This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Brisbane with a double-bowl sink, recessed-panel cabinets, black cabinets, wood benchtops, white splashback, window splashback, stainless steel appliances, slate floors, with island, grey floor, brown benchtop and exposed beam.

A Modern Kitchen for a Retreat in the Woods

Amazing Spaces

This is a great house. Perched high on a private, heavily wooded site, it has a rustic contemporary aesthetic. Vaulted ceilings, sky lights, large windows and natural materials punctuate the main spaces. The existing large format mosaic slate floor grabs your attention upon entering the home extending throughout the foyer, kitchen, and family room. Specific requirements included a larger island with workspace for each of the homeowners featuring a homemade pasta station which requires small appliances on lift-up mechanisms as well as a custom-designed pasta drying rack. Both chefs wanted their own prep sink on the island complete with a garbage “shoot” which we concealed below sliding cutting boards. A second and overwhelming requirement was storage for a large collection of dishes, serving platters, specialty utensils, cooking equipment and such. To meet those needs we took the opportunity to get creative with storage: sliding doors were designed for a coffee station adjacent to the main sink; hid the steam oven, microwave and toaster oven within a stainless steel niche hidden behind pantry doors; added a narrow base cabinet adjacent to the range for their large spice collection; concealed a small broom closet behind the refrigerator; and filled the only available wall with full-height storage complete with a small niche for charging phones and organizing mail. We added 48” high base cabinets behind the main sink to function as a bar/buffet counter as well as overflow for kitchen items. The client’s existing vintage commercial grade Wolf stove and hood commands attention with a tall backdrop of exposed brick from the fireplace in the adjacent living room. We loved the rustic appeal of the brick along with the existing wood beams, and complimented those elements with wired brushed white oak cabinets. The grayish stain ties in the floor color while the slab door style brings a modern element to the space. We lightened the color scheme with a mix of white marble and quartz countertops. The waterfall countertop adjacent to the dining table shows off the amazing veining of the marble while adding contrast to the floor. Special materials are used throughout, featured on the textured leather-wrapped pantry doors, patina zinc bar countertop, and hand-stitched leather cabinet hardware. We took advantage of the tall ceilings by adding two walnut linear pendants over the island that create a sculptural effect and coordinated them with the new dining pendant and three wall sconces on the beam over the main sink.

10th Street Renovation

West End Interiors

Kitchen Renovation, concrete countertops, herringbone slate flooring, and open shelving over the sink make the space cozy and functional. Handmade mosaic behind the sink that adds character to the home.

Kitchen + Dining + Staircase

Rethink Design Studio

Designer, Joel Snayd. Beach house on Tybee Island in Savannah, GA. This two-story beach house was designed from the ground up by Rethink Design Studio -- architecture + interior design. The first floor living space is wide open allowing for large family gatherings. Old recycled beams were brought into the space to create interest and create natural divisions between the living, dining and kitchen. The crisp white butt joint paneling was offset using the cool gray slate tile below foot. The stairs and cabinets were painted a soft gray, roughly two shades lighter than the floor, and then topped off with a Carerra honed marble. Apple red stools, quirky art, and fun colored bowls add a bit of whimsy and fun. Wall Color: SW extra white 7006 Stair Run Color: BM Sterling 1591 Floor: 6x12 Squall Slate (local tile supplier)

Dogwood Ct

Valia Design

This is an example of a mid-sized midcentury l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Detroit with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartzite benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, ceramic splashback, slate floors, with island, multi-coloured floor and panelled appliances.

Paradise in the Pines

Red Rock Pools and Spas and Red Rock Contractors

All Cedar Log Cabin the beautiful pines of AZ Elmira Stove Works appliances Photos by Mark Boisclair
Design ideas for a large country open plan kitchen in Phoenix with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, brown cabinets, limestone benchtops, beige splashback, timber splashback, black appliances, slate floors and with island.

Jasmine 2 - Corona del Mar

D for Design

In the chef’s grade kitchen, a custom hand painted back splash created a graphically subtle backdrop that balanced the light and dark finishes in the room. Caesar Stone countertops were specified along with professional series Sub Zero and Viking stainless steel appliances.

Olathe MCM

Stumpff HomeWorks, LLC

Photo of a midcentury single-wall eat-in kitchen in Kansas City with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, granite splashback, panelled appliances, slate floors, with island, black floor, white benchtop and vaulted.

Goodlettsville country kitchen

Terri Sears, Kitchen and Bath Designer

Mid-sized country l-shaped separate kitchen in Nashville with a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, green cabinets, soapstone benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, slate floors, with island, multi-coloured floor and black benchtop.

Lowland Farm Kitchen

Kristina Crestin Design

Jared Kuzia Photography
Inspiration for a 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.

Bethesda, MD Contemporary Galley Kitchen

FineCraft Contractors, Inc.

Location: Bethesda, MD, USA We completely revamped the kitchen and breakfast areas and gave these spaces more natural light. They wanted a place that is both aesthetic and practical and we achieved this by having space for sitting in the breakfast space and the peninsulas on both sides of the kitchen, not to mention there is extra sitting space along the bay window with extra storage. Finecraft Contractors, Inc. Soleimani Photography

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.

San Jose White Shaker Kitchen Remodel- semi custom cabinets, quartz counter tops

Visionary Home Remodeling Inc.

This is an example of a large modern u-shaped eat-in kitchen in San Francisco with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island, white benchtop, an undermount sink, marble benchtops, ceramic splashback, slate floors and black floor.

Complete Home Renovation

Randal G. Winter Construction Inc.

Mel Carll
This is an example of a large transitional u-shaped kitchen pantry in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, slate floors, no island, grey floor, white benchtop, raised-panel cabinets and turquoise cabinets.

Reston Kitchen Remodel

Synergy Design & Construction

Frameless, bright white Shaker cabinets reflect tons of light into this transitional-modern kitchen. The solid taupe quartz countertops provide a clean, neutral surface that lets the multi-toned, marble backsplash capture the attention.

Farmhouse Kitchen

Covenant LLC

This is an example of a mid-sized country single-wall eat-in kitchen in Boston with a single-bowl sink, recessed-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, limestone benchtops, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, slate floors, with island, grey floor and white splashback.

KITCHEN

Cristina LaMendola Design

Fridge: Jenn-Air Stainless Steel Range: Viking-36" Gas/Convection Hood: Viking Chimney (Professional Line) Sink: Franke Farmhouse stainless steel Faucet: Hansgroh Stainless Steel Wine Fridge: Jenn-Air Dual Zone Custom panel Flooring: Porcelain from Wayne Tile in a cool gray tone Backsplash: Carrera Marble Subway Countertops: Pietra Cardosa Slate Window Treatments: Hunter Douglas Woven Woods Cabinetry: Fully Custom Painted White Photo Credit: Front Door Photography

Pantries

Closet King LLC

Walk in pantry, tray divider, adjustable shelves, and pull out baskets.
Design ideas for a large modern single-wall kitchen pantry in Other with white cabinets and slate floors.

Alberta Kitchen Remodel--Holliston, Massachusetts

Masters Touch Design Build

Inspiration for a large transitional u-shaped open plan kitchen in Boston with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, slate floors, with island and grey floor.

Suburban Estate

LKM Design

Design ideas for a large transitional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Boston with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, marble benchtops, grey splashback, ceramic splashback, panelled appliances, slate floors, with island and dark wood cabinets.

Kitchen with 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!