Southwest meets the Northwest. This client wanted a real rustic southwest style. The perimeter is rustic rough sawn knotty alder and the Island is hand painted rustic pine. The wide plank wood top is the center piece to this kitchen. Lots of colorful Mexican tile give depth to the earth tones. All the cabinets are custom made by KC Fine Cabinetry.

Résidence Levac | Cuisine - Salle à dîner - Salon

Lorraine Masse Design

Design de cuisine par LM Design Intérieur - photographié par Vincent Provost
Small contemporary galley eat-in kitchen in Montreal with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, wood benchtops, beige splashback, mosaic tile splashback, stainless steel appliances and porcelain floors.

T A R R Y T O W N

Evensen Design

Inspiration for a large transitional l-shaped kitchen in Austin with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island and wood benchtops.

Brisbane CBD - Apartment

Kim Duffin for Sublime Luxury Kitchens & Bathrooms

This sky home with stunning views over Brisbane's CBD, the river and Kangaroo Point Cliffs captures the maturity now found in inner city living in Brisbane. Originally from Melbourne and with his experience gain from extensive business travel abroad, the owner of the apartment decided to transform his home to match the cosmopolitan lifestyle he has enjoyed whilst living in these locations. The original layout of the kitchen was typical for apartments built over 20 years ago. The space was restricted by a collection of small rooms, two dining areas plus kitchen that did not take advantage of the views or the need for a strong connection between living areas and the outdoors. The new design has managed to still give definition to activities performed in the kitchen, dining and living but through minimal detail the kitchen does not dominate the space which can often happen in an open plan. A typical galley kitchen design was selected as it best catered for how the space relates to the rest of the apartment and adjoining living space. An effortless workflow is created from the start point of the pantry, housing food stores as well as small appliances, and refrigerator. These are within easy reach of the preparation zones and cooking on the island. Then delivery to the dining area is seamless. There are a number of key features used in the design to create the feeling of spaces whilst maximising functionality. The mirrored kickboards reflect light (aided by the use of LED strip lighting to the underside of the cabinets) creating the illusion that the cabinets are floating thus reducing the footprint in the design. The simple design philosophy is continued with the use of Laminam, 3mm porcelain sheets to the vertical and horizontal surfaces. This material is then mitred on the edges of all drawers and doors extenuate the seamless, minimalist, cube look. A cantilevered bespoke silky oak timber benchtop placed on the island creates a small breakfast/coffee area whilst increasing bench space and creating the illusion of more space. The stain and other features of this unique piece of timber compliments the tones found in the porcelain skin of the kitchen. The half wall built behind the sinks hides the entry point of the services into the apartment. This has been clad in a complimentary laminate for the timber benchtop . Mirror splashbacks help reflect more light into the space. The cabinets above the cleaning zone also appear floating due to the mirrored surface behind and the placement of LED strip lighting used to highlight the perimeter. A fully imported FALMAC Stainless Rangehood and flyer over compliments the plasterboard bulkhead that houses the air conditioning whilst providing task lighting to the island. Lighting has been used throughout the space to highlight and frame the design elements whist creating illumination for all tasks completed in the kitchen. Achieving "fluid motion" has been a major influence in the choice of hardware used in the design. Blum servo drive electronic drawer opening systems have been used to counter act any issues that may be encounter by the added weight of the porcelain used on the drawer fronts. These are then married with Blum Intivo soft close drawer systems. The devil is in the detail with a design and space that is so low profile yet complicated in it's simplicity. Steve Ryan - Rix Ryan Photography

Kitchen Remodel and Expansion in Brookland, Washington, DC

Four Brothers Design + Build

This is an example of a large transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in DC Metro with a farmhouse sink, grey cabinets, wood benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island and shaker cabinets.

Palimpseste!

Thomas Landemaine Architectes

Photo of a mid-sized scandinavian single-wall eat-in kitchen in Montpellier with a drop-in sink, wood benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, ceramic splashback, white appliances, ceramic floors, a peninsula and flat-panel cabinets.

Hidden Storage

Cabinets & Designs

Start your morning off right by pulling out your coffee machine from Wood-Mode's hidden cabinet.
Inspiration for a traditional kitchen in Houston with a drop-in sink, glass-front cabinets, white cabinets, wood benchtops, grey splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances and ceramic floors.

Projet Voltaire, architectes Carla Lopez et Margaux Meza

Transition Interior Design

Meero
Inspiration for a small scandinavian single-wall open plan kitchen in Paris with wood benchtops, blue splashback, panelled appliances, no island, white cabinets and light hardwood floors.

The Sibarist Rastro

The Sibarist Property & Homes

Pedro de Agustín
Inspiration for a large industrial galley eat-in kitchen in Madrid with open cabinets, wood benchtops, a peninsula, stainless steel appliances and ceramic floors.

Leech Lake 2

Lands End Development - Designers & Builders

Photo of a large traditional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Minneapolis with white cabinets, with island, an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, wood benchtops, beige splashback, matchstick tile splashback, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors and brown floor.

VILLAGE DUPLEX

studio PPARK

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in New York with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, an undermount sink, wood benchtops, white splashback and marble splashback.

Cottage Charm

Petoskey Kitchen and Bath - Designs By Dawn

Phoenix Photographic
This is an example of a small country l-shaped separate kitchen in Grand Rapids with a farmhouse sink, wood benchtops, white cabinets, recessed-panel cabinets, stainless steel appliances, white splashback, timber splashback, dark hardwood floors, with island and brown floor.

Rosemary

328 Design Group

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped open plan kitchen in Denver with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, wood benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and brown benchtop.

Waconia Cottage

Mark D. Williams Custom Homes, Inc.

Photo of a mid-sized beach style l-shaped kitchen in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, wood benchtops, ceramic splashback, panelled appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island and brown floor.

Brooklyn Townhouse Kitchen

Brooks Custom

A closeup on the live edge detail on a walnut kitchen island countertop.
This is an example of a large transitional kitchen in New York with black cabinets, wood benchtops, white splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island and brown floor.

Renew

Artesano Plaster

Dane Cronin Photography
Inspiration for a large mediterranean l-shaped kitchen in Salt Lake City with a farmhouse sink, medium wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, glass-front cabinets, wood benchtops and brown splashback.

Haus Nordschwabing München

moss interior design

Design ideas for a large asian l-shaped open plan kitchen in Munich with an integrated sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, wood benchtops, grey splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, limestone floors, no island, grey floor and brown benchtop.

Waltham, MA - New Construction Condo Remodel

Rebel Builders

After receiving a referral by a family friend, these clients knew that Rebel Builders was the Design + Build company that could transform their space for a new lifestyle: as grandparents! As young grandparents, our clients wanted a better flow to their first floor so that they could spend more quality time with their growing family. The challenge, of creating a fun-filled space that the grandkids could enjoy while being a relaxing oasis when the clients are alone, was one that the designers accepted eagerly. Additionally, designers also wanted to give the clients a more cohesive flow between the kitchen and dining area. To do this, the team moved the existing fireplace to a central location to open up an area for a larger dining table and create a designated living room space. On the opposite end, we placed the "kids area" with a large window seat and custom storage. The built-ins and archway leading to the mudroom brought an elegant, inviting and utilitarian atmosphere to the house. The careful selection of the color palette connected all of the spaces and infused the client's personal touch into their home.

SW Vienna Kitchen

Carolyn Ubben Architect PLLC

Walk-in pantry with custom cabinets.
Large country u-shaped kitchen pantry in DC Metro with blue cabinets and wood benchtops.

Zahnarztpraxis

Raumjuwelen

Der maßangefertige Mittelblock mit Sockelbelechtung ist Rückseitig als Küche ausgeführt. Der Patient darf sich hier mit Kaffe und Tee, Wasser etc selbst bedienen. Links erstreckt sich dann die Wartelounge

Kitchen with Wood Benchtops 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!