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.

Telluride Cabin

Artisan Builders LLC

This is an example of a mid-sized country u-shaped separate kitchen in Denver with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, distressed cabinets, concrete benchtops, brown splashback, stone tile splashback, panelled appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, grey benchtop and exposed beam.

Comforting Farmhouse Kitchen

House of L

Inspiration for a large country u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Cleveland with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, beige benchtop and exposed beam.

Dripping Springs Farmhouse

Olson Defendorf Custom Homes

Expansive country open plan kitchen in Austin with grey cabinets, grey splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, multiple islands, brown floor, grey benchtop, exposed beam, a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, marble benchtops and stone tile splashback.

New York City Loft Styled Kichen Addition

Mariano & Co., LLC

Photo of a large industrial l-shaped open plan kitchen in Phoenix with a farmhouse sink, black cabinets, limestone benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island, grey floor, beige benchtop and exposed beam.

Historical Adobe Kitchen Remodel - Saratoga, CA

CAGE Design Build

Mert Carpenter Photography
This is an example of a large traditional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in San Francisco with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, granite benchtops, stainless steel appliances, white cabinets, terra-cotta floors, with island, stone tile splashback, red floor, beige splashback, beige benchtop and exposed beam.

High Camp Residence

Studio Architects

Photo of a large country u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, beige splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, quartzite benchtops, brown floor, white benchtop and exposed beam.

Modern Farmhouse - Vintage Oaks Texas

CKC Custom Homes

Photo of a large country galley open plan kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, wood benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, concrete floors, with island, brown floor, brown benchtop and exposed beam.

Contemporary Luxe Kitchen

Monarch & Maker

This kitchen seamlessly blends various design elements, creating a dynamic aesthetic through the interplay of light and dark contrasts, modern sleek cabinetry, and rustic touches like exposed wood beams and a stacked stone accent wall.

Mountain Modern Kitchen/ Dining Room

Red Door Interiors

Country kitchen in Boise with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartzite benchtops, grey splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop and exposed beam.

European Farmhouse

HK Designs

Bright and fresh kitchen with old world charm. Bright pops of color on fabrics and walls to enhance the space giving warmth and character of an Italian villa!

Urban Living XXL

Walker Architects

A modern kitchen with gray cabinets and stainless steel appliances. John Horner
Modern single-wall open plan kitchen in Boston with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, marble benchtops, grey splashback, stone tile splashback, panelled appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, grey benchtop and exposed beam.

Stone Arched Range Opening with Stone Niche

Orren Pickell Building Group

Large u-shaped open plan kitchen in Chicago with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, beige splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, beige benchtop and exposed beam.

Lake Austin Scenic

Ashby Collective

Photo of a large mediterranean galley open plan kitchen in Austin with dark wood cabinets, grey splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island, brown floor, grey benchtop, an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, dark hardwood floors and exposed beam.

Kitchen - After Remodel - Timeless Finishes

Interiors By Bethany

Mid-sized modern galley eat-in kitchen in Other with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, grey splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, white benchtop and exposed beam.

Contemporary Luxe Kitchen

Monarch & Maker

Jewel Bay

Bigfork Builders, Inc.

This is an example of a traditional kitchen in Other with granite benchtops, grey splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, exposed beam, an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, brown floor and grey benchtop.

Modern European Residence

Deep River Partners

The kitchen design connects to the exterior with views from the kitchen sink through the gallery, which serves as the private entrance to the primary suite. Natural light pours in from the expanse of rear windows. The gallery windows are darkly outlined creating a dramatic view to the outdoors from the interior kitchen sink, kept separate from the socializing at the island. Elegant curves contrast the straightness and are identifiable in the range hood and transom windows in the visible gallery. LED tunable lighting in the transom-like upper cabinets, ceiling and toe kicks adjust to any atmosphere.

The Ashanti

Susan Semmelmann Interiors- Award Winning Designer

Inspiration for a large modern eat-in kitchen in Dallas with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartzite benchtops, beige splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, multi-coloured benchtop and exposed beam.

New York City Loft Styled Kichen Addition

Mariano & Co., LLC

Large industrial l-shaped open plan kitchen in Phoenix with a farmhouse sink, black cabinets, limestone benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island, grey floor, beige benchtop and exposed beam.

Kitchen with Stone Tile Splashback and Exposed Beam 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!