Photo of a mid-sized transitional u-shaped kitchen in San Francisco with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, engineered quartz splashback, black appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop, recessed, wood and medium wood cabinets.

Gordon Park House

Shane Marsh Architects

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Brisbane with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, window splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop and recessed.

Crafers Living Renovation

Plush Design Interiors

Three small rooms were demolished to enable a new kitchen and open plan living space to be designed. The kitchen has a drop-down ceiling to delineate the space. A window became french doors to the garden. The former kitchen was re-designed as a mudroom. The laundry had new cabinetry. New flooring throughout. A linen cupboard was opened to become a study nook with dramatic wallpaper. Custom ottoman were designed and upholstered for the drop-down dining and study nook. A family of five now has a fantastically functional open plan kitchen/living space, family study area, and a mudroom for wet weather gear and lots of storage.

Bright & Cheerful

Sunnyfields Cabinetry

Transitional kitchen island with all white cabinetry, Borghini silver quartz countertop, stainless steel appliances, under-mounted sink and copper faucet.

Bear Brand

Concept Design, Inc.

In this expansive kitchen update we kept the limestone floors and replaced all the cabinet doors and drawers, lighting and hardware.
Large transitional u-shaped kitchen pantry in Orange County with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, panelled appliances, limestone floors, with island, white benchtop and recessed.

Piso en Lavapiés, Madrid

StudioMadera s.l.

Design ideas for a small scandinavian u-shaped open plan kitchen in Madrid with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, green splashback, ceramic splashback, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors, a peninsula, beige floor, white benchtop and recessed.

Hockessin Delaware Home Renovation

Spring Studio Architecture

Galley style modern kitchen with skylights and full height windows
This is an example of a large modern galley eat-in kitchen in Wilmington with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, bamboo floors, with island, beige floor, white benchtop and recessed.

Bold and traditional

Coveted Interiors

Fun Transitional kitchen. Marries the bold custom blue lower cabinets with the traditional white upper cabinets. Gorgeous brass accents tie both colors in together. The subway tile lends to a more modern theme while the marble stone material adds to the timelessness of the space.

L'unione fa la forza - Progetto in corso

Liadesign

Liadesign
Small contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Milan with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, green cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, no island, white benchtop and recessed.

Kitchen white tall cabinets

Home by Raiya

A true mix of styles, and colors. I am calling it rustic transitional glam.
Large transitional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Philadelphia with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, mosaic tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop and recessed.

Patterson Park Kitchen

Reidy Creative

Complete kitchen renovation including creation of a tray ceiling, new window and door, lighting and storage components.
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary galley eat-in kitchen in Baltimore with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, brick splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop and recessed.

Modern Living in Florida

Pineapple House Interior Design

Porcelain countertop slabs continue up the walls as full height backsplashes. Thick, 2” flat edges used on the counters are repeated via 2” wide frames on the wood drawers and their surrounds.

Kitchen Remodel - Ann Arbor, MI

User

Inspiration for a large transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Detroit with an undermount 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 recessed.

Kitchen Remodel - Ann Arbor, MI

User

Photo of a large transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Detroit with an undermount 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 recessed.

Pentland

Clearcut Construction, Inc.

Inspiration for a transitional open plan kitchen in Raleigh with an undermount sink, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, white appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop and recessed.

COCINA CASA IMAGEN

bymariellamarquez - InteriorismoDecoraciónReformas

Design ideas for a large contemporary l-shaped kitchen in Barcelona with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, engineered quartz splashback, black appliances, porcelain floors, a peninsula, grey floor, white benchtop and recessed.

RLD apt | 100 mq

kkarchitecture

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Turin with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, tile benchtops, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island, white floor, white benchtop and recessed.

Black White & Wood Modern Kitchen Elegant Dark Hue Warm Tone Designed By Darash

By Darash - Kitchen Cabinets, Vanities & Closets

Modern Luxury Black, White, and Wood Kitchen By Darash design in Hartford Road - Austin, Texas home renovation project - featuring Dark and, Warm hues coming from the beautiful wood in this kitchen find balance with sleek no-handle flat panel matte Black kitchen cabinets, White Marble countertop for contrast. Glossy and Highly Reflective glass cabinets perfect storage to display your pretty dish collection in the kitchen. With stainless steel kitchen panel wall stacked oven and a stainless steel 6-burner stovetop. This open concept kitchen design Black, White and Wood color scheme flows from the kitchen island with wooden bar stools to all through out the living room lit up by the perfectly placed windows and sliding doors overlooking the nature in the perimeter of this Modern house, and the center of the great room --the dining area where the beautiful modern contemporary chandelier is placed in a lovely manner.

Modern Masterpiece Home

Pacific Coast Custom Design

Unique expansive modern kitchen features 3 different cabinet finishes, beautiful porcelain countertops with waterfall edges. 2 massive islands fill the center of this large kitchen. High-end built-in appliances add to the luxury of the space.

Квартира для девушки ЖК "Монблан"

Дизайн студия “Нечаев и Сенчугов”

Design ideas for a large contemporary single-wall open plan kitchen in Saint Petersburg with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, black appliances, porcelain floors, with island, white floor, white benchtop and recessed.

Kitchen with White Benchtop and Recessed 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!