Topiary - Kitchen and island overview with oak bench.

Design ideas for a large traditional galley open plan kitchen in Surrey with a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, green cabinets, marble benchtops, brick splashback, black appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, grey benchtop and vaulted.

Fort Washington First Floor

Harth Builders

Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Philadelphia with an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop and vaulted.

Beautiful Natural Kitchen with White Island- Hampton

Bearded Builders, Baltimore

What was a small enclosed kitchen is now a large, open kitchen with plenty of space and lots of natural light.
Design ideas for a large transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Baltimore with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, brick splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop and vaulted.

Niagara Kitchen

MAC Renovations LTD.

This is an example of a mid-sized transitional galley eat-in kitchen in Vancouver with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, green cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop and vaulted.

Project Dover Shores

Mark Design Co.

This is an example of a mid-sized scandinavian l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Orange County with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, brown cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop and vaulted.

Black & White Kitchen with Accents of Gold

Amazing Spaces

The existing U-shaped kitchen was tucked away in a small corner while the dining table was swimming in a room much too large for its size. The client’s needs and the architecture of the home made it apparent that the perfect design solution for the home was to swap the spaces. The homeowners entertain frequently and wanted the new layout to accommodate a lot of counter seating, a bar/buffet for serving hors d’oeuvres, an island with prep sink, and all new appliances. They had a strong preference that the hood be a focal point and wanted to go beyond a typical white color scheme even though they wanted white cabinets. While moving the kitchen to the dining space gave us a generous amount of real estate to work with, two of the exterior walls are occupied with full-height glass creating a challenge how best to fulfill their wish list. We used one available wall for the needed tall appliances, taking advantage of its height to create the hood as a focal point. We opted for both a peninsula and island instead of one large island in order to maximize the seating requirements and create a barrier when entertaining so guests do not flow directly into the work area of the kitchen. This also made it possible to add a second sink as requested. Lastly, the peninsula sets up a well-defined path to the new dining room without feeling like you are walking through the kitchen. We used the remaining fourth wall for the bar/buffet. Black cabinetry adds strong contrast in several areas of the new kitchen. Wire mesh wall cabinet doors at the bar and gold accents on the hardware, light fixtures, faucets and furniture add further drama to the concept. The focal point is definitely the black hood, looking both dramatic and cohesive at the same time.

Winthrop

Clearcut Construction, Inc.

This transitional design works with our clients authentic mid century split level home and adds touches of modern for functionality and style!
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Raleigh with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, engineered quartz splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop and vaulted.

Mountain Modern

NORTH STAR KITCHENS

Large kitchen designed for multi generation family gatherings. Combining rustic white oak cabinetry and flooring with a high gloss lacquer finish creates the modern rustic retreat the clients dreamed of.

Ranch House Great Room

Marin Design Co.

White kitchen with lots of layered elements. Part of the Ranch House Great Room.
Design ideas for a large transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Sacramento with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, grey benchtop and vaulted.

Harbor View

Kennedy Cole Interior Design

Inspiration for a large transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Orange County with light hardwood floors, brown floor, vaulted, a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island and white benchtop.

Eaglecrest Remodel

Michelle Lawrence Interior Design

The kitchen got new life with updated custom cabinets and storage accessories that make it more efficient, and a bit more sophisticated. The tall ceilings, open concept, and big windows give the feel of bridging the outdoors to the interior spaces. The warm wood floors and custom hood help soften the black and white palette. While the natural walnut detail tie in the natural walnut railing in the staircase. The blown glass Jamie Young Bridgette pendants play well with the quartz. Silestone quartz in Classic Calacatta with it's light veining complement without overpowering the space. The full height backsplash keep in step with a timeless look. Custom cabinets in Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black, walls Sherwin Williams Drift of Mist.

Mountain View Altadena Modern

Wendy Wilson & Associates

Inspiration for a mid-sized modern eat-in kitchen in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, blue splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, white benchtop and vaulted.

Lake of the Isles Kitchen

M. Victoria Johnson Interiors

Beach style u-shaped open plan kitchen in Minneapolis with a single-bowl sink, recessed-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, multi-coloured benchtop and vaulted.

Wyckoff Kitchen

User

Two toned off-white and wood kitchen
This is an example of a large transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in New York with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, beige cabinets, granite benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, black benchtop and vaulted.

French Blue Oven is the Star of this Roswell Kitchen Remodel

Atlanta Curb Appeal

We absolutely love the final outcome of this beautiful kitchen remodel in Roswell. Her style is a blend of Southern and Grandmillenial.
Design ideas for a large contemporary galley kitchen in Atlanta with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop and vaulted.

Chateau-Inspired Kitchen ft. La Cornue Range

Grand Appliance and TV

Enjoy a taste of French-inspired interior design with this Dubuque, Iowa kitchen renovation featuring Wolf and La Cornue high-end appliances. Designed in a stunning display of refined elegance punctuated with moments of robust personality, this kitchen spotlight is a model example of how luxury appliances transform simple ideas into something truly special.

Moose lakeside Kitchen

Cabinet Supreme by Adair

New Dura Supreme Gale Force Blue paint color island with matched with White Pewter accent Marley door style featuring the new Island X end panel feature. Background Built in Microwave with X Mullion glass door to match.

ADA Compliant Home in Tualatin, OR

True Life Design Co

Large country u-shaped open plan kitchen in Portland with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, laminate floors, with island, white benchtop and vaulted.

Watertown MA - Kitchen Remodel & Addition

Rebel Builders

Industrial transitional English style kitchen. The addition and remodeling were designed to keep the outdoors inside. Replaced the uppers and prioritized windows connected to key parts of the backyard and having open shelvings with walnut and brass details. Custom dark cabinets made locally. Designed to maximize the storage and performance of a growing family and host big gatherings. The large island was a key goal of the homeowners with the abundant seating and the custom booth opposite to the range area. The booth was custom built to match the client's favorite dinner spot. In addition, we created a more New England style mudroom in connection with the patio. And also a full pantry with a coffee station and pocket doors.

Three Arch Cottage

Nate Fischer Interiors

Bright and airy cottage kitchen with natural wood accents and a pop of blue.
Design ideas for a small beach style single-wall open plan kitchen in Orange County with shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, blue splashback, terra-cotta splashback, panelled appliances, with island, white benchtop and vaulted.

Kitchen with Vaulted 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!