Standard IKEA kitchen in Gladwyne, PA with custom Semihandmade DIY Shaker facing. Photo by Paul Lipowicz.
Contemporary galley eat-in kitchen in Philadelphia with shaker cabinets, stainless steel appliances, an undermount sink, white splashback, stone slab splashback, green cabinets and soapstone benchtops.

Thompson Residences Penthouse Suite

Nest Design Studio

Echo1 Photography
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary galley separate kitchen in Toronto with flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, grey splashback, stainless steel appliances, quartz benchtops, stone slab splashback, dark hardwood floors, a peninsula and brown floor.

Contemporary Kitchen

Contemporary kitchen in Seattle with stainless steel appliances, stainless steel benchtops, recessed-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, white splashback and stone slab splashback.

Kitchen transformation

Smith & Vansant Architects PC

This kitchen was formerly a dark paneled, cluttered, and divided space with little natural light. By eliminating partitions and creating a more functional, open floorplan, as well as adding modern windows with traditional detailing, providing lovingly detailed built-ins for the clients extensive collection of beautiful dishes, and lightening up the color palette we were able to create a rather miraculous transformation. The wide plank salvaged pine floors, the antique french dining table, as well as the Galbraith & Paul drum pendant and the salvaged antique glass monopoint track pendants all help to provide a warmth to the crisp detailing. Renovation/Addition. Rob Karosis Photography

French Country

Bluebell Kitchens

Kitchen designed by Peter Cardamone for designer Keith Johnson, Man shops World.
Design ideas for a kitchen in Philadelphia with marble benchtops, raised-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, white splashback, stone slab splashback and brick floors.

Project Pictures

Brookside Custom Homes, LLC.

Brookside Custom Homes, LLC.
This is an example of a contemporary open plan kitchen in Atlanta with stainless steel appliances, marble benchtops, a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, white splashback and stone slab splashback.

Larkin Street Residence - John Maniscalco Architecture

John Maniscalco Architecture

Modern kitchen in San Francisco with stainless steel appliances, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, white splashback, stone slab splashback and an undermount sink.

Warmington & North

Custom cabinets by Warmington & North - Architect: Boswoth Hoedemaker Designer: Larry Hooke Interior Design
Photo of a traditional kitchen in Seattle with marble benchtops, green cabinets and stone slab splashback.

Applegate Tran Interiors

The decision to remodel your kitchen isn't one to take lightly. But, if you really don't enjoy spending time there, it may be time for a change. That was the situation facing the owners of this remodeled kitchen, says interior designer Vernon Applegate. "The old kitchen was dismal," he says. "It was small, cramped and outdated, with low ceilings and a style that reminded me of the early ‘80s." It was also some way from what the owners – a young couple – wanted. They were looking for a contemporary open-plan kitchen and family room where they could entertain guests and, in the future, keep an eye on their children. Two sinks, dishwashers and refrigerators were on their wish list, along with storage space for appliances and other equipment. Applegate's first task was to open up and increase the space by demolishing some walls and raising the height of the ceiling. "The house sits on a steep ravine. The original architect's plans for the house were missing, so we needed to be sure which walls were structural and which were decorative," he says. With the walls removed and the ceiling height increased by 18 inches, the new kitchen is now three times the size of the original galley kitchen. The main work area runs along the back of the kitchen, with an island providing additional workspace and a place for guests to linger. A color palette of dark blues and reds was chosen for the walls and backsplashes. Black was used for the kitchen island top and back. "Blue provides a sense of intimacy, and creates a contrast with the bright living and dining areas, which have lots of natural light coming through their large windows," he says. "Blue also works as a restful backdrop for anyone watching the large screen television in the kitchen." A mottled red backsplash adds to the intimate tone and makes the walls seem to pop out, especially around the range hood, says Applegate. From the family room, the black of the kitchen island provides a visual break between the two spaces. "I wanted to avoid people's eyes going straight to the cabinetry, so I extended the black countertop down to the back of the island to form a negative space and divide the two areas," he says. "The kitchen is now the axis of the whole public space in the house. From there you can see the dining room, living room and family room, as well as views of the hills and the water beyond." Cabinets : Custom rift sawn white oak, cerused dyed glaze Countertops : Absolute black granite, polished Flooring : Oak/driftwood grey from Gammapar Bar stools : Techno with arms, walnut color Lighting : Policelli Backsplash : Red dragon marble Sink : Stainless undermountby Blanco Faucets : Grohe Hot water system : InSinkErator Oven : Jade Cooktop : Independent Hoods, custom Microwave : GE Monogram Refrigerator : Jade Dishwasher : Miele, Touchtronic anniversary Limited Edition

10 West 86th Street

Ethelind Coblin Architect P.C

Peter Vitale
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary u-shaped kitchen pantry in New York with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, marble benchtops, stone slab splashback, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors, grey splashback, a peninsula and brown floor.

River Retreat Kitchen

Creative Kitchen Designs, Inc.

DMD Photography Featuring Dura Supreme Cabinetry
Photo of a large country l-shaped open plan kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, granite benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, stone slab splashback, panelled appliances, concrete floors and with island.

Observatory Park Contemporary Kitchen

Kitchen Distributors

This shot clearly shows the vaulted ceilings and massive windows that dominate this kitchen space. These architectural accents mixed with the finishes and appliances culminate in a magnificent kitchen that is warm and inviting for all who experience it. The Zebrino marble island and backsplash are clearly shown and the LED under-lighting helps to accentuate the beautiful veining throughout the backsplash. This kitchen has since won two awards through NKBA and ASID competitions, and is the crowning jewel of our clients home.

Nellysford

Arterra Design & Construction

This is an example of an expansive country l-shaped open plan kitchen in Other with medium wood cabinets, granite benchtops, stainless steel appliances, slate floors, multiple islands, grey floor, white benchtop, an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white splashback and stone slab splashback.

Compact Modern Kitchen Design-Chicago

Benvenuti and Stein

Zen-like kitchen has white kitchen walls & backsplash with contrasting light shades of beige and brown & modern flat panel touch latch cabinetry. Custom cabinetry made in the Benvenuti and Stein Evanston cabinet shop. Norman Sizemore-Photographer

Kitchen remodel- Hayward

W and W Builders Group Inc.

new kitchen remodel just got done, gray tile, custom white flat-panel kitchen cabinets, Vadara Calacata white quartz countertop with custom 9 feet Island , panel-ready custom cabinet for the fridge, new construction window, LED lights..

Dollarton

Form Collective

Janis Nicolay
This is an example of a large contemporary l-shaped kitchen in Vancouver with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, green splashback, stone slab splashback, concrete floors, with island, grey floor, white benchtop and stainless steel appliances.

Castle Pines Residence Project

Truss Interiors & Renovations

Design ideas for a large transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Denver with recessed-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, white splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop, a farmhouse sink, marble benchtops and stone slab splashback.

Boise

NIXSI design

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, laminate floors, a peninsula and white benchtop.

BDAA Design Awards 2017 - Residential alterations / additions $500,001 and over

Building Designers Association of Australia

Design ideas for a contemporary l-shaped kitchen in Sydney with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, white splashback, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Bachelor Pad Kitchen Remodel

Custom Kitchens by John Wilkins, Inc.

Mike Kaskel
Small transitional u-shaped separate kitchen in San Francisco with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, no island, brown floor and grey benchtop.

Kitchen with Stone Slab 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!