Amos Goldreich Architecture has completed an asymmetric brick extension that celebrates light and modern life for a young family in North London. The new layout gives the family distinct kitchen, dining and relaxation zones, and views to the large rear garden from numerous angles within the home. The owners wanted to update the property in a way that would maximise the available space and reconnect different areas while leaving them clearly defined. Rather than building the common, open box extension, Amos Goldreich Architecture created distinctly separate yet connected spaces both externally and internally using an asymmetric form united by pale white bricks. Previously the rear plan of the house was divided into a kitchen, dining room and conservatory. The kitchen and dining room were very dark; the kitchen was incredibly narrow and the late 90’s UPVC conservatory was thermally inefficient. Bringing in natural light and creating views into the garden where the clients’ children often spend time playing were both important elements of the brief. Amos Goldreich Architecture designed a large X by X metre box window in the centre of the sitting room that offers views from both the sitting area and dining table, meaning the clients can keep an eye on the children while working or relaxing. Amos Goldreich Architecture enlivened and lightened the home by working with materials that encourage the diffusion of light throughout the spaces. Exposed timber rafters create a clever shelving screen, functioning both as open storage and a permeable room divider to maintain the connection between the sitting area and kitchen. A deep blue kitchen with plywood handle detailing creates balance and contrast against the light tones of the pale timber and white walls. The new extension is clad in white bricks which help to bounce light around the new interiors, emphasise the freshness and newness, and create a clear, distinct separation from the existing part of the late Victorian semi-detached London home. Brick continues to make an impact in the patio area where Amos Goldreich Architecture chose to use Stone Grey brick pavers for their muted tones and durability. A sedum roof spans the entire extension giving a beautiful view from the first floor bedrooms. The sedum roof also acts to encourage biodiversity and collect rainwater. Continues Amos Goldreich, Director of Amos Goldreich Architecture says: “The Framework House was a fantastic project to work on with our clients. We thought carefully about the space planning to ensure we met the brief for distinct zones, while also keeping a connection to the outdoors and others in the space. “The materials of the project also had to marry with the new plan. We chose to keep the interiors fresh, calm, and clean so our clients could adapt their future interior design choices easily without the need to renovate the space again.” Clients, Tom and Jennifer Allen say: “I couldn’t have envisioned having a space like this. It has completely changed the way we live as a family for the better. We are more connected, yet also have our own spaces to work, eat, play, learn and relax.” “The extension has had an impact on the entire house. When our son looks out of his window on the first floor, he sees a beautiful planted roof that merges with the garden.”

Spacious Remodel on Lake Whatcom

North Haven Remodeling

We remodeled this spacious kitchen to make it more functional by adding accessories inside every one of the Showplace cabinets. The clients wanted to make a statement with the Atlas granite that they selected so we incorporated in not only for the countertops in the kitchen and butler's kitchen but also for the backsplash and nook table top.

Rustic Kitchen

RCH Home & Design

Rustic Kitchen with Hammered Copper Sink, Bridge Style Faucet in Rustic Copper, Leathered Finish Granite Countertops, Mosaic Slate Tile Hexagon Backsplash, Polished Pewter Wall Color, Rustic Iron Cabinetry Hardware, Rustic Maple Cabinetry in Two Contrasting Stains with Raised Panel Fronts.

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.

Wyatt Mountain Retreat

Arterra Design & Construction

Mid-sized country u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, soapstone benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, slate splashback, stainless steel appliances, slate floors, multiple islands, multi-coloured floor and black benchtop.

The Ohana Model ATU - Built By: Paradise Tiny Homes

Paradise Tiny Homes LLC

This Ohana model ATU tiny home is contemporary and sleek, cladded in cedar and metal. The slanted roof and clean straight lines keep this 8x28' tiny home on wheels looking sharp in any location, even enveloped in jungle. Cedar wood siding and metal are the perfect protectant to the elements, which is great because this Ohana model in rainy Pune, Hawaii and also right on the ocean. A natural mix of wood tones with dark greens and metals keep the theme grounded with an earthiness. Theres a sliding glass door and also another glass entry door across from it, opening up the center of this otherwise long and narrow runway. The living space is fully equipped with entertainment and comfortable seating with plenty of storage built into the seating. The window nook/ bump-out is also wall-mounted ladder access to the second loft. The stairs up to the main sleeping loft double as a bookshelf and seamlessly integrate into the very custom kitchen cabinets that house appliances, pull-out pantry, closet space, and drawers (including toe-kick drawers). A granite countertop slab extends thicker than usual down the front edge and also up the wall and seamlessly cases the windowsill. The bathroom is clean and polished but not without color! A floating vanity and a floating toilet keep the floor feeling open and created a very easy space to clean! The shower had a glass partition with one side left open- a walk-in shower in a tiny home. The floor is tiled in slate and there are engineered hardwood flooring throughout.

Cape Coral

Hello Kitchen

Design ideas for a large transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Austin with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, black splashback, granite splashback, panelled appliances, vinyl floors, with island, brown floor and black benchtop.

Kenthurst - Butler's Pantry

Patterson Built Pty Ltd

Large modern galley open plan kitchen in Sydney with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, granite splashback, stainless steel appliances, vinyl floors, with island, multi-coloured floor, multi-coloured benchtop and vaulted.

Transformation 100% en sur-mesure

Maison 27Bis

Photo of a large modern l-shaped open plan kitchen in Nantes with an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, grey splashback, granite splashback, black appliances, concrete floors, with island, grey floor and grey benchtop.

Modern Custom Home Pantry

Paragon Design Firm

This is an example of a modern u-shaped kitchen pantry with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, black splashback, slate splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, no island, brown floor and black benchtop.

St Marys Bay House

Jessica Chloe Photography

Details of slate as splash back, the material found on the island bench and bathroom tying spaces together
Design ideas for a large traditional single-wall open plan kitchen in Auckland with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, black splashback, slate splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor, black benchtop and vaulted.

Boston Kitchen Remodel

Cornerstone Home Renovators

Kitchen remodel which features base cabinets painted in Sherwin Williams Dyers Woad, SW-9071. Counters are Nero Mist from MSI. Wall tile is Ann Sacks, Savoy wall tile in RicePaper. Kohler Sensate touchless faucet.

The Aramore - Buckhead

Designer Deanna

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Atlanta with a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, granite benchtops, black splashback, slate splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, no island, brown floor and black benchtop.

Appartamento anni '30

Filippo Coltro architetto

Filippo Coltro - PH. Mattia Aquila
Inspiration for an eclectic galley kitchen in Other with granite benchtops, slate splashback, stainless steel appliances, slate floors, black benchtop, an integrated sink, white cabinets and recessed-panel cabinets.

Jonathan Higgins House

Douglas R. Schotland Architect

Kitchen of 1780 Jonathan Higgins House, featuring Crown Point Cabinetry with traditional milk-paint finish and original heart pine floors
Design ideas for a mid-sized country l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Philadelphia with raised-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, a farmhouse sink, wood benchtops, blue splashback, panelled appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island and slate splashback.

Eclectic Kitchen

Inspiration for an eclectic separate kitchen in Dublin with a drop-in sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, brown splashback, stainless steel appliances and slate splashback.

Woodstock

Signature Innovations LLC

Light and airy, modern Ash flooring framed with travertine tile sets the mood for this contemporary design. The open plan and many windows offer abundant light, while rich colors keep things warm. Floor: 2-1/4” strip European White Ash | Two-Tone Select | Estate Collection smooth surface | square edge | color Natural | Satin Waterborne Poly. For more information please email us at: sales@signaturehardwoods.com

Reforma interior - Casa AS

Gallego Arquitectura

Mid-sized modern u-shaped open plan kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, granite benchtops, black splashback, granite splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, a peninsula, brown floor and black benchtop.

Blushing Bungalow | Design and Build

Nistenhaus Design LLC

This is an example of a mid-sized eat-in kitchen in St Louis with an undermount sink, medium wood cabinets, granite benchtops, grey splashback, granite splashback, stainless steel appliances, ceramic floors, grey floor, grey benchtop and shaker cabinets.

Alta Kitchen

Turan Designs, Inc.

Remodel kitchen - photo credit: Sacha Griffin
Large contemporary l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Atlanta with flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, grey floor, with island, an undermount sink, granite benchtops, black splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, granite splashback and black benchtop.

Kitchen with Slate Splashback and Granite 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!