This adorable beach cottage is in the heart of the village of La Jolla in San Diego. The goals were to brighten up the space and be the perfect beach get-away for the client whose permanent residence is in Arizona. Some of the ways we achieved the goals was to place an extra high custom board and batten in the great room and by refinishing the kitchen cabinets (which were in excellent shape) white. We created interest through extreme proportions and contrast. Though there are a lot of white elements, they are all offset by a smaller portion of very dark elements. We also played with texture and pattern through wallpaper, natural reclaimed wood elements and rugs. This was all kept in balance by using a simplified color palate minimal layering. I am so grateful for this client as they were extremely trusting and open to ideas. To see what the space looked like before the remodel you can go to the gallery page of the website www.cmnaturaldesigns.com Photography by: Chipper Hatter

RedHouse

Misiaszek Turpin pllc

The 800 square-foot guest cottage is located on the footprint of a slightly smaller original cottage that was built three generations ago. With a failing structural system, the existing cottage had a very low sloping roof, did not provide for a lot of natural light and was not energy efficient. Utilizing high performing windows, doors and insulation, a total transformation of the structure occurred. A combination of clapboard and shingle siding, with standout touches of modern elegance, welcomes guests to their cozy retreat. The cottage consists of the main living area, a small galley style kitchen, master bedroom, bathroom and sleeping loft above. The loft construction was a timber frame system utilizing recycled timbers from the Balsams Resort in northern New Hampshire. The stones for the front steps and hearth of the fireplace came from the existing cottage’s granite chimney. Stylistically, the design is a mix of both a “Cottage” style of architecture with some clean and simple “Tech” style features, such as the air-craft cable and metal railing system. The color red was used as a highlight feature, accentuated on the shed dormer window exterior frames, the vintage looking range, the sliding doors and other interior elements. Photographer: John Hession

Farmhouse Style Kitchen for a new house

Shenandoah Kitchen & Home

Inspiration for a large country galley eat-in kitchen in DC Metro with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, soapstone benchtops, beige splashback, white appliances, medium hardwood floors and with island.

Lynnhurst Kitchen

Inspired Spaces LLC

Shultz Photo and Design
Inspiration for a small arts and crafts galley open plan kitchen in Minneapolis with a single-bowl sink, recessed-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, soapstone benchtops, green splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island and beige floor.

Farmhouse Vernacular

Teakwood Builders, Inc.

A mosaic backsplash adds a colorful focal point amidst the white cabinetry. Scott Bergmann Photography
Photo of a country u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Boston with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, soapstone benchtops, metallic splashback, metal splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors and with island.

Hybrid Log Home

Bruce Olson Construction, Inc.

Vance Fox
This is an example of a country galley open plan kitchen in Sacramento with a double-bowl sink, raised-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, soapstone benchtops, black splashback, stone slab splashback and stainless steel appliances.

Gladwyne, PA Kitchen, Mudroom and Living Room Remodel

Rudloff Custom Builders

This kitchen has many interesting elements that set it apart. The sense of openness is created by the raised ceiling and multiple ceiling levels, lighting and light colored cabinets. A custom hood over the stone back splash creates a wonderful focal point with it's traditional style architectural mill work complimenting the islands use of reclaimed wood (as seen on the ceiling as well) transitional tapered legs, and the use of Carrara marble on the island top. This kitchen was featured in a Houzz Kitchen of the Week article! Photography by Alicia's Art, LLC RUDLOFF Custom Builders, is a residential construction company that connects with clients early in the design phase to ensure every detail of your project is captured just as you imagined. RUDLOFF Custom Builders will create the project of your dreams that is executed by on-site project managers and skilled craftsman, while creating lifetime client relationships that are build on trust and integrity. We are a full service, certified remodeling company that covers all of the Philadelphia suburban area including West Chester, Gladwynne, Malvern, Wayne, Haverford and more. As a 6 time Best of Houzz winner, we look forward to working with you on your next project.

Mountain Valley Residence

Damian Farrell Design Group

The bold and rustic kitchen is large enough to cook and entertain for many guests. The edges of the soapstone counter tops were left unfinished to add to the home's rustic charm. Interior Design: Megan at M Design and Interiors

Cottage Kitchen

Divine Custom Homes

Home built by Divine Custom Homes Photos by Spacecrafting
Photo of a mid-sized traditional l-shaped separate kitchen in Minneapolis with a farmhouse sink, white cabinets, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, soapstone benchtops, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and shaker cabinets.

An addition and kitchen renovation

Roloff Construction, Inc

The custom built hood cover gives the range a cozy feel. Roloff Construction, Inc.
This is an example of a traditional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Portland with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, soapstone benchtops, black splashback, porcelain splashback and stainless steel appliances.

Interior Paint Projects

Nolan Painting Inc.

Paint: Farrow and Ball 18 French Gray Photo credit: Nolan Painting Interior Design: Raindrum Design
This is an example of a large contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Philadelphia with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, glass tile splashback, with island, an undermount sink, soapstone benchtops and white splashback.

Interior

Allan Edwards Builder Inc.

Large mediterranean l-shaped separate kitchen in Houston with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, soapstone benchtops, red splashback, brick splashback, panelled appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and red benchtop.

Eclectic Kitchen

JAS Design Build

This is an example of an eclectic kitchen in Seattle with stainless steel appliances, an integrated sink, open cabinets, yellow cabinets and soapstone benchtops.

kitchen and breakfast room

Rasmussen / Su Architects

Halkin Mason Photography
Traditional eat-in kitchen in Philadelphia with a double-bowl sink, soapstone benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, raised-panel cabinets and green cabinets.

Reclaimed Blend

Candace Nordquist Interiors

Photo Credit: Roger Turk
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Seattle with an undermount sink, white cabinets, soapstone benchtops, shaker cabinets, medium hardwood floors, with island, multi-coloured splashback, mosaic tile splashback, panelled appliances and brown floor.

LaGrange Craftsman

Briggs Design Associates, Inc.

Alex Claney Photography
Photo of an arts and crafts u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Chicago with shaker cabinets, medium wood cabinets, soapstone benchtops, beige splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances and an undermount sink.

Contemporary Kitchen

This is an example of a contemporary kitchen in Portland with a farmhouse sink, recycled glass benchtops and blue splashback.

Mid-Century Modern Remodel

Sardone | McLain Construction

Sardone Construction
This is an example of a midcentury kitchen in Dallas with shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets and soapstone benchtops.

Kitchen Expansion

Tenhulzen Residential

Layout to improve form and function with goal of entertaining and raising 3 children.
Large traditional u-shaped kitchen in Seattle with a farmhouse sink, soapstone benchtops, shaker cabinets, medium wood cabinets, red splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island, medium hardwood floors and brown floor.

Ireland in CT

Christine Donner Kitchen Design Inc.

A white farm sink amid rich cherry cabinets with soapstone countertops, under an arched window, look as timeless as they were meant to. Photo: Nancy E. Hill

Kitchen with Soapstone Benchtops and Recycled Glass Benchtops 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!