Andrew Pogue Photography
Design ideas for a country l-shaped open plan kitchen in Austin with shaker cabinets, medium wood cabinets, wood benchtops, orange splashback, terra-cotta splashback and stainless steel appliances.

Surfers End Kitchen

Richard Bubnowski Design LLC

Paul S. Bartholomew Photography, Inc.
Design ideas for a mid-sized arts and crafts u-shaped eat-in kitchen in New York with with island, shaker cabinets, medium wood cabinets, granite benchtops, beige splashback, terra-cotta splashback, stainless steel appliances, an undermount sink, medium hardwood floors, brown floor and black benchtop.

Kitchen

Denise Maloney Interior Design

Inspiration for a mid-sized country u-shaped open plan kitchen in San Francisco with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartzite benchtops, beige splashback, terra-cotta splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island and white benchtop.

narrow shotgun house

Stuart Cohen & Julie Hacker Architects LLC

Jon Miller Hedrich Blessing
Design ideas for a large contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Chicago with recessed-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, a double-bowl sink, granite benchtops, green splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island and terra-cotta splashback.

Mediterranean Kitchen

This is an example of a mediterranean galley eat-in kitchen in Other with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, marble benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, terra-cotta splashback, panelled appliances, dark hardwood floors and with island.

Lakeside Timber Frame Home and Pavilions

KohlMark Architects and Builders

The design of this home was driven by the owners’ desire for a three-bedroom waterfront home that showcased the spectacular views and park-like setting. As nature lovers, they wanted their home to be organic, minimize any environmental impact on the sensitive site and embrace nature. This unique home is sited on a high ridge with a 45° slope to the water on the right and a deep ravine on the left. The five-acre site is completely wooded and tree preservation was a major emphasis. Very few trees were removed and special care was taken to protect the trees and environment throughout the project. To further minimize disturbance, grades were not changed and the home was designed to take full advantage of the site’s natural topography. Oak from the home site was re-purposed for the mantle, powder room counter and select furniture. The visually powerful twin pavilions were born from the need for level ground and parking on an otherwise challenging site. Fill dirt excavated from the main home provided the foundation. All structures are anchored with a natural stone base and exterior materials include timber framing, fir ceilings, shingle siding, a partial metal roof and corten steel walls. Stone, wood, metal and glass transition the exterior to the interior and large wood windows flood the home with light and showcase the setting. Interior finishes include reclaimed heart pine floors, Douglas fir trim, dry-stacked stone, rustic cherry cabinets and soapstone counters. Exterior spaces include a timber-framed porch, stone patio with fire pit and commanding views of the Occoquan reservoir. A second porch overlooks the ravine and a breezeway connects the garage to the home. Numerous energy-saving features have been incorporated, including LED lighting, on-demand gas water heating and special insulation. Smart technology helps manage and control the entire house. Greg Hadley Photography

Triton Residence

FoxLin Architects

View of kitchen and diner booth from great room. Photo: Juintow Lin
Photo of a large contemporary single-wall eat-in kitchen in San Diego with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, multi-coloured splashback, terra-cotta splashback, stainless steel appliances, slate floors and with island.

Chappaqua Eclectic

Elizabeth Strianese Interiors LLC

Rather than cutting off the lighter part of the wood as is typically done, we used the sapwood of walnut as a natural design element in the custom kitchen cabinets. Brass hardware, and a detail that shows off beautiful dovetail joinery both highlight the beauty of the wood. Photography by Meredith Heuer

Emerald Hills Kitchen

JBR Designs

The existing kitchen was an unfunctional galley style kitchen. In order to maximize storage and add a finished look to the new kitchen, we added two lazy susan cabinets in each of the back corners and a large bank of drawers to anchor the back wall. We also added an upper cabinet to the right of the offset window for added storage and balance to the space.

Kitchens

Authentic Custom Homes

This is an example of a country eat-in kitchen in Austin with medium wood cabinets, wood benchtops, red splashback, terra-cotta splashback, stainless steel appliances, terra-cotta floors and a peninsula.

Naples Beachfront Custom Residence

BCB Homes, Inc.

Lori Hamilton Photography
This is an example of a large beach style u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Miami with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartzite benchtops, blue splashback, terra-cotta splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors and with island.

Southwestern Kitchen in Jamison, PA

Lang's Kitchen & Bath

This kitchen renovation brings a taste of the southwest to the Jamison, PA home. The distinctive design and color scheme is brought to life by the beautiful handmade terracotta tiles, which is complemented by the warm wood tones of the kitchen cabinets. Extra features like a dish drawer cabinet, countertop pot filler, built in laundry center, and chimney hood add to both the style and practical elements of the kitchen.

Kitchen remodel maximizes storage and style

Dover Home Remodelers

The countertop surfaces in Brown Antique granite in a honed (leather) finish provide texture and a sleek finish in the space.
This is an example of a mid-sized u-shaped separate kitchen in Cleveland with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, granite benchtops, white splashback, terra-cotta splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, no island, beige floor and black benchtop.

Mid-Century Ranch Kitchen Renovation Before and After

Karen @into my window

We love our coffee area by the sink. Open shelves provide function as well as visual openness.
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary galley separate kitchen in Columbus with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, solid surface benchtops, white splashback, terra-cotta splashback, stainless steel appliances and linoleum floors.

Arvada Colorado Kitchen Remodel Featuring a butlers pantry

JM Kitchen & Bath Design

Perimeter Cabinets and Bar: Frameless Current by Crystal Door style: Countryside Wood: Rustic Cherry Finish: Summer Wheat with Brown Highlight Glass accent Doors: Clear Waterglass Island Cabinets: Frameless Encore by Crystal Door style: Country French Square Wood: Knotty Alder Finish: Signature Rub Thru Mushroom Paint with Flat Sheen with Umber under color, Distressing and Wearing with Black Highlight. SubZero / Wolf Appliance package Tile: Brazilian Multicolor Slate and Granite slab insert tiles 2x2” Plumbing: New Blanco Apron Front Sink (IKON) Countertops: Granite 3CM Supreme Gold , with Ogee Flat edge.

Onaga Gardens

Studio Collab

Custom kitchen design with yellow aesthetic including brown marble counter, yellow Samsung bespoke fridge, custom glass dining table and tile backsplash. White oak cabinets with modern flat panel design. Organic lighting silhouettes compliment the earthy aesthetic.

Traditional Custom La Jolla Kitchen Remodel

Inplace Studio

Mediterranean u-shaped eat-in kitchen in San Diego with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, beige splashback, terra-cotta splashback and panelled appliances.

Sunset Hills Traditional Kitchen

More for Less Remodeling

High End Kitchen Remodel for our clients Ron & Julia. Dual tone wood cabinetry with butcher block counter top on the island and granite on the perimeter. They went with a light hardwood flooring. Travertine backsplash with Bronze medallions and rope accent.

The Jacob H. Cook House, 1893

Arciform

Finishes and fixtures are practical and attractive, from Versatile Wood Products custom cabinets to Calacatta marble and luminous zellige tile.
Kitchen in Portland with recessed-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, terra-cotta splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, white benchtop, wood and an undermount sink.

Santa Fe - Lotteria Kitchen

Carved Custom Cabinets

This Spanish colonial panel style from carvedcabinet.com (Carved Custom Cabinets) was inspired by a 200 year old, small, hand carved trunk on legs displayed in the Museum of New Mexico. It was found in a village north of Santa Fe. The trim surrounding the panels was inspired by a book on the history of woodworking in New Mexico. Finished in a honey (Miel) with dark glaze to bring out the carving and medium distressing.

Kitchen with Medium Wood Cabinets and Terra-cotta 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!