Alair Homes West Vancouver / North Vancouver

IKEA kitchen marvel: Professional consultants, Dave & Karen like to entertain and truly maximized the practical with the aesthetically fun in this kitchen remodel of their Fairview condo in Vancouver B.C. With a budget of about $55,000 and 120 square feet, working with their contractor, Alair Homes, they took their time to thoughtfully design and focus their money where it would pay off in the reno. Karen wanted ample wine storage and Dave wanted a considerable liquor case. The result? A 3 foot deep custom pullout red wine rack that holds 40 bottles of red, nicely tucked in beside a white wine fridge that also holds another 40 bottles of white. They sourced a 140-year-old wrought iron gate that fit the wall space, and re-purposed it as a functional art piece to frame a custom 30 bottle whiskey shelf. Durability and value were themes throughout the project. Bamboo laminated counter tops that wrap the entire kitchen and finish in a waterfall end are beautiful and sustainable. Contrasting with the dark reclaimed, hand hewn, wide plank wood floor and homestead enamel sink, its a wonderful blend of old and new. Nice appliance features include the European style Liebherr integrated fridge and instant hot water tap. The original kitchen had Ikea cabinets and the owners wanted to keep the sleek styling and re-use the existing cabinets. They spent some time on Houzz and made their own idea book. Confident with good ideas, they set out to purchase additional Ikea cabinet pieces to create the new vision. Walls were moved and structural posts created to accommodate the new configuration. One area that was a challenge was at the end of the U shaped kitchen. There are stairs going to the loft and roof top deck (amazing views of downtown Vancouver!), and the stairs cut an angle through the cupboard area and created a void underneath them. Ideas like a cabinet man size door to a hidden room were contemplated, but in the end a unifying idea and space creator was decided on. Put in a custom appliance garage on rollers that is 3 feet deep and rolls into the void under the stairs, and is large enough to hide everything! And under the counter is room for the famous wine rack and cooler. The result is a chic space that is comfy and inviting and keeps the urban flair the couple loves. http://www.alairhomes.com/vancouver ©Ema Peter

Custom Home

Stone Creek Builders

Interior design by Kati Curtis Design http://www.katicurtisdesign.com/ Photography by Marco Ricca http://www.marcoriccastudio.com

Beaches kitchen

Judith Taylor Designs

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary u-shaped open plan kitchen in Toronto with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, grey splashback, matchstick tile splashback, panelled appliances, a peninsula and white benchtop.

New England Farmhouse

Topnotch Design Studio

This New England farmhouse is surrounded by 100 rural acres of farmland and pastures. Patty DeLang Winberg and Jennifer Flores Durfee collaborated on this project to create an amazing kitchen that met all the homeowner’s wishes, wants, and needs. This functional kitchen accommodates numerous work spaces including: a harvest island to wash and prep farm veggies, a butler’s pantry, a larger island offering seating for up to 10 people and a beverage space for gatherings as well as daily use. The architectural details and unique finishes complete the design. Pairing custom inset cabinetry with beautiful walnut counters and professional appliances with an imported limestone and zinc hood created a European flavor the clients love! Photo Credit: Jessica Delaney Photography

Parkland Kitchen Renovation

JK Interiors Inc.

The Design Studio Inc.
This is an example of a large transitional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Calgary with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, limestone benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, matchstick tile splashback, stainless steel appliances and with island.

Artistic Contemporary in Carmichael

INTERIOR FOCUS

Photo of a contemporary kitchen in Sacramento with white cabinets, grey splashback and matchstick tile splashback.

Oriole

Frahm Interiors - Burlington ON

Classic white kitchen with dark wood island
Photo of a traditional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Toronto with glass-front cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, stainless steel appliances, an undermount sink, matchstick tile splashback, medium hardwood floors and with island.

Craftsman Charm

Annette English & Associates

Photography by Laura Hull.
Inspiration for a transitional l-shaped kitchen in Los Angeles with stainless steel appliances, a farmhouse sink, glass-front cabinets, white cabinets, concrete benchtops, beige splashback and matchstick tile splashback.

North Chatham New Construction

Gable Building Corp.

Dan Cutrona
Inspiration for a large traditional l-shaped kitchen in Boston with white cabinets, grey splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, shaker cabinets, matchstick tile splashback and with island.

Thornton Kitchen

Sawhorse, Inc.

This is an example of a mid-sized transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Denver with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, metallic splashback, matchstick tile splashback, panelled appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and grey benchtop.

Chesapeake Bay Waterfront

TailorCraft Builders, Inc.

The traditional style follows into the kitchen where the high ceilings allow for maximum kitchen cabinet storage. The homeowners chose a beautiful stove to match the theme seen throughout the home.

Modern Kitchen

Spectra Design Build

This is an example of a mid-sized modern l-shaped open plan kitchen in New York with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, stainless steel appliances, with island, white splashback, matchstick tile splashback and slate floors.

Tipton Adobe House Remodel and Addition

Chad W Howell Construction Inc.

Inspiration for a large country u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Boston with a farmhouse sink, white cabinets, granite benchtops, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, shaker cabinets, brown splashback and matchstick tile splashback.

Sch2 Kitchen Town 'n Country

Schoeman Construction

Photo of a mid-sized traditional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Tampa with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, green splashback, matchstick tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, ceramic floors and with island.

Files

Estrella Cabinetry

Laura Eagan, CKD
Photo of a mid-sized traditional l-shaped separate kitchen in Phoenix with an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, beige splashback, matchstick tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and beige floor.

Pine Valley Kitchen

Murphy's Design

Photography by Bob Narod, Photographer LLC. Remodeled by Murphy's Design.
Large traditional l-shaped open plan kitchen in DC Metro with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, grey splashback, matchstick tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors and a peninsula.

IRB House Restoration

J. S. Perry & Co., Inc.

Custom kitchen was made to mirror original double-decker cabinet system. Built-in appliances Demolition was no foregone conclusion when this oceanfront beach home was purchased by in New England business owner with the vision. His early childhood dream was brought to fruition as we meticulously restored and rebuilt to current standards this 1919 vintage Beach bungalow. Reset it completely with new systems and electronics, this award-winning home had its original charm returned to it in spades. This unpretentious masterpiece exudes understated elegance, exceptional livability and warmth. Design Styles Architecure, Inc.

Paton Terrace Kitchen

Atmosphere Interior Design Inc.

D&M Images
This is an example of a transitional kitchen in Other with glass-front cabinets, stainless steel appliances, white cabinets, multi-coloured splashback and matchstick tile splashback.

Anderson Residence

OSMOND DESIGNS

Photo of a large transitional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Salt Lake City with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, matchstick tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and grey benchtop.

Springbank Project

Rados Construction Ltd.

Design ideas for a large transitional u-shaped kitchen in Calgary with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, matchstick tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Kitchen with White Cabinets and Matchstick Tile Splashback 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!