Tim Vrieling
Photo of a large country u-shaped open plan kitchen in Orange County with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, distressed cabinets, granite benchtops, beige splashback, stone tile splashback, white appliances, light hardwood floors and with island.

Dream Kitchen - Glen Ellyn, IL

TKS Design Group

WATCH the time lapse video of this kitchen remodel: https://youtu.be/caemXXlauLU Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW This Glen Ellyn homeowner came to us, frustrated with the layout and size of their current kitchen, looking for help generating ideas for how to maximize functionality within the constraints of the space. After visiting with them and seeing the home’s layout, I realized that looking at the bigger picture of how they used the entire first floor might bring us some dramatic solutions. We ended up flipping the kitchen and family room and taking down the wall separating the two creating one big open floor plan for the family to enjoy. There is still a visual separation between the rooms because of their different lengths and the overall space now relates nicely to the dining room which was also opened up to both rooms. The new kitchen is an L-shaped space that is no longer cramped and small and is truly a cook’s dream. The fridge is on one end, a large cooktop and sink are located along the main perimeter and double ovens located at the end of the “L” complete the layout. Ample work surface along the perimeter and on the large island makes entertaining a breeze. An existing door to the patio remains, floods the room with light and provides easy access to the existing outdoor deck for entertaining and grilling. White cabinetry with quartz countertops, Carrera marble backsplash tile and a contrasting gray island give the space a clean and modern feel. The gray pendant lights and stainless appliances bring a slight industrial feel to the space letting you know that some serious cooking will take place here. Once we had their Dream Kitchen design completed, the homeowners decided to tackle another project at the same time. We made plans to create a master suite upstairs by combining two existing bedrooms into a larger bedroom, bathroom and walk-in closet. The existing spaces were not overly large so getting everything on the wish list into the design was a challenge. In the end, we came up with a design that works. The two bedrooms were adjoined, one wall moved back slightly to make for a slightly larger bedroom, and the remaining space was allotted to the new bathroom and a walk in closet. The bathroom consists of a double vanity and a large shower with a barn door shower door. A skylight brings light into the space and helps make it feel larger and more open. The new walk-in closet is accessible through the bathroom, and we even managed to fit in a small entry vestibule that houses some additional storage and makes a nice transition from the hallway. A white vanity, Carrera tops and gray floor tile make for a serene space that feels just right for this home. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Mike Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Rustic Refined

Maughan Design & Remodel

Whitney Lyons
Inspiration for a large country l-shaped open plan kitchen in Portland with shaker cabinets, black cabinets, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, an undermount sink, soapstone benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, stone tile splashback and beige floor.

Ahwatukee Arizona full house remodel

D'amore IDS

This is an example of a mid-sized transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Phoenix with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, grey splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island, brown floor, brown benchtop and laminate floors.

Rural Craftsman Style Beautiful Two-Story Home - Classic & Elegant

Window Design Center

Large arts and crafts galley kitchen pantry in Other with a drop-in sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, wood benchtops, beige splashback, stainless steel appliances, stone tile splashback and ceramic floors.

Transitional Andover Kitchen

New England Design Elements

This is an example of a mid-sized transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Boston with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, grey splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors and with island.

Frazier Peters Remodel

Titus Built, LLC

Design ideas for a transitional u-shaped open plan kitchen in New York with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, stone tile splashback, medium hardwood floors and with island.

Traditional Home

KBG Design

Photo by Nate Lewis Case Design @ Remodeling
Photo of a mid-sized transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in San Francisco with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors and with island.

Treasure Island Remodel

Direct Source MT

A beautiful lake home with an out-dated kitchen gets a make over. Custom inset Shaker cabinetry keeps the classic feel of this home. The custom island features two spice pull outs, an induction cook top, a small prep sink, and plenty of seating. The white granite top plays off of the two-tone kitchen. The perimeter of the kitchen is painted white with an espresso glaze and the green granite top mimics the color of the lake seen out of the large windows. The refrigerator and dishwasher are built-in and concealed behind cabinet doors. The cabinetry is anchored by new saltillo tile. DuraSupreme Cabinetry

Bethel Kitchen - Large

GoodHouse Flooring LLC

AFTER
Inspiration for a large modern l-shaped eat-in kitchen in New York with a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, grey splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors and with island.

Rustic Modern Farmhouse Kitchen

Studio 76 Kitchens and Baths

A new modern farmhouse included an open kitchen with views to all the first level rooms, including dining area, family room area, back mudroom and front hall entries. Rustic-styled beams provide support between first floor and loft upstairs. A 10-foot island was designed to fit between rustic support posts. The rustic alder dark stained island complements the L-shape perimeter cabinets of lighter knotty alder. Two full-sized undercounter ovens by Wolf split into single spacing, under an electric cooktop, and in the large island are useful for this busy family. Hardwood hickory floors and a vintage armoire add to the rustic decor.

Great room/kitchen with white marble

Premier Granite And Stone

Beautiful white kitchen with marble countertop island centerpiece.
Inspiration for a large transitional u-shaped open plan kitchen in Other with a farmhouse sink, with island, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white splashback, stone tile splashback, marble benchtops and brown floor.

Groupe Cartier

@Gorini Guillaume Photograph
Large contemporary open plan kitchen in Montreal with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, concrete floors and with island.

Mercer Island

Jefferson Fine Home Builders

This is an example of a transitional u-shaped open plan kitchen in Seattle with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, black splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, slate floors and with island.

Handsome in Alder

Terri Sears, Kitchen and Bath Designer

Melissa Mills photography " http://melissammills.weebly.com" Contract work completed by Bill & Kris Montgomery Cabinet installation completed by Gabe Coman

West Vancouver Horizon

SGDI - Sarah Gallop Design Inc.

This beautiful home is located in West Vancouver BC. This family came to SGDI in the very early stages of design. They had architectural plans for their home, but needed a full interior package to turn constructions drawings into a beautiful liveable home. Boasting fantastic views of the water, this home has a chef’s kitchen equipped with a Wolf/Sub-Zero appliance package and a massive island with comfortable seating for 5. No detail was overlooked in this home. The master ensuite is a huge retreat with marble throughout, steam shower, and raised soaker tub overlooking the water with an adjacent 2 way fireplace to the mater bedroom. Frame-less glass was used as much as possible throughout the home to ensure views were not hindered. The basement boasts a large custom temperature controlled 150sft wine room. A marvel inside and out. Paul Grdina Photography

NARI Tour of Remodeled Homes 2014

Neighbors Home Remodeling

This kitchen had the old laundry room in the corner and there was no pantry. We converted the old laundry into a pantry/laundry combination. The hand carved travertine farm sink is the focal point of this beautiful new kitchen. Notice the clean backsplash with no electrical outlets. All of the electrical outlets, switches and lights are under the cabinets leaving the uninterrupted backslash. The rope lighting on top of the cabinets adds a nice ambiance or night light. Photography: Buxton Photography

Kitchens

Bradford & Kent Home Remodeling

This sleek, contemporary kitchen is a piece of art. From the two story range hood with its angled window to the flat paneled cabinets with opaque glass inserts to the stainless steel accents, this kitchen is a showstopper.

Thames Dr.

Lincorp / Borchert

photo by Brian Walters
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Detroit with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, medium wood cabinets, granite benchtops, beige splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and beige floor.

Colorado Drive

Twelve Stones Designs, LLC

C.L. Fry Photography
Large transitional single-wall open plan kitchen in Austin with a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, beige splashback, stone tile splashback and stainless steel appliances.

Kitchen with Shaker Cabinets and Stone Tile 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!