Inspiration for a large transitional open plan kitchen in Sydney with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, black appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Fixed Window Splashback

Bradnam's Windows & Doors

Great as a stand-alone feature, or they can be the perfect companion to other types of windows as well as doors, aluminium fixed windows are an understandably popular product. They can be almost any shape, including square, rectangle, arch, circle, triangle, or a combination of these options. Builder: RJM Builders

The Art of Modern Kitchen Design

Nest n Style Design

Mid-sized contemporary l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Sydney with white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, with island, white benchtop, a double-bowl sink, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, brown floor, flat-panel cabinets and dark hardwood floors.

Randall Residence - Ryde

Perfect Square Design

Complete transformation of 1950s single storey residence to a luxury modern double storey home
This is an example of a mid-sized modern galley eat-in kitchen in Sydney with a drop-in sink, marble benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, black appliances, marble floors, with island, white floor and white benchtop.

Keon House

Demardi.

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped kitchen pantry in Melbourne with a double-bowl sink, quartz benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, medium hardwood floors, with island, white benchtop and vaulted.

Bentleigh EAST

HK Interiors

Inspiration for a contemporary l-shaped kitchen in Melbourne with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Kitchen with Timber Elements and V-groove Cabinetry

Improva

This well-designed Kitchen features an appliance pantry with LED strip lighting and bi-fold pocket doors adorned with v-groove cabinetry, setting the stage for a seamless and elegant experience. The rest of the cabinetry in the kitchen is in Polytec Chiffley 18mm Profile, offering a sleek and modern look. The thin shaker cabinetry showcases clean lines and a smooth finish, creating a contemporary aesthetic that effortlessly complements the overall design.

Palm Beach

Blackburne Designs

Open kitchen, dining, living
Inspiration for a large contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Gold Coast - Tweed with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, mirror splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island, multi-coloured floor and white benchtop.

Southbank Apartment

Jasmine McClelland Design

Fresh, clean, white apartment kitchen with living room in mirrored reflection.
Inspiration for a small contemporary u-shaped open plan kitchen in Melbourne with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and white benchtop.

Brighton

Sketch Building Design

Inspiration for a transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Melbourne with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white splashback, stone slab splashback, black appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Bay Street II Project

LivingLot

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Sydney with an undermount sink, dark wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, engineered quartz splashback, black appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and white benchtop.

Noosa Heads Beach House

Gull Design - Bespoke Joinery & Interiors

Beach style galley open plan kitchen in Sunshine Coast with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, marble benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, marble splashback, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

TAS, Davies Design & Construction

Housing Industry Association - HIA

A combination of bricks, cement sheet, copper and Colorbond combine harmoniously to produce a striking street appeal. Internally the layout follows the client's brief to maintain a level of privacy for multiple family members while also taking advantage of the view and north facing orientation. The level of detail and finish is exceptional throughout the home with the added complexity of incorporating building materials sourced from overseas.

Wallan Dwelling

Dawes Design & Drafting Group

Design ideas for a contemporary kitchen in Melbourne with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, mirror splashback, stainless steel appliances, concrete floors, with island, grey floor and white benchtop.

Morningside Kitchen Renovation

Michelle Khadye Interior Design

Design ideas for a contemporary l-shaped kitchen in Brisbane with flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, grey splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Aranda Renovation

Studio Black Interiors

Built by Pettit & Sevitt in the 1970s, this architecturally designed split-level home needed a refresh. Studio Black Interiors worked with builders, REP building, to transform the interior of this home with the aim of creating a space that was light filled and open plan with a seamless connection to the outdoors. The client’s love of rich navy was incorporated into all the joinery. Fifty years on, it is joyous to view this home which has grown into its bushland suburb and become almost organic in referencing the surrounding landscape. Renovation by REP Building. Photography by Hcreations.

Bay Pearl

Kirsten Johnstone Architecture

Photo of a large modern l-shaped open plan kitchen in Melbourne with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, glass sheet splashback, stainless steel appliances, ceramic floors, with island, grey floor, white benchtop and timber.

Kingswood Residence

MH-YL Studio

Contemporary take on a traditional shaker style kitchen with reeded glass doors, timber accents and large island.
Inspiration for a large contemporary galley eat-in kitchen in Adelaide with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, engineered quartz splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Hawthorn Alterations & Additions

Sketch Building Design

This is an example of a contemporary galley kitchen in Melbourne with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Kitchen

Drift Interiors

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary single-wall open plan kitchen in Wollongong with an undermount sink, grey cabinets, solid surface benchtops, grey splashback, porcelain splashback, black appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and white benchtop.

Kitchen with with Island 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!