Designer’s Own Kitchen – Lower Manhattan

This kitchen was designed by Bilotta senior designer, Randy O’Kane, CKD with (and for) interior designer Blair Harris. The apartment is located in a turn-of-the-20th-century Manhattan brownstone and the kitchen (which was originally at the back of the apartment) was relocated to the front in order to gain more light in the heart of the home. Blair really wanted the cabinets to be a dark blue color and opted for Farrow & Ball’s “Railings”. In order to make sure the space wasn’t too dark, Randy suggested open shelves in natural walnut vs. traditional wall cabinets along the back wall. She complemented this with white crackled ceramic tiles and strips of LED lights hidden under the shelves, illuminating the space even more. The cabinets are Bilotta’s private label line, the Bilotta Collection, in a 1” thick, Shaker-style door with walnut interiors. The flooring is oak in a herringbone pattern and the countertops are Vermont soapstone. The apron-style sink is also made of soapstone and is integrated with the countertop. Blair opted for the trending unlacquered brass hardware from Rejuvenation’s “Massey” collection which beautifully accents the blue cabinetry and is then repeated on both the “Chagny” Lacanche range and the bridge-style Waterworks faucet. The space was designed in such a way as to use the island to separate the primary cooking space from the living and dining areas. The island could be used for enjoying a less formal meal or as a plating area to pass food into the dining area.

Riverside

Morrissey Saypol Interiors, LLC

Photo by Morrissey Saypol Interiors
Design ideas for a traditional u-shaped open plan kitchen in New York with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, soapstone benchtops, blue splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island and brown floor.

Historic Madison Home

The Kitchen Company

Historic Madison home on the water designed by Gail Bolling Madison, Connecticut To get more detailed information copy and paste this link into your browser. https://thekitchencompany.com/blog/featured-kitchen-historic-home-water, Photographer, Dennis Carbo

Arts and Crafts Kitchen

Tracey Stephens Interior Design Inc

Wing Wong/Memories TTL
This is an example of a large arts and crafts eat-in kitchen in New York with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, medium wood cabinets, soapstone benchtops, green splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors and with island.

Georgetown, Washington DC - Transitional - Rowhouse Kitchen

Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath

Georgetown, Washington DC Transitional Turn-of-the-Century Rowhouse Kitchen Design by #SarahTurner4JenniferGilmer in collaboration with architect Christian Zapatka. Photography by Bob Narod. http://www.gilmerkitchens.com/

Old Towne Orange Kitchen Remodel

Le Gourmet Kitchen Ltd.

Jonathan Salmon, the designer, raised the wall between the laundry room and kitchen, creating an open floor plan with ample space on three walls for cabinets and appliances. He widened the entry to the dining room to improve sightlines and flow. Rebuilding a glass block exterior wall made way for rep production Windows and a focal point cooking station A custom-built island provides storage, breakfast bar seating, and surface for food prep and buffet service. The fittings finishes and fixtures are in tune with the homes 1907. architecture, including soapstone counter tops and custom painted schoolhouse lighting. It's the yellow painted shaker style cabinets that steal the show, offering a colorful take on the vintage inspired design and a welcoming setting for everyday get to gathers.. Pradhan Studios Photography

Potter's Kitchen

Don Foote Contracting

Mid-sized eclectic l-shaped separate kitchen in Boston with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, yellow cabinets, soapstone benchtops, ceramic splashback and stainless steel appliances.

Sterling Kitchen and Dining

down2earth Interior Design, LLC.

It is not uncommon for down2earth interior design to be tasked with the challenge of combining an existing kitchen and dining room into one open space that is great for communal cooking and entertaining. But what happens when that request is only the beginning? In this kitchen, our clients had big dreams for their space that went well beyond opening up the plan and included flow, organization, a timeless aesthetic, and partnering with local vendors. Although the family wanted all the modern conveniences afforded them by a total kitchen renovation, they also wanted it to look timeless and fit in with the aesthetic of their 100 year old home. So all design decisions were made with an eye towards timelessness, from the profile of the cabinet doors, to the handmade backsplash tiles, to the choice of soapstone for countertops, which is a beautiful material that is naturally heat resistant. The soapstone was strategically positioned so that the most stunning veins would be on display across the island top and on the wall behind the cooktop. Even the green color of the cabinet, and the subtle green-greys of the trim were specifically chosen for their softness so they will not look stark or trendy in this classic home. To address issues of flow, the clients really analyzed how they cook, entertain, and eat. We went well beyond the typical “kitchen triangle” to make sure all the hot spots of the kitchen were in the most functional locations within the space. Once we located the “big moves” we really dug down into the details. Some noteworthy ones include a whole wall of deep pantries with pull outs so all food storage is in one place, knives stored in a drawer right over the cutting boards, trash located right behind the sink, and pots, pans, cookie sheets located right by the oven, and a pullout for the Kitchenaid mixer. There are also pullouts that serve as dedicated storage next to the oven for oils, spices, and utensils, and a microwave located in the island which will facilitate aging in place if that becomes an objective in the future. A broom and cleaning supply storage closet at the top of the basement stairs coordinates with the kitchen cabinets so it will look nice if on view, or it can be hidden behind barn doors that tuck just a bit behind the oven. Storage for platters and a bar are located near the dining room so they will be on hand for entertaining. As a couple deeply invested in their local community, it was important to the homeowners to work with as many local vendors as possible. From flooring to woodwork to tile to countertops, choosing the right materials to make this project come together was a real collaborative effort. Their close community connections also inspired these empty nesters to stay in their home and update it to their needs, rather than relocating. The space can now accommodate their growing family that might consist of children’s spouses, grandkids, and furry friends alike.

Mid-Century Modern Kitchen with Yellow & Green

Model Remodel

Modern kitchen island with waterfall countertop; kitchen open shelving over white backsplash © Cindy Apple Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized midcentury l-shaped separate kitchen in Seattle with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, soapstone benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island and black benchtop.

Clayton

Karen Korn Interiors

Design ideas for a traditional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in St Louis with a single-bowl sink, raised-panel cabinets, black cabinets, soapstone benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and black benchtop.

Van Alst Studios

OVERARCH

Slate and oak floors compliment butcher block and soapstone counter tops.
This is an example of a small eclectic galley eat-in kitchen in New York with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, soapstone benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, slate floors and no island.

Bungalow - Full House Remodel - Kitchen (Glen Park)

Centoni Restoration & Development, Inc.

The open kitchen with bright openings between the main living spaces has LED lighting, zoned heating and insulated windows and walls.
Small modern u-shaped kitchen in San Francisco with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, soapstone benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, a peninsula and brown floor.

Portland West Hills - Crisp and Classic Kitchen Remodel

Maughan Design & Remodel

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional galley eat-in kitchen in Portland with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, soapstone benchtops, yellow splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, cork floors and no island.

Parkside

Hello Kitchen

This is an example of a mid-sized scandinavian galley open plan kitchen in Austin with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, soapstone benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, a peninsula, brown floor and black benchtop.

Lowry Hill Kitchen

Kate Roos Design LLC

By removing a wall and combining two previously compartmentalized spaces, the new kitchen is an efficient, welcoming space centered around a large island with seating for guests.

Suzan and John's Kitchen Remodel

Agate Architecture, LLC

Agate Architecture LCC
Inspiration for a mid-sized midcentury galley eat-in kitchen in Other with an integrated sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, soapstone benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, ceramic floors, no island and grey floor.

Suzan and John's Kitchen Remodel

Agate Architecture, LLC

Farmhouse 2016

Knight Construction Design Inc.

This is an example of a mid-sized country l-shaped open plan kitchen in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white splashback, dark hardwood floors, with island, soapstone benchtops, ceramic splashback and panelled appliances.

Craftsman, Mission Kitchen

Gary Arthurs-crafted interiors

The island centers the kitchen and provides plenty of storage in front while hiding the trash/recycling center and freezer drawers in back. Constructed of quartersawn white oak harvested in Chester County Pennsylvania. Gary Arthurs

WESTFIELD

Catherine M. Austin Interior Design

Emily Followill
Photo of a large transitional u-shaped kitchen in Charlotte with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, soapstone benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors and with island.

Kitchen with Soapstone Benchtops and Ceramic 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!