Photography: Stephani Buchman
Mid-sized transitional galley open plan kitchen in Toronto with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and grey benchtop.

Design: Small Mid-Century Inspired Kitchen

Steven M. Yang Architect, LLC

Raimund Koch
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen in New York with an integrated sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, stainless steel benchtops, white splashback, stone tile splashback, light hardwood floors, with island and panelled appliances.

Traditional Kitchen with a Touch of Glamour

Normandy Remodeling

The end of this island features clean lines and plenty of storage. Additionally, there is a prep sink and plenty of seating.
This is an example of a large traditional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Chicago with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, grey splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors and with island.

Cetingok Residence

Murphy Maude Interiors

Cabinets Designed and provided by Kitchens Unlimited
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped kitchen in Other with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island and grey cabinets.

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.

Ultimate Entertaining Space

Justina Auer

Secondary work sink and dishwasher for all the dishes after a night of hosting a dinner party.
This is an example of an expansive contemporary galley kitchen pantry in Boston with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, soapstone benchtops, white splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors and no island.

New French Country

Kyle Hunt & Partners, Incorporated

James Kruger, LandMark Photography Interior Design: Martha O'Hara Interiors Architect: Sharratt Design & Company
Photo of a large traditional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Minneapolis with a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, limestone benchtops, beige splashback, stone tile splashback, with island, dark wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors and brown floor.

Hawthorne - Matt Baldwin Homes

LuxeMark Company

Valance under range adds a furniture feel. Soffit over hood creates a termination for the tile backsplash in this kitchen with 10' ceilings.
Photo of a mid-sized traditional separate kitchen in Raleigh with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, grey splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors and with island.

Kitchen Splash

Traditions in Tile

Southern Living Showhouse by: Castle Homes
Mid-sized traditional single-wall eat-in kitchen in Nashville with white cabinets, panelled appliances, recessed-panel cabinets, marble benchtops, with island, a farmhouse sink, white splashback, stone tile splashback and dark hardwood floors.

Kettner - Transitional Mountain Style

Visbeen Architects

The “Kettner” is a sprawling family home with character to spare. Craftsman detailing and charming asymmetry on the exterior are paired with a luxurious hominess inside. The formal entryway and living room lead into a spacious kitchen and circular dining area. The screened porch offers additional dining and living space. A beautiful master suite is situated at the other end of the main level. Three bedroom suites and a large playroom are located on the top floor, while the lower level includes billiards, hearths, a refreshment bar, exercise space, a sauna, and a guest bedroom.

West Chop Residence Kitchen

Martha's Vineyard Interior Design

Unexpected materials and objects worked to creat the subte beauty in this kitchen. Semi-precious stone was used on the kitchen island, and can be back-lit while entertaining. The dining table was custom crafted to showcase a vintage United Airlines sign, complimenting the hand blown glass chandelier inspired by koi fish that hangs above. Photography: Gil Jacobs, Martha's Vineyard

Traditional Kitchen

Photo of a large traditional u-shaped separate kitchen in Minneapolis with stainless steel appliances, a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, stone tile splashback, with island and multi-coloured floor.

Warm Wood Loves Colour

Rembrandt Renovations Ltd.

This is an example of a small contemporary l-shaped open plan kitchen in Vancouver with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, grey splashback, stone tile splashback, black appliances, cork floors, with island, grey floor and white benchtop.

ImComingHome

S.Flynn Design + Build

The original kitchen was dated and small for the homeowner’s large family. Space was a top priority for our clients, so to give them some much-needed room to spread out, we tore down the walls enclosing the kitchen and shifted it to where the dining room once stood. This allowed us to design a massive kitchen island, ensuring all family members fit comfortably. First, we painted the cabinets a calming green. Then, we mixed materials throughout the kitchen for an eclectic, collected look. Looking closely, you’ll see we mixed wood tones. We used a natural oak on the floor and a coffee stain on the cabinets, island, and table. We also mixed metals, a characteristic in many of our designs. In the kitchen, we used black, polished nickel, and gold. When mixing metals, we strive to achieve a ping-pong effect, purposefully skipping materials so the eye moves effortlessly around the room. For example, we placed gold wall sconces above the sink and gold hardware on the cabinets below, using polished nickel on the faucet in between the two. To further play off French country design, we laid a brick-shaped tile in a soft, subtle neutral tone. Real brick would have been too red and harsh in this space, so we went with a milder approach. Complimenting the tile, we also mixed standard shaker cabinet fronts with slim shaker insets for a soft, elegant detail.

EAST COBB Modern Boho Kitchen

Rosa Moreno Kitchens

Inspiration for a large modern l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Atlanta with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

EAST COBB Modern Boho Kitchen

Rosa Moreno Kitchens

Design ideas for a large modern l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Atlanta with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Scandinavian Kitchen

No.54 Interiors

Bespoke Scandi kitchen, featuring rustic oak veneer and meganite solid surface worktop. Track lighting and feature splashback in pebble tiles. Vintage furniture.

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.

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.
This is an example 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.

Coastal with a hint of Urban Farmhouse!

JMR Designs, Inc.

When a millennial couple relocated to South Florida, they brought their California Coastal style with them and we created a warm and inviting retreat for entertaining, working from home, cooking, exercising and just enjoying life! On a backdrop of clean white walls and window treatments we added carefully curated design elements to create this unique home.

Kitchen with Stone Tile 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!