Transitional galley open plan kitchen in Denver with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, beige splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, multiple islands and brown floor.

Transitional Elegance

Kitchens by Eileen

This is an example of a large transitional l-shaped separate kitchen in Philadelphia with white cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, stone tile splashback and brown floor.

Blessings Golf Course Home

Celtic Custom Homes

The knobs and pulls came from a company called "Top Knobs" and the color of them is brushed bronze. The kitchen faucet is from "Trinsic" and the color is champagne, the faucet number is #9159CZDST

Boulder Remodel Home: Approachable Elegance

Factor Design Build

The kitchen features modern appliances with light wood finishes for a Belgian farmhouse aesthetic. The space is clean, large, and tidy with black fixture elements to add bold design,

Castellina 1394

Arthur Rutenberg-Oakmont Custom Homes

Large transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in San Diego with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, solid surface benchtops, beige splashback, stone tile splashback and brown floor.

Modern European Residence

Deep River Partners

The central T-shape island is a workhorse for preparation, yet provides a cozy spot where a line of leather-backed barstools encourage conversation. The darkly stained finish provides contrast and anchors the space to separate it from other kitchen elements. The black metal light fixture, veining of the natural quartzite countertops, and accessories provide elegant contrast to the neutral theme through pattern, contrast and pops of color.

Chandler Remodel Project

Alisha Taylor Interiors

This modern Chandler Remodel project features a completely transformed kitchen with navy blue acting as neutral and wooden accents.
Photo of a mid-sized beach style eat-in kitchen in Phoenix with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, stone tile splashback, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

French Country Chateau Custom Home

Fautt Homes

Design ideas for an expansive l-shaped kitchen in San Francisco with a farmhouse sink, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, multiple islands, brown floor, beige benchtop, white cabinets, granite benchtops, beige splashback, stone tile splashback and raised-panel cabinets.

Modern White Farmhouse

G.W. Smith Lumber Co.

McKenna Hutchinson
Design ideas for a large country l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Charlotte with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Classic Kitchen

Modern Nest

This home was a sweet 30's bungalow in the West Hollywood area. We flipped the kitchen and the dining room to allow access to the ample backyard. The design of the space was inspired by Manhattan's pre war apartments, refined and elegant.

Kenmore Kitchen Remodel

ArchiUS Architecture + Design

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary u-shaped kitchen pantry in Seattle with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartzite benchtops, beige splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

California Casual White Oaks Kitchen

Studio Haven Interiors

This kitchen was updated to reflect a light and airy mixed wood and paint, family eat-in style island. Inset cabinets paired with quart countertops and herringbone natural stone backsplash.

Treadwell Residence

Brett Grinkmeyer

Mid-sized modern u-shaped open plan kitchen in Austin with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, solid surface benchtops, white splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Kitchen - Olmsted Falls, OH

M-Five Construction Group

Design ideas for a small transitional galley eat-in kitchen in Cleveland with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, beige splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, laminate floors, brown floor and beige benchtop.

Rolling Hills View // Traditional Texas Hill Country

Younger Homes

Large traditional galley kitchen in Austin with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite benchtops, grey splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island, brown floor and grey benchtop.

In Keeping With Tradition

Meadowlark Design+Build

The large island has loads of drawers and cabinets for additional storage space...not to mention the perfect spot for sampling whatever the cook is dishing up. A custom coffered ceiling helps to define the spaces in this large open great room area. This custom home was designed and built by Meadowlark Design+Build in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Photography by Joshua Caldwell.

Polo Lane

Amtower Interior + Design

Design ideas for a transitional l-shaped kitchen in Atlanta with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop and recessed.

Kitchen and Bathroom Projects

Concur Construction

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary single-wall open plan kitchen in Austin with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, grey splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, brown floor, white benchtop and no island.

Park Avenue Apartment

Rodman Paul Architects, pllc

Inspiration for a small contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen in New York with stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, brown floor, an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, granite benchtops, white splashback, stone tile splashback, with island and black benchtop.

Rustic farm Retreat

Adams + Beasley Associates

Nat Rea
Design ideas for a mid-sized country l-shaped kitchen pantry in Boston with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, wood benchtops, brown splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island and brown floor.

Kitchen with Stone Tile Splashback and Brown Floor 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!