The client requested a kitchen that would not only provide a great space to cook and enjoy family meals but one that would fit in with her unique design sense. An avid collector of contemporary art, she wanted something unexpected in her 100-year-old home in both color and finishes but still providing a great layout with improved lighting, storage, and superior cooking abilities. The existing kitchen was in a closed off space trapped between the family room and the living. If you were in the kitchen, you were isolated from the rest of the house. Making the kitchen an integrated part of the home was a paramount request. Step one, remove the wall separating the kitchen from the other rooms in the home which allowed the new kitchen to become an integrated space instead of an isolation room for the cook. Next, we relocated the pantry access which was in the family room to the kitchen integrating a poorly used recess which had become a catch all area which did not provide any usable space for storage or working area. To add valuable function in the kitchen we began by capturing unused "cubbies", adding a walk-in pantry from the kitchen, increasing the storage lost to un-needed drop ceilings and bring light and design to the space with a new large awning window, improved lighting, and combining interesting finishes and colors to reflect the artistic attitude of the client. A bathroom located above the kitchen had been leaking into the plaster ceiling for several years. That along with knob and tube wiring, rotted beams and a brick wall from the back of the fireplace in the adjacent living room all needed to be brought to code. The walls, ceiling and floors in this 100+ year old home were completely out of level and the room’s foot print could not be increased. The choice of a Sub-Zero wolf product is a standard in my kitchen designs. The quality of the product, its manufacturing and commitment to food preservation is the reason I specify Sub Zero Wolf. For the cook top, the integrated line of the contemporary cooktop and the signature red knobs against the navy blue of the cabinets added to the design vibe of the kitchen. The cooking performance and the large continuous grate on the cooktop makes it an obvious choice for a cook looking for a great cook top with professional results in a more streamlined profile. We selected a Sharp microwave drawer for the island, an XO wine refrigerator, Bosch dishwasher and Kitchen Aid double convection wall ovens to round out the appliance package. A recess created by the fireplace was outfitted with a cabinet which now holds small appliances within easy reach of my very petite client. Natural maple accents were used inside all the wall cabinets and repeated on the front of the hood and for the sliding door appliance cabinet and the floating shelves. This allows a brighter interior for the painted cabinets instead of the traditional same interior as exterior finish choice. The was an amazing transformation from the old to the new. The final touches are the honey bronze hardware from Top Knobs, Mitzi pendants from Hudson Valley Lighting group, a fabulous faucet from Brizo. To eliminate the old freestanding bottled water cooler, we specified a matching water filter faucet.

mid-century interior remodel

Lewis Greenspoon Architects

Leslie Murchie
Midcentury galley open plan kitchen in Detroit with flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartzite benchtops, grey splashback, glass tile splashback, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, an undermount sink and grey benchtop.

Cape Cod

Noelle Interiors

Mid-sized traditional open plan kitchen in Los Angeles with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, blue splashback, quartz benchtops, glass tile splashback, medium hardwood floors, with island and blue benchtop.

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.

Portside Court Townhouse

Simply Home Decorating

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…

Balmer Circle Kitchen Project

Neil Kelly Company

This home was worn out from family life and lacked the natural lighting the homeowners had desired for years. Removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room let the light pour in, and transformed the kitchen into an entertaining delight with seating/dining spaces at both ends. The breeze colored island stone backsplash tile (Pental Surfaces) is low maintenance and long-wearing, and pairs perfectly against the stained cherry contemporary cabinetry (Decor Cabinets). Quartz countertops were installed on the surround (Caesarstone) and island (a charcoal color with a suede finish was selected for the island to cut down on glare - Siletsone by Cosentino). Chilewich woven fabric applied to the back of the island adds durability and interest to a high-traffic area. The elevated, locally sourced Madrone bar (Sustainable NW Woods) at the end of the island—under a stunning "ribbon" pendant (Elan Lighting)—is a perfect spot to sip Sauvignon.

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.

Magnificent Transition Kitchen

CairnsCraft Design & Remodel

Large transitional kitchen in San Diego with an undermount sink, white cabinets, grey splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor, white benchtop, quartz benchtops, glass tile splashback and shaker cabinets.

Mid-century Modern Kitchen Remodel

Core Home Solutions, Inc.

Mid-century modern kitchen design featuring: - Kraftmaid Vantage cabinets (Barnet Golden Lager) with quartersawn maple slab fronts and tab cabinet pulls - Island Stone Wave glass backsplash tile - White quartz countertops - Thermador range and dishwasher - Cedar & Moss mid-century brass light fixtures - Concealed undercabinet plug mold receptacles - Undercabinet LED lighting - Faux-wood porcelain tile for island paneling

Graceful Gray Kitchen Remodel - Glen Ellyn, IL

TKS Design Group

Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW The homeowners of this mid-century Colonial and family of four were frustrated with the layout of their existing kitchen which was a small, narrow peninsula layout but that was adjoining a large space that they could not figure out how to use. Stealing part of the unused space seemed like an easy solution, except that there was an existing transition in floor height which made that a bit tricky. The solution of bringing the floor height up to meet the height of the existing kitchen allowed us to do just that. This solution also offered some challenges. The exterior door had to be raised which resulted in some exterior rework, and the floor transition had to happen somewhere to get out to the garage, so we ended up “pushing” it towards what is now a new mudroom and powder room area. This solution allows for a small but functional and hidden mudroom area and more private powder room situation. Another challenge of the design was the very narrow space. To minimize issues with this, we moved the location of the refrigerator into the newly found space which gave us an L-shaped layout allowing for an island and even some shallow pantry storage. The windows over the kitchen sink were expanded in size and relocated to allow more light into the room. A breakfast table fits perfectly in the area adjacent to the existing French doors and there was even room for a small bar area that helps transition from inside to outside for entertaining. The confusing unused space now makes sense and provides functionality on a daily basis. To help bring some calm to this busy family, a pallet of soft neutrals was chosen -- gray glass tile with a simple metal accent strip, clear modern pendant lights and a neutral color scheme for cabinetry and countertops. For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Los Altos- Modern Craftsman

Kerstin Dieterich Designs

Butlers pantry Photo credit- Alicia Garcia Staging- one two six design
This is an example of a large transitional l-shaped kitchen pantry in San Francisco with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and grey splashback.

SF Two-Unit Gem

Swanson Kitchens, Inc.

Marcell Puzsar BrightRoomSF.com
This is an example of a mid-sized transitional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in San Francisco with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, dark hardwood floors, with island, an undermount sink, quartz benchtops, green splashback, glass tile splashback and stainless steel appliances.

The New Traditional

Blue Heron Signature Homes

Designed and built by Terramor Homes in Raleigh, NC. The kitchen cabinets were consciously chosen in classic farmhouse style. Pure white and designed to reach the ceiling, clean and simple inset doors with simple classic chrome hardware pulls make for an impressive statement. Soapstone was used on the perimeter, offering the aged traditional look you would find in a classic farm home. However, the island was topped with a slightly more modern white granite with beautiful gray movement to add interest and a hard, reliable prep surface. The island measures an impressive 7 feet by 10 feet, matches the same clean lines, but was custom painted in a deep grayed turquoise to make a statement. It serves 6 seats for everyday eating and conversation and also allows for full functionality while still enjoying all the activity and views surrounding anyone who is spending time the kitchen workspace. Photography: M. Eric Honeycutt

Karvelas Kitchen

Turan Designs, Inc.

Huge Contemporary Kitchen Designer: Teri Turan
Photo of an expansive transitional u-shaped kitchen in Atlanta with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, beige splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

City: Hollingsworth Park

Linda McDougald Design | Postcard from Paris Home

Large traditional galley eat-in kitchen in Other with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, grey splashback, dark hardwood floors, with island, glass tile splashback, marble benchtops and an undermount sink.

Rhode Island Beach House

Rachel Reider Interiors

Backsplash - Lunada Bay Tile - Sumi-e 1 x 4 Mini Brick / Color - Izu Natural Michael Partenio
Beach style eat-in kitchen in Boston with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, glass tile splashback, granite benchtops, blue splashback, stainless steel appliances and with island.

Kitchen and Outdoor Living Areas

Turnstone Custom Homes

Carolyn Watson
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped eat-in kitchen in DC Metro with recessed-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, an undermount sink, grey splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, marble floors, with island, white floor, quartz benchtops and turquoise benchtop.

Contemporary. clean, warm kitchen

Kristin Lam Interiors

Clean, contemporary white oak slab cabinets with a white Chroma Crystal White countertop. Cabinets are set off with sleek stainless steel handles. The appliances are also stainless steel. The diswasher is Bosch, the refridgerator is a Kenmore professional built-in, stainless steel. The hood is stainless and glass from Futuro, Venice model. The double oven is stainless steel from LG. The stainless wine cooler is Uline. the stainless steel built-in microwave is form GE. The irridescent glass back splash that sets off the floating bar cabinet and surrounds window is Vihara Irridescent 1 x 4 glass in Puka. Perfect for entertaining. The floors are Italian ceramic planks that look like hardwood in a driftwood color. Simply gorgeous. Lighting is recessed and kept to a minimum to maintain the crisp clean look the client was striving for. I added a pop of orange and turquoise (not seen in the photos) for pillows on a bench as well as on the accessories. Cabinet fabricator, Mark Klindt ~ www.creativewoodworks.info

Contemporary, clean, warm kitchen

Kristin Lam Interiors

Mid-Century Fabulous Kitchen

Tricia Hauser Tidemann

Design ideas for a mid-sized midcentury u-shaped open plan kitchen in Minneapolis with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, laminate benchtops, blue splashback, glass tile splashback, coloured appliances, vinyl floors, with island, brown benchtop and green floor.

Kitchen with Glass Tile Splashback and with Island 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!