Design ideas for a large contemporary l-shaped kitchen in New York with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, marble floors, with island, white benchtop and white floor.

Natural Textures Throughout

Esslinger Design Company

Cabinets were updated with an amazing green paint color, the layout was reconfigured, and beautiful nature-themed textures were added throughout. The bold cabinet color, rich wood finishes, and warm metal tones featured in this kitchen are second to none! Cabinetry Color: Rainy Afternoon by Benjamin Moore Walls: Revere Pewter by Benjamin Moore Island and shelves: Knotty Alder in "Winter" stain Photo credit: Picture Perfect House

A Modern Kitchen for a Retreat in the Woods

Amazing Spaces

This is a great house. Perched high on a private, heavily wooded site, it has a rustic contemporary aesthetic. Vaulted ceilings, sky lights, large windows and natural materials punctuate the main spaces. The existing large format mosaic slate floor grabs your attention upon entering the home extending throughout the foyer, kitchen, and family room. Specific requirements included a larger island with workspace for each of the homeowners featuring a homemade pasta station which requires small appliances on lift-up mechanisms as well as a custom-designed pasta drying rack. Both chefs wanted their own prep sink on the island complete with a garbage “shoot” which we concealed below sliding cutting boards. A second and overwhelming requirement was storage for a large collection of dishes, serving platters, specialty utensils, cooking equipment and such. To meet those needs we took the opportunity to get creative with storage: sliding doors were designed for a coffee station adjacent to the main sink; hid the steam oven, microwave and toaster oven within a stainless steel niche hidden behind pantry doors; added a narrow base cabinet adjacent to the range for their large spice collection; concealed a small broom closet behind the refrigerator; and filled the only available wall with full-height storage complete with a small niche for charging phones and organizing mail. We added 48” high base cabinets behind the main sink to function as a bar/buffet counter as well as overflow for kitchen items. The client’s existing vintage commercial grade Wolf stove and hood commands attention with a tall backdrop of exposed brick from the fireplace in the adjacent living room. We loved the rustic appeal of the brick along with the existing wood beams, and complimented those elements with wired brushed white oak cabinets. The grayish stain ties in the floor color while the slab door style brings a modern element to the space. We lightened the color scheme with a mix of white marble and quartz countertops. The waterfall countertop adjacent to the dining table shows off the amazing veining of the marble while adding contrast to the floor. Special materials are used throughout, featured on the textured leather-wrapped pantry doors, patina zinc bar countertop, and hand-stitched leather cabinet hardware. We took advantage of the tall ceilings by adding two walnut linear pendants over the island that create a sculptural effect and coordinated them with the new dining pendant and three wall sconces on the beam over the main sink.

Modern Timber Frame

Hermitage Kitchen Gallery LLC

Designed by Victoria Highfill, Photography by Melissa M Mills
Inspiration for an expansive transitional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Nashville with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, quartz benchtops, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Brass & Blue Classic

w.b. builders

Photo Cred: Seth Hannula
Mid-sized transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, panelled appliances, dark hardwood floors, no island and brown floor.

The Social Kitchen

Edmond Kitchen & Bath LLC

This creative transitional space was transformed from a very dated layout that did not function well for our homeowners - who enjoy cooking for both their family and friends. They found themselves cooking on a 30" by 36" tiny island in an area that had much more potential. A completely new floor plan was in order. An unnecessary hallway was removed to create additional space and a new traffic pattern. New doorways were created for access from the garage and to the laundry. Just a couple of highlights in this all Thermador appliance professional kitchen are the 10 ft island with two dishwashers (also note the heated tile area on the functional side of the island), double floor to ceiling pull-out pantries flanking the refrigerator, stylish soffited area at the range complete with burnished steel, niches and shelving for storage. Contemporary organic pendants add another unique texture to this beautiful, welcoming, one of a kind kitchen! Photos by David Cobb Photography.

Eclectic Mid-Century - Rancho Mirage

Brittany Stiles Design

A modern kitchen with white slab front cabinets, chrome hardware and walnut flooring and accents. Industrial style globe pendant lights hang above the extra long island. Stainless steel and paneled appliances and open shelving to store dishes and other kitchenware. White subway tile and ceiling shiplap.

241 7th Ave North, Naples FL 34102

Dante DiSabato

Matt Steeves
Design ideas for an expansive transitional single-wall kitchen pantry in Miami with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors and multiple islands.

Glass House with Pool Views

Nathan Taylor for Obelisk Home

This is an example of a mid-sized modern galley kitchen pantry in Other with a farmhouse sink, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, no island, brown floor, white benchtop and vaulted.

Olathe MCM

Stumpff HomeWorks, LLC

Photo of a midcentury single-wall eat-in kitchen in Kansas City with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, granite splashback, panelled appliances, slate floors, with island, black floor, white benchtop and vaulted.

Chestnut Ave, Clarendon Hills

Plain & Posh

This young family wanted to update their kitchen and loved getting away to the coast. We tried to bring a little of the coast to their suburban Chicago home. The statement pantry doors with antique mirror add a wonderful element to the space. The large island gives the family a wonderful space to hang out, The custom "hutch' area is actual full of hidden outlets to allow for all of the electronics a place to charge. Warm brass details and the stunning tile complete the area.

93rd Street Kitchen Addition

Schloegel Design Remodel

The homeowner's wide range of tastes coalesces in this lovely kitchen and mudroom. Vintage, modern, English, and mid-century styles form one eclectic and alluring space. Rift-sawn white oak cabinets in warm almond, textured white subway tile, white island top, and a custom white range hood lend lots of brightness while black perimeter countertops and a Laurel Woods deep green finish on the island and beverage bar balance the palette with a unique twist on farmhouse style.

Cliffside Farmhouse // Modern Farmhouse

Younger Homes

Photo of a mid-sized country u-shaped kitchen pantry in Austin with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, green cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, engineered quartz splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop and timber.

Waterfront Home

Joni Spear Interior Design

The kitchen island painted in Sherwin Williams, ""Navel", boldly contrasts the stark white perimeter cabinets. By eliminating the formal dining room, we were able to incorporate a pantry and home office.

Gardener's Delight

Jarrett Design

This is an example of a mid-sized transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, quartz benchtops, beige splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Contemporary Kitchen

Pineapple House Interior Design

The kitchen pantry is a camouflaged, surprising feature and fun topic of discussion. Its entry is created using doors fabricated from the cabinets.
Inspiration for a large modern u-shaped kitchen pantry in Atlanta with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, multiple islands, brown floor and white benchtop.

Pomona Lake Kitchen + Living

TVL Creative Ltd.

Mid-sized midcentury l-shaped open plan kitchen in Denver with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop and recessed.

Central Phoenix Copper Hood

AFT Construction

Photo of a large transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Phoenix with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, brown splashback, brick splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and black benchtop.

Frost Island with Perfect Veining on Counter Top

Kitchen Intuitions

Large Frost colored island with a thick counter top gives a more contemporary look.
Inspiration for a large transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in New York with an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, mosaic tile splashback, panelled appliances, with island and white benchtop.

Midcentury Modern Custom Home Build in Eagle

Solitude Homes

Inspiration for a large transitional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Boise with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, black splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop and quartz benchtops.

Kitchen with Tile Benchtops and Quartz Benchtops 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!