends to gather. The wood tone of the Medallion cabinetry contrasts beautifully with the dark Cambria quartz countertop and slate backsplash, but it is the excellent storage accessories inside these cabinets that really set this design apart. From tray dividers to magic corner pull-outs, this kitchen keeps clutter at bay and lets the design shine through.

Upper Marlboro #130

Woodbridge Kitchen&Bath LLC

Simply beautiful
Inspiration for a large beach style single-wall eat-in kitchen in DC Metro with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, white splashback, slate splashback, black appliances, bamboo floors, with island, grey floor and white benchtop.

Webb

Lara Young Design

This is an example of a transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Toronto with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, grey splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, white benchtop and slate splashback.

Feathertop Chalet

Weninger Construction & Design Ltd

Beautiful kitchen with rustic features and copper accents. A custom copper hood fan creates a stunning feature for the home. A slate backsplash, thick countertops, and copper farmhouse sink elevate this kitchen's final look.

Jamison, PA - Kitchen Remodel with Live Edge Counter

River Woodcraft

This is an example of a mid-sized transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Philadelphia with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, grey splashback, slate splashback, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and beige benchtop.

Kitchen in the Woods

Design Perspective Interior Design, LLC

Old Scugog Rd. Kitchen

Kingsmill Kitchens & Baths

Ken Solilo Photography
Photo of a mid-sized transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Toronto with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, green splashback, slate splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island and brown floor.

Clever Kitchen Storage - DeWitt, MI

McDaniels Kitchen and Bath

Cozy Rustic Lakeside Kitchen

Michelle Lecinski

Kitchen with Shaker Cabinets and Slate Splashback 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!