Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW The homeowner and his wife had lived in this beautiful townhome in Oak Brook overlooking a small lake for over 13 years. The home is open and airy with vaulted ceilings and full of mementos from world adventures through the years, including to Cambodia, home of their much-adored sponsored daughter. The home, full of love and memories was host to a growing extended family of children and grandchildren. This was THE place. When the homeowner’s wife passed away suddenly and unexpectedly, he became determined to create a space that would continue to welcome and host his family and the many wonderful family memories that lay ahead but with an eye towards functionality. We started out by evaluating how the space would be used. Cooking and watching sports were key factors. So, we shuffled the current dining table into a rarely used living room whereby enlarging the kitchen. The kitchen now houses two large islands – one for prep and the other for seating and buffet space. We removed the wall between kitchen and family room to encourage interaction during family gatherings and of course a clear view to the game on TV. We also removed a dropped ceiling in the kitchen, and wow, what a difference. Next, we added some drama with a large arch between kitchen and dining room creating a stunning architectural feature between those two spaces. This arch echoes the shape of the large arch at the front door of the townhome, providing drama and significance to the space. The kitchen itself is large but does not have much wall space, which is a common challenge when removing walls. We added a bit more by resizing the double French doors to a balcony at the side of the house which is now just a single door. This gave more breathing room to the range wall and large stone hood but still provides access and light. We chose a neutral pallet of black, white, and white oak, with punches of blue at the counter stools in the kitchen. The cabinetry features a white shaker door at the perimeter for a crisp outline. Countertops and custom hood are black Caesarstone, and the islands are a soft white oak adding contrast and warmth. Two large built ins between the kitchen and dining room function as pantry space as well as area to display flowers or seasonal decorations. We repeated the blue in the dining room where we added a fresh coat of paint to the existing built ins, along with painted wainscot paneling. Above the wainscot is a neutral grass cloth wallpaper which provides a lovely backdrop for a wall of important mementos and artifacts. The dining room table and chairs were refinished and re-upholstered, and a new rug and window treatments complete the space. The room now feels ready to host more formal gatherings or can function as a quiet spot to enjoy a cup of morning coffee.

California Modern Mix

k. smith interiors

California Modern Mix in the OC: matte black and white gloss custom Bauformat cabinets, with European Oak, wide/long boards, light wood flooring, open concept w/true indoor/outdoor living, rustic meets modern for a great mix, statement lighting and appliances set the stage for delicious meals with family and friends! Pull out pantry!

California Modern Mix

k. smith interiors

Kitchen Industrial and transitional styles 686

Sassy Design llc

Floating Shelves from Etsy.
Mid-sized industrial u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Detroit with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, black cabinets, granite benchtops, white splashback, mosaic tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, multi-coloured benchtop and vaulted.

Boca Polo Club

Karla Trincanello, CID, Interior Decisions, Inc.

Stunning kitchen after an addition to existing home brought all the conveniences and beauty these clients were desiring. The island is 14ft long x 5 feet and is accented with Blue Agate stone that was also under-lit to subtly define the dining area of the island.

Kirella - Luxe

Tharp Custom Cabinetry

Country u-shaped kitchen in Denver with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, shiplap splashback, black appliances, light hardwood floors, multiple islands, beige floor, white benchtop, exposed beam and vaulted.

Custom Kitchen and Dining Room Remodel in Manhattan Beach

Periana Architecture

Design ideas for a large midcentury l-shaped kitchen pantry in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, granite benchtops, grey splashback, granite splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, grey benchtop and vaulted.

Spiegelwand statt Fliesenspiegel

Ellerbrock "Bad und Küche" GmbH

Um auch der Stilwand besondere Offenheit zu verleihen wurde unter den Oberschränken und hinter dem Spülbereich auf einen klassischen Fliesenspiegel verzichtet. Stattdessen gibt eine Spiegel-Verkleidung auch dem wandseitigen Küchenbereich eine offene und großzügige Wirkung.

Edwards modern farmhouse

Basso Interiors Inc

Phillipsburg blue cabinets with dark oak flooring and gorgeous Cle Tile zellige tiles
Inspiration for a mid-sized country u-shaped kitchen in Denver with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, panelled appliances, dark hardwood floors, brown floor, white benchtop and vaulted.

A splash of pink

Kettle Co. Kitchens

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary u-shaped open plan kitchen in Cornwall with pink splashback, glass sheet splashback, light hardwood floors, an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, a peninsula, grey floor, white benchtop and vaulted.

Mid-Century Modern Condo in Historic Capitol Hill

Finesse Design Remodeling

A two-bed, two-bath condo located in the Historic Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington, DC was reimagined with the clean lined sensibilities and celebration of beautiful materials found in Mid-Century Modern designs. A soothing gray-green color palette sets the backdrop for cherry cabinetry and white oak floors. Specialty lighting, handmade tile, and a slate clad corner fireplace further elevate the space. A new Trex deck with cable railing system connects the home to the outdoors.

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.

niguel west mid-century modern

Moss Yaw Design studio

modern geometries, pendant lighting and contrasting materials add visual interest while a new peninsula and oversize island provide for increased functionality at the open kitchen

Paxton House

Spotlight Design Center

A beautiful two tone - Polar and Navy Kitchen with gold hardware.
Photo of a mid-sized country l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Boston with a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, panelled appliances, porcelain floors, with island, grey floor, white benchtop and vaulted.

Class Act Modern Kitchen Reno

Omorfia' Designs Inc

This modern kitchen update was a dream to work on. Every detail down to the lighting included inside the cabinets and drawers was well thought out executed by our team of designers, architects and builders. We are proud of the end result and more importantly our home owners are ecstatic and can't wait to spend every moment possible in their new mid century modern inspired kitchen.

Morrison Earth House

BONSAI

Small contemporary l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Denver with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, wood benchtops, white splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, concrete floors, with island, grey floor, brown benchtop and vaulted.

Ristrutturazione Complesso La Querce

Arch. Alessandra Cipriani

Cucina
Expansive mediterranean l-shaped separate kitchen in Florence with a farmhouse sink, glass-front cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartzite benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, engineered quartz splashback, panelled appliances, terra-cotta floors, with island, orange floor, multi-coloured benchtop and vaulted.

Ristrutturazione Complesso La Querce

Arch. Alessandra Cipriani

Cucina
Inspiration for an expansive mediterranean l-shaped separate kitchen in Florence with a farmhouse sink, glass-front cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartzite benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, engineered quartz splashback, panelled appliances, terra-cotta floors, with island, orange floor, multi-coloured benchtop and vaulted.

Gorgeous Open Floor Plan Cottage in Los Gatos

Spaces By Juliana Linssen, Inc.

Design ideas for a large country u-shaped open plan kitchen in San Francisco with a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, light hardwood floors, with island, grey floor, white benchtop, vaulted, timber and stainless steel appliances.

Forest Hills Mid-Century Remodel

The Kingston Group - Remodeling Specialists

This is an example of a large midcentury l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Nashville with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, green splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, white benchtop and vaulted.

All Backsplash Materials 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!