When a client tells us they’re a mid-century collector and long for a kitchen design unlike any other we are only too happy to oblige. This kitchen is saturated in mid-century charm and its custom features make it difficult to pin-point our favorite aspect! Cabinetry We had the pleasure of partnering with one of our favorite Denver cabinet shops to make our walnut dreams come true! We were able to include a multitude of custom features in this kitchen including frosted glass doors in the island, open cubbies, a hidden cutting board, and great interior cabinet storage. But what really catapults these kitchen cabinets to the next level is the eye-popping angled wall cabinets with sliding doors, a true throwback to the magic of the mid-century kitchen. Streamline brushed brass cabinetry pulls provided the perfect lux accent against the handsome walnut finish of the slab cabinetry doors. Tile Amidst all the warm clean lines of this mid-century kitchen we wanted to add a splash of color and pattern, and a funky backsplash tile did the trick! We utilized a handmade yellow picket tile with a high variation to give us a bit of depth; and incorporated randomly placed white accent tiles for added interest and to compliment the white sliding doors of the angled cabinets, helping to bring all the materials together. Counter We utilized a quartz along the counter tops that merged lighter tones with the warm tones of the cabinetry. The custom integrated drain board (in a starburst pattern of course) means they won’t have to clutter their island with a large drying rack. As an added bonus, the cooktop is recessed into the counter, to create an installation flush with the counter surface. Stair Rail Not wanting to miss an opportunity to add a touch of geometric fun to this home, we designed a custom steel handrail. The zig-zag design plays well with the angles of the picket tiles and the black finish ties in beautifully with the black metal accents in the kitchen. Lighting We removed the original florescent light box from this kitchen and replaced it with clean recessed lights with accents of recessed undercabinet lighting and a terrifically vintage fixture over the island that pulls together the black and brushed brass metal finishes throughout the space. This kitchen has transformed into a strikingly unique space creating the perfect home for our client’s mid-century treasures.

Suburban Traditional

Cannarsa Structure and Design

Inspiration for a large traditional l-shaped eat-in kitchen with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, panelled appliances, vinyl floors, with island, multi-coloured floor and beige benchtop.

Saucon Valley Classic

Jarrett Design

Photo of a large transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Philadelphia with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, soapstone benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and grey benchtop.

Townhouse Kitchen Blues

Next Stage Design + Build

Scott Dubose photography
Design ideas for a small transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in San Francisco with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, marble benchtops, blue splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

The Willow Pond Home

CarsonSpeer Builders

photo: Inspiro8
Design ideas for a large country l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Other with a farmhouse sink, grey cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop and shaker cabinets.

Project 3476-1 NE Minneapolis Kitchen Remodel w/ Kohler Prep Sink 55418

Castle Building & Remodeling

This growing family was looking for a larger, more functional space to prep their food, cook and entertain in their 1910 NE Minneapolis home. A new floorplan was created by analyzing the way the homeowners use their home. Their large urban garden provides them with an abundance of fresh produce which can now be harvested, brought in through the back door, and then cleaned in the new Kohler prep sink closest to the back door. An old, unusable staircase to the basement was removed to capture more square footage for a larger kitchen space and a better planned back entry area. A mudroom with bench/shoe closet was configured at the back door and the Stonepeak Quartzite tile keeps dirt from boots out of the cooking area. Next in line of function was storage. The refrigerator and pantry areas were moved so they are now across from the prep and cooking areas. New cherry cabinetry in the Waverly door style and floating shelves were provided by Crystal Cabinets. Finally, the kitchen was opened up to the dining room, creating an eat-in area and designated entertainment area. A new Richlin vinyl double-hung pocket window replaced the old window on the southwest wall of the mudroom. The overall style is in line with the style and age of the home. The wood and stain colors were chosen to highlight the rest of the original woodwork in the house. A slight rustic feel was added through a highlight glaze on the cabinets. A natural color palette with muted tones – brown, green and soft white- create a modern fresh feel while paying homage to the character of the home and the homeowners’ earthy style.

Quimby

risa boyer architecture

Josh Partee
This is an example of a mid-sized midcentury l-shaped kitchen in Portland with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, white benchtop, white cabinets and beige floor.

Cambridge Dutch Colonial

Elms Interior Design

Photograph by Michael J. Lee
This is an example of a mid-sized transitional l-shaped kitchen in Boston with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white splashback, ceramic splashback, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Kitchen

Arch Studio, Inc.

Architecture & Interior Design By Arch Studio, Inc. Photography by Eric Rorer
Design ideas for a small country l-shaped open plan kitchen in San Francisco with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, blue splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Art Deco rehab

Mattingly Thaler Architecture

Peter Medilek
Photo of a mid-sized traditional l-shaped kitchen in San Francisco with white cabinets, marble benchtops, ceramic splashback, linoleum floors, white benchtop, with island, glass-front cabinets, multi-coloured splashback and black floor.

Kitchen Chantilly Lace Refinish and Reface in Elmhurst, Illinois

Wheatland Custom Cabinetry & Woodwork

Elizabeth Steiner Photography
This is an example of a large transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Chicago with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and grey benchtop.

Red Birch Elegance Kitchen Remodel

Cypress Design Co.

This is an example of a large traditional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Providence with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island, white floor and white benchtop.

Кухонный фартук из керамической плитки ручной работы "Лотос"

Prima Keramika

Яркий кухонный фартук из плитки ручной работы "Лотос" для небольшой светлой кухни.
Design ideas for a small traditional l-shaped separate kitchen in Moscow with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, solid surface benchtops, green splashback, ceramic splashback, white appliances, porcelain floors, no island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Santa Cruz Modern Ranch Home

Lydia Lyons Designs

Heath Little Diamond ceramic tile backsplash, painted cabinets, stained oak floating shelves.
Large modern l-shaped open plan kitchen in San Francisco with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and white benchtop.

Трехкомнатная квартира в ЖК Ривер Парк, 82 м2

Студия Татьяны Архиповой

Дизайнер интерьера - Татьяна Архипова, фото - Михаил Лоскутов
This is an example of a small transitional l-shaped separate kitchen in Moscow with an undermount sink, green cabinets, solid surface benchtops, grey splashback, ceramic splashback, ceramic floors, with island, grey floor, grey benchtop and recessed-panel cabinets.

Roseville Modern Spanish Colonial Kitchen

Nar Design Group

Meal preparation & clean-up is a group activity for this family of 5, and full days are spent baking, cooking & canning together. They needed more functional storage and wished for a spacious and beautiful place to congregate and work seamlessly together. The peninsula and non-structural arch that divided the kitchen from the family room were removed in order to create a large open area. Also removed were the dated soffits which instantly created the feeling of higher ceilings and allowed a feature wall of beautiful encaustic tiles to run all the way up behind the custom plaster hood. Turning and positioning the new island along the width of the window wall gave the family twice as much counter space and seating. The space that was once a hallway became the perfect place to position a dining table. The new 8' window washes the space in an abundance of inviting natural daylight, showcasing views to the greenbelt adjacent to their property. The hand distressed hickory cabinet run - custom designed to house a 5' Galley Workstation - has a furniture feel and its own distinctive hardware. Classic patterned encaustic tiles and favorite colors were incorporated to reflect the family's preferences for a modern Spanish colonial feel. Wood grain porcelain tile floors make for easy cleanup for an active family with kids and dogs and a pool. Photo credit: Fred Donham of Photographerlink

Sunny Yellow Kitchen

Fireclay Tile

DESIGN: Hatch Works Austin // PHOTOS: Robert Gomez Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized eclectic l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Austin with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, yellow cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, white appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Waterfront Transformation

Dalrymple | Sallis Architecture

Greg Reigler
Design ideas for a large traditional l-shaped kitchen in Miami with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, white benchtop, grey splashback and brown floor.

Modern Farmhouse with a Storied Past

Studio Dearborn

MULTIPLE AWARD WINNING KITCHEN. 2019 Westchester Home Design Awards Best Traditional Kitchen. KBDN magazine Award winner. Houzz Kitchen of the Week January 2019. Kitchen design and cabinetry – Studio Dearborn. This historic colonial in Edgemont NY was home in the 1930s and 40s to the world famous Walter Winchell, gossip commentator. The home underwent a 2 year gut renovation with an addition and relocation of the kitchen, along with other extensive renovations. Cabinetry by Studio Dearborn/Schrocks of Walnut Creek in Rockport Gray; Bluestar range; custom hood; Quartzmaster engineered quartz countertops; Rejuvenation Pendants; Waterstone faucet; Equipe subway tile; Foundryman hardware. Photos, Adam Kane Macchia.

Fortson Avenue

Spruill Custom Homes, LLC

Inspiration for a large transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Dallas with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

L-shaped Kitchen with Ceramic 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!