What comes to mind when you envision the perfect multi-faceted living spaces? Is it an expansive amount of counter space at which to cook, work, or entertain freely? Abundant and practical cabinet organization to keep clutter at bay and the space looking beautiful? Or perhaps the answer is all of the above, along with a cosy spot to retreat after the long day is complete. The project we are sharing with you here has each of these elements in spades: spaces that combine beauty with function, promote comfort and relaxation, and make time at home enjoyable for this active family of three. Our main focus was to remodel the kitchen, where we hoped to create a functional layout for everyday use. Our clients also hoped to incorporate a home office right into the kitchen itself. However, the clients realized that renovation the kitchen alone wouldn’t create the full transformation they were looking for. Kitchens interact intimately with their adjacent spaces, especially family rooms, and we were determined to elevate their daily living experience from top to bottom. We redesigned the kitchen and living area to increase work surfaces and storage solutions, create comfortable and luxurious spaces to unwind, and update the overall aesthetic to fit their more modern, collected taste. Here’s how it turned out…

Walk-in Pantry Open

Pike Properties

Large beach style l-shaped open plan kitchen in Charlotte with a farmhouse sink, grey cabinets, marble benchtops, blue splashback, glass tile splashback, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Edina Kitchen Refreshment

Thompson Construction

Spacecrafting
This is an example of a mid-sized transitional galley eat-in kitchen in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, a peninsula, brown floor and white benchtop.

Sophisticated Furnishings & Kitchen Design in Hyde Park

Habitar Design

Our designer, Hannah Tindall, worked with the homeowners to create a contemporary kitchen, living room, master & guest bathrooms and gorgeous hallway that truly highlights their beautiful and extensive art collection. The entire home was outfitted with sleek, walnut hardwood flooring, with a custom Frank Lloyd Wright inspired entryway stairwell. The living room's standout pieces are two gorgeous velvet teal sofas and the black stone fireplace. The kitchen has dark wood cabinetry with frosted glass and a glass mosaic tile backsplash. The master bathrooms uses the same dark cabinetry, double vanity, and a custom tile backsplash in the walk-in shower. The first floor guest bathroom keeps things eclectic with bright purple walls and colorful modern artwork.

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.

Mountain View Altadena Modern

Wendy Wilson & Associates

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

Chef's Pantry

Cheryl Chenault Interiors, Inc.

Design ideas for a small contemporary l-shaped kitchen pantry in Other with a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, beige cabinets, quartz benchtops, blue splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors and white benchtop.

Fripp Island Project

Kitchen Design Solutions

Mid-sized beach style u-shaped kitchen in Atlanta with a drop-in sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, glass tile splashback, white appliances, medium hardwood floors, a peninsula, brown floor and white benchtop.

Petersburg

Emily Dyer Design

Large traditional u-shaped separate kitchen in Nashville with an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Stunning Kitchen and Bathroom Remodel in Old Town Alexandria, VA

Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes

This four-story townhome in the heart of old town Alexandria, was recently purchased by a family of four. The outdated galley kitchen with confined spaces, lack of powder room on main level, dropped down ceiling, partition walls, small bathrooms, and the main level laundry were a few of the deficiencies this family wanted to resolve before moving in. Starting with the top floor, we converted a small bedroom into a master suite, which has an outdoor deck with beautiful view of old town. We reconfigured the space to create a walk-in closet and another separate closet. We took some space from the old closet and enlarged the master bath to include a bathtub and a walk-in shower. Double floating vanities and hidden toilet space were also added. The addition of lighting and glass transoms allows light into staircase leading to the lower level. On the third level is the perfect space for a girl’s bedroom. A new bathroom with walk-in shower and added space from hallway makes it possible to share this bathroom. A stackable laundry space was added to the hallway, a few steps away from a new study with built in bookcase, French doors, and matching hardwood floors. The main level was totally revamped. The walls were taken down, floors got built up to add extra insulation, new wide plank hardwood installed throughout, ceiling raised, and a new HVAC was added for three levels. The storage closet under the steps was converted to a main level powder room, by relocating the electrical panel. The new kitchen includes a large island with new plumbing for sink, dishwasher, and lots of storage placed in the center of this open kitchen. The south wall is complete with floor to ceiling cabinetry including a home for a new cooktop and stainless-steel range hood, covered with glass tile backsplash. The dining room wall was taken down to combine the adjacent area with kitchen. The kitchen includes butler style cabinetry, wine fridge and glass cabinets for display. The old living room fireplace was torn down and revamped with a gas fireplace wrapped in stone. Built-ins added on both ends of the living room gives floor to ceiling space provides ample display space for art. Plenty of lighting fixtures such as led lights, sconces and ceiling fans make this an immaculate remodel. We added brick veneer on east wall to replicate the historic old character of old town homes. The open floor plan with seamless wood floor and central kitchen has added warmth and with a desirable entertaining space.

Brendonshire Residence

Jones Design Group LLC

This is an example of a mid-sized transitional u-shaped separate kitchen in Indianapolis with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, green cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, no island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Cherry Laude Kitchen

Nest Kitchen, Bath & Home Design

www.nestkbhomedesign.com Photos: Linda McKee With large cabinet space everything you ever needed to be a chef has the perfect space.
This is an example of a mid-sized transitional u-shaped open plan kitchen in St Louis with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, brown cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, glass tile splashback, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop and vaulted.

Crosswinds

Kitchens by Eileen

Design ideas for a transitional kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, green splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, vinyl floors, no island and white benchtop.

MENIL - la tête dans les nuages

maéma architectes

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped open plan kitchen in Paris with an integrated sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, beige splashback, glass tile splashback, panelled appliances, with island, multi-coloured floor and white benchtop.

Harborview Renovation

Mass Architect, LLC

open concept renovation with new kitchen and great room
Photo of a mid-sized beach style l-shaped open plan kitchen in Boston with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, green splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Fabulous Foursquare Whole House Remodel

Maughan Design & Remodel

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Portland with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, blue splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, a peninsula, beige floor and white benchtop.

Sleek and Stylish Kitchen, Oakland

Custom Kitchens by John Wilkins, Inc.

Mike Kaskel Photography
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary u-shaped kitchen in San Francisco with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, blue splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, white benchtop and a peninsula.

Bromley

Monita Cheung Design Ltd

Inspiration for a large contemporary open plan kitchen in Kent with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, solid surface benchtops, metallic splashback, glass tile splashback, black appliances, porcelain floors, with island, grey floor and white benchtop.

Beach Haven Coastal Cottage

Michael Pagnotta Architects pc

A quaint breakfast nook for the kids makes the perfect addition to any family beach home! This custom coastal kitchen embraces its light tones with glass tile back splash and no shortage of natural light! Bright quartz counter tops contrast the warm deep tones of the wood floor and natural wood chairs! Photography by John Martinelli

Irvine Kitchen II

White Diamond Cabinets & Design

Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Orange County with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Kitchen with Glass Tile Splashback and White Benchtop 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!