Contemporary open plan spacious mixed surfaces kitchen with black steel island bench framing, feature window, feature shelving above window, contrast blue overheads and warm wood tones.

NICOLLET

Kate Roos Design LLC

With the wall between the kitchen and living room removed, the hood surround with it's subtle curves becomes a commanding focal point. Two islands, one for work and one for socializing, help define the space. The new oak floors throughout the first floor add a casual and inviting feel.

New House in Chatswood Heritage Area

Danny Broe Architect

Mid-sized contemporary single-wall open plan kitchen in Sydney with a double-bowl sink, recessed-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, marble benchtops, black splashback, ceramic splashback, black appliances, concrete floors, with island, grey floor and white benchtop.

TROCADÉRO

atelier daaa

Photo : BCDF Studio
Design ideas for a large contemporary single-wall eat-in kitchen in Paris with an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, light wood cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, panelled appliances, ceramic floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Maison Atelier - Restructuration d'une maison de ville - 150m2

Aezu Studio

Restructuration complète d'une maison de ville. ÉTAT DES LIEUX: Construite dans un ancien atelier, la maison s’élève sur trois niveaux + mezzanines. Idéalement située en plein centre ville, en secteur sauvegardé, elle est en bon état mais comporte des défauts. MISSION : Nous sommes intervenus pour repenser les espaces, maximiser la circulation de la lumière naturelle dans toute la maison, l'adapter au mode de vie des occupants. Ici, zoom sur la cuisine : Le style atelier d’origine a été conservé et réchauffé par le bois brut. Le mur en pierre d’origine a été mis en valeur ; du mobilier en acier noir a été dessiné sur mesure, de même que les façades des meubles en chêne lamellé-collé verni mat. Le plan de travail est en Dekton. Pierre, acier et chêne, un mariage réussi !

Черничный Щербет

Ксения Розанцева | Творческая группа «Оcобинка»

This is an example of a small contemporary single-wall open plan kitchen in Moscow with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, laminate benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, black appliances, vinyl floors, with island and grey benchtop.

Yandina Sunrise

Atelier Chen Hung

The kitchen has a pale pink nougat-like terrazzo benchtop, paired with a blonde/pink Vic Ash timber joinery to make for an appetising space for cooking. Photography by James Hung

Casa C-18

DCA Arquitectura

Photo of a small modern single-wall open plan kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, granite benchtops, white splashback, granite splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Three Arch Cottage

Nate Fischer Interiors

Bright and airy cottage kitchen with natural wood accents and a pop of blue.
Photo of a small beach style single-wall open plan kitchen in Orange County with shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, blue splashback, terra-cotta splashback, panelled appliances, with island, white benchtop and vaulted.

Bivouac-inspired beauty

New Zealand Certified Builders Association

The bivouac theme comes to life in unexpected details throughout. The entrances are designed to feel like you’re walking through a crack in a rock. The inside and outside marry together in an oustanding way.

Chic Contemporary Milton Harbor

Studio Dearborn

An empty-nester couple was scaling down from a large house in Rye into a waterfront condo With spectacular harbor views, the condo needed a full redo including the removal of walls to open up the living spaces. Cabinetry by Studio Dearborn/Schrocks of Walnut Creek in custom gray stain, Range hood, Futuro Futuro. Quartzmaster engineered quartz countertops; Photos, Tim Lenz.

HGTV Big City Digs

Mary Rossi Designs

Large Kitchen Island Has Open and Concealed Storage. The large island in this loft kitchen isn't only a place to eat, it offers valuable storage space. By removing doors and adding millwork, the island now has a mix of open and concealed storage. The island's black and white color scheme is nicely contrasted by the copper pendant lights above and the teal front door.

Oakhill Residence

MILLWORX

This is an example of a large scandinavian single-wall eat-in kitchen in Toronto with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Skyview

Kelley Design Group

Pantry Twist Tours Photography
This is an example of a mid-sized transitional single-wall open plan kitchen in Austin with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, marble benchtops, grey splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Guest Suite Pasadena

Fong Concepts Interior Design

Inspiration for a small modern single-wall eat-in kitchen in Los Angeles with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, no island and beige floor.

Farmhouse Kitchen

Photo of a large country single-wall eat-in kitchen in Los Angeles with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, multiple islands, beige floor and light wood cabinets.

Lifestyle Feedback Photos

Urban Walls

"Palm Fronds" vinyl wall decals in metallic gold on a white wall. 30 vinyl Palm Frond decals per pack in various shapes and sizes, ranging from 2.5" wide x 6" high to 16" wide x 25" high.

Gold Coast Mid Century Modern

Marc-Michaels Interior Design

Edward C. Butera
This is an example of an expansive contemporary single-wall open plan kitchen in Miami with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartzite benchtops, stone slab splashback, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors and with island.

Kitchen and living design and remodel on a budget

Interiors by Popov

This is another favorite home redesign project. Throughout my career, I've worked with some hefty budgets on a number of high-end projects. You can visit Paris Kitchens and Somerset Kitchens, companies that I have worked for previously, to get an idea of what I mean. I could start name dropping here, but I won’t, because that's not what this project is about. This project is about a small budget and a happy homeowner. This was one of the first projects with a custom interior design at a fraction of a regular budget. I could use the term “value engineering” to describe it, because this particular interior was heavily value engineered. The result: a sophisticated interior that looks so much more expensive than it is. And one ecstatic homeowner. Mission impossible accomplished. P.S. Don’t ask me how much it cost, I promised the homeowner that their impressive budget will remain confidential. In any case, no one would believe me even if I spilled the beans.

Montrose Ave.

Maxwell + Pinborough Bespoke Furniture

Open plan kitchen diner extension in West london. Project architect: Gort Scott Photographer: Angus Leadley-Brown
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary single-wall eat-in kitchen in London with flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, concrete benchtops, white splashback and with island.

Single-wall Kitchen with Light Wood Cabinets 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!