This is an example of a small contemporary u-shaped open plan kitchen in Sydney with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, metallic splashback, mirror splashback, black appliances, light hardwood floors, a peninsula and beige 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.

Minimalist White and Timber Contemporary Kitchen

Transform-A-Space

A light and bright minimalist design featuring two-pack painted cabinetry to match the clients freshly painted walls, subway tile stack-style, and feature timber components bring warmth into the space. 20mm Caesarstone 'Ocean Foam' benchtops in a polished finish help to reflect overhead light. A small kitchen packed with functionality.

Tennessee Tudor Kitchen

Standard Kitchen & Bath

Photo of a small transitional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Other with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, white appliances, medium hardwood floors, a peninsula and brown floor.

Worthington, OH Mid-Century Modern Kitchen Remodel

NJW Construction

What this Mid-century modern home originally lacked in kitchen appeal it made up for in overall style and unique architectural home appeal. That appeal which reflects back to the turn of the century modernism movement was the driving force for this sleek yet simplistic kitchen design and remodel. Stainless steel aplliances, cabinetry hardware, counter tops and sink/faucet fixtures; removed wall and added peninsula with casual seating; custom cabinetry - horizontal oriented grain with quarter sawn red oak veneer - flat slab - full overlay doors; full height kitchen cabinets; glass tile - installed countertop to ceiling; floating wood shelving; Karli Moore Photography

Aspen - Kitchen

David Benners Architecture

Design ideas for a small transitional u-shaped kitchen in Denver with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, laminate benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, a peninsula and turquoise benchtop.

House, Historic District in Savannah, Ga.

Rena Barclay Interiors

Design ideas for a small transitional u-shaped open plan kitchen in Oxfordshire with flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, a peninsula, an undermount sink, white splashback and stainless steel appliances.

PROJET MS - Du Havre

L'ATELIER VĒ

Inspiration for a small modern u-shaped separate kitchen in Montreal with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, a peninsula, grey floor and white benchtop.

Eco-Chic Oasis: Green Island

Reno Maryland

Inspiration for a small transitional u-shaped kitchen pantry in DC Metro with a single-bowl sink, green cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, bamboo floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Colourful Kitchen Project Tivoli

Contour

The U-shape kitchen in Fenix, Midnight Blue, and Synthia, Limes Oak enabled the client to retain a dining table and entertaining space. A purposefully placed parapet discreetly conceals the kitchen's working area and hob when approaching from the hallway. The Vero cabinet's soft lighting and the play on heights are a modern interpretation of a traditional dresser, creating an ambience and space for a choice of personalised ornaments. Additionally, the midi cabinet provided additional storage. The result was a playfully bright kitchen in the daylight and an atmospherically enticing kitchen at night.

AGGA

KMMA design

Design ideas for a small contemporary u-shaped separate kitchen in Hong Kong with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, limestone benchtops, stainless steel appliances and white benchtop.

A Classic Pastel Blue Kitchen

The Pentland Kitchen Company

When we first met our client from New Craighall, Edinburgh, she told us that she wanted to add light to her kitchen. She has failing eyesight and was finding it increasingly difficult to prepare meals in her dark kitchen. Our designer suggested a classic pastel blue colour scheme to help reflect light and make the space feel brighter. We maximised the natural light from the window and patio doors by using light-reflecting colours and materials. We used Mornington cabinet doors in Ives Blue paired with a Fjord Green carcass and white Calacatta Aurum quartz worktops. We also installed ceiling spotlights to brighten the space even more. To make the kitchen more functional, we created a task area as a breakfast bar so our client can have ample space to prepare meals. We opted for an oak worktop for the breakfast bar to add interest to the room. This matches the rest of the wood accents in the space, such as the corner shelves and the worktop on the kitchen dresser. Lastly, we installed Neff appliances throughout the kitchen to ensure it is fully equipped for cooking and entertaining. The result is a timeless, light, and airy kitchen, despite its relatively small size.

Lincoln Square Kitchen Refurbishment

Mike Rataczak Studios

Small contemporary u-shaped kitchen in New York with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, slate floors, grey floor and beige benchtop.

Piso en Lavapiés, Madrid

StudioMadera s.l.

Design ideas for a small scandinavian u-shaped open plan kitchen in Madrid with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, green splashback, ceramic splashback, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors, a peninsula, beige floor, white benchtop and recessed.

Dutch colonial

reDesign home | chicago

This is an example of a small transitional u-shaped separate kitchen in Chicago with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, mirror splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, a peninsula, brown floor and white benchtop.

Make it a Home with a focal point

Design Studio West

Photo of a small transitional u-shaped kitchen pantry in San Diego with recessed-panel cabinets, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula.

INTERIOR DESIGN - Casa AI

micro interior design

progetto e foto Arch. Debora Di Michele Micro Interior Design
This is an example of a small contemporary u-shaped open plan kitchen in Other with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, laminate benchtops, pink splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, a peninsula, beige floor and white benchtop.

Parkside Avenue, Orange

Coastal Designs Interiors

Inspiration for a small modern u-shaped kitchen in Orange County with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, no island and white benchtop.

Birch - Pantry. Overview.

Thomas Ford & Sons

Inspiration for a small traditional u-shaped kitchen pantry in Surrey with beaded inset cabinets, green cabinets, marble benchtops, brick floors and green benchtop.

Дом в Покровке II

Архитектурная мастерская 2Ю

Photo of a small country u-shaped kitchen in Moscow with stainless steel cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, engineered quartz splashback, grey floor and grey benchtop.

Small U-shaped Kitchen 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!