the wall seperating the dining room was removed and a curved island was added to connect the two spaces and provide an area for guests to linger while dinner is prepared. Custom "Architect" stools pay tribute to the famous architectural petigree. Photo: S. Lang

Green Mountain Family Remodel

Gretchen Lyons

This view shows the open design of the new kitchen space. Photographs by: Libbie Martin with Think Role
Large country l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, brown cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, slate splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Kitchen in the Woods

Design Perspective Interior Design, LLC

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.

Butler Residence

Edgewood Construction

Photo of a mid-sized traditional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Albuquerque with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, medium wood cabinets, granite benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, slate splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and beige benchtop.

Barn Door - Pantry is hiding in plain view.

KraftMaster Renovations

Adding a barn door is just the right touch for this kitchen - it provides easy,/hidden access to all the snacks hiding in the pantry. This updated updated kitchen we got rid of the peninsula and adding a large island. Materials chosen are warm and welcoming while having a slight industrial feel with stainless appliances. Cabinetry by Starmark, the wood species is alder and the doors are inset. Chris Veith

Ranch Kitchen Remodel

Sheila Mayden Interiors

Photography: Christian J Anderson. Contractor & Finish Carpenter: Poli Dmitruks of PDP Perfection LLC.
Inspiration for a mid-sized country l-shaped separate kitchen in Seattle with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, medium wood cabinets, granite benchtops, grey splashback, slate splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island and grey floor.

Amesbury Kitchen Renovation

Ashwood Construction & Remodeling

Roland Cournoyer & Julie Amery
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional l-shaped kitchen pantry in Boston with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, granite benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, slate splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island and brown floor.

Gaston Country Home

NW Total Home

Design ideas for a small country l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Portland with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, granite benchtops, brown splashback, slate splashback, stainless steel appliances, slate floors, with island, multi-coloured floor and black benchtop.

Mossy Rock

Bushman Dreyfus Architects

Virginia AIA Honor Award for Excellence in Residential Design | This house is designed around the simple concept of placing main living spaces and private bedrooms in separate volumes, and linking the two wings with a well-organized kitchen. In doing so, the southern living space becomes a pavilion that enjoys expansive glass openings and a generous porch. Maintaining a geometric self-confidence, this front pavilion possesses the simplicity of a barn, while its large, shadowy openings suggest shelter from the elements and refuge within. The interior is fitted with reclaimed elm flooring and vertical grain white oak for windows, bookcases, cabinets, and trim. The same cypress used on the exterior comes inside on the back wall and ceiling. Belgian linen drapes pocket behind the bookcases, and windows are glazed with energy-efficient, triple-pane, R-11 Low-E glass.

Judicious

MIREWORKS

This is an example of a large contemporary l-shaped eat-in kitchen in New Orleans with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, slate splashback, stainless steel appliances, slate floors, with island, black 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.

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.

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.

Duplex | Stephanie Kasel Interiors

Stephanie Kasel Interiors

Stephanie Kasel Interiors 2017
This is an example of a small contemporary galley eat-in kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, slate splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and grey benchtop.

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.

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.

Luxury Tile Flooring Gallery

Floor Coverings International of Tampa Bay

Large contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Tampa with raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, slate splashback, stainless steel appliances, slate floors, with island and grey floor.

Fairway Lane

Hy-Tec Construction Inc

Photo of a mid-sized traditional galley eat-in kitchen in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, granite benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, slate splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and black benchtop.

Ranch Kitchen Remodel

Sheila Mayden Interiors

Photography: Christian J Anderson. Contractor & Finish Carpenter: Poli Dmitruks of PDP Perfection LLC.
This is an example of a mid-sized country l-shaped separate kitchen in Seattle with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, medium wood cabinets, granite benchtops, grey splashback, slate splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island and grey floor.

Saratoga Lake Project

Saratoga Signature Interiors

Randall Perry Photography
Design ideas for a large traditional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Boston with recessed-panel cabinets, granite benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island, brown floor, an undermount sink, medium wood cabinets, slate splashback, medium hardwood floors and multi-coloured benchtop.

Kitchen with Slate Splashback and with Island 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!