When we drove out to Mukilteo for our initial consultation, we immediately fell in love with this house. With its tall ceilings, eclectic mix of wood, glass and steel, and gorgeous view of the Puget Sound, we quickly nicknamed this project "The Mukilteo Gem". Our client, a cook and baker, did not like her existing kitchen. The main points of issue were short runs of available counter tops, lack of storage and shortage of light. So, we were called in to implement some big, bold ideas into a small footprint kitchen with big potential. We completely changed the layout of the room by creating a tall, built-in storage wall and a continuous u-shape counter top. Early in the project, we took inventory of every item our clients wanted to store in the kitchen and ensured that every spoon, gadget, or bowl would have a dedicated "home" in their new kitchen. The finishes were meticulously selected to ensure continuity throughout the house. We also played with the color scheme to achieve a bold yet natural feel.This kitchen is a prime example of how color can be used to both make a statement and project peace and balance simultaneously. While busy at work on our client's kitchen improvement, we also updated the entry and gave the homeowner a modern laundry room with triple the storage space they originally had. End result: ecstatic clients and a very happy design team. That's what we call a big success! John Granen.

Santa Monica Bungalow

GLYNNdesignbuild

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary open plan kitchen in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, quartzite benchtops, slate floors, no island and grey floor.

Westchester County Sustainable Luxury

EK ARCHITECTURE, PLLC

Introducing Sustainable Luxury in Westchester County, a home that masterfully combines contemporary aesthetics with the principles of eco-conscious design. Nestled amongst the changing colors of fall, the house is constructed with Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) and reclaimed wood, manifesting our commitment to sustainability and carbon sequestration. Glass, a predominant element, crafts an immersive, seamless connection with the outdoors. Featuring coastal and harbor views, the design pays homage to romantic riverscapes while maintaining a rustic, tonalist color scheme that harmonizes with the surrounding woods. The refined variation in wood grains adds a layered depth to this elegant home, making it a beacon of sustainable luxury.

Fitler Square Trinity

Kaminski + Pew

Compact galley kitchen. All appliances are under-counter. Slate tile flooring, hand-glazed ceramic tile backsplash, custom walnut cabinetry, and quartzite countertop.

Création de la cuisine. Travail de la couleur et des matières.

ATELIER DES TUILERIES

Inspiration for an expansive modern open plan kitchen in Paris with flat-panel cabinets, green cabinets, quartzite benchtops, metal splashback, panelled appliances, slate floors, no island and black benchtop.

Encinitas Kitchen Remodel

M Prevost Design

Photo of a mid-sized transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in San Diego with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, quartzite benchtops, stainless steel appliances, with island, grey benchtop, white cabinets, white splashback, slate floors and grey floor.

Industrial Chic

Cabri inc

Photo of a mid-sized transitional l-shaped kitchen in New York with white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, grey splashback, stone slab splashback, slate floors, with island, an undermount sink, glass-front cabinets, panelled appliances and grey floor.

Russell Home

SteveGriggsDesign.com

Mid-sized arts and crafts single-wall eat-in kitchen in New York with with island, a single-bowl sink, open cabinets, quartzite benchtops, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, slate floors and beige floor.

Country Kitchen

Mid-sized country open plan kitchen in Gloucestershire with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, quartzite benchtops, slate floors, grey floor, beige benchtop and with island.

Boulevard Park House

Katie Denham Interiors

Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional l-shaped kitchen in Sacramento with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, quartzite benchtops, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, slate floors, with island and grey floor.

Creek Hollow Ave Renovation

Studio Steidley

This kitchen was very 1980s and the homeowners were ready for a change. As amateur chefs, they had a lot of requests and appliances to accommodate but we were up for the challenge. Taking the kitchen back down to the studs, we began to open up their kitchen while providing them plenty of storage to conceal their bulk storage and many small appliances. Replacing their existing refrigerator with a panel-ready column refrigerator and freezer, helped keep the sleek look of the cabinets without being disrupted by appliances. The vacuum sealer drawer is an integrated part as well, hidden by the matching cabinet drawer front. Even the beverage cooler has a door that matches the cabinetry of the island. The stainless, professional-grade gas range stands out amongst the white cabinets and its brass touches match the cabinet hardware, faucet, pot-filler, and veining through the quartzite. The show-stopper of this kitchen is this amazing book-matched quartzite with its deep blues and brass veining and this incredible sink that was created out of it as well, to continue the continuity of this kitchen. The enormous island is covered with the same stone but with the dark wood, it provides a dramatic flair. The mercury glass pendants, do not distract but complete the look. Photographer: Michael Hunter Photography

Creek Hollow Ave Renovation

Studio Steidley

Fitler Square Trinity

Kaminski + Pew

Compact galley kitchen, with all appliances under-counter. Slate tile flooring, hand-glazed ceramic tile backsplash, custom walnut cabinetry, and quartzite countertop.

Lowland Farm Kitchen

Kristina Crestin Design

Jared Kuzia Photography
Mid-sized transitional l-shaped separate kitchen in Boston with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, slate floors, with island, grey floor and white benchtop.

Tincture

Unique Homestays

This is an example of a mid-sized country l-shaped kitchen in Other with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, timber splashback, panelled appliances, slate floors, no island, grey floor and yellow benchtop.

IMM Kitchen B+P

Consilium B LLC

Industrial/Transitional Kitchen Design, charcoal gray lacquer, with brass buster + punch hardware and light matched
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Atlanta with an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, grey cabinets, quartzite benchtops, blue splashback, marble splashback, black appliances, slate floors, with island, grey floor and blue benchtop.

Country Cottage Kitchen

Hill Farm Furniture Ltd

The beauty of hand-painted, handmade kitchens is that they can be easily added to. This client already had a Hill Farm Furniture kitchen and when they decided to make the area bigger, they asked us back. We redesigned the layout of the kitchen, taking into account their growing family's needs. Bespoke cabinets in a fresh new colour with new Broughton of Leicester door and drawer handles, new appliances and taps created a brand new cosy and homely kitchen. And we didn't stop there, designing, manufacturing and installing bespoke vanity units in the cottage's new ensuite and bathroom.

Boulevard Park House

Katie Denham Interiors

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional l-shaped kitchen in Sacramento with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, slate floors, with island and grey floor.

House Beautiful Kitchen of the Year

Kohler

A dramatic study in black and white, House Beautiful's Kitchen of the Year, set in San Francisco’s Presidio Heights and designed by Steven Miller, is a too-die-for combination of smart details and luxe comfort.

Maple City | New Modern Custom Home

kbh architects, ltd.

New Modern Lake House: Located on beautiful Glen Lake, this home was designed especially for its environment with large windows maximizing the view toward the lake. The lower awning windows allow lake breezes in, while clerestory windows and skylights bring light in from the south. A back porch and screened porch with a grill and commercial hood provide multiple opportunities to enjoy the setting. Michigan stone forms a band around the base with blue stone paving on each porch. Every room echoes the lake setting with shades of blue and green and contemporary wood veneer cabinetry.

Kitchen with Quartzite Benchtops and Slate Floors 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!