The owners of this property had been away from the Bay Area for many years, and looked forward to returning to an elegant mid-century modern house. The one they bought was anything but that. Faced with a “remuddled” kitchen from one decade, a haphazard bedroom / family room addition from another, and an otherwise disjointed and generally run-down mid-century modern house, the owners asked Klopf Architecture and Envision Landscape Studio to re-imagine this house and property as a unified, flowing, sophisticated, warm, modern indoor / outdoor living space for a family of five. Opening up the spaces internally and from inside to out was the first order of business. The formerly disjointed eat-in kitchen with 7 foot high ceilings were opened up to the living room, re-oriented, and replaced with a spacious cook's kitchen complete with a row of skylights bringing light into the space. Adjacent the living room wall was completely opened up with La Cantina folding door system, connecting the interior living space to a new wood deck that acts as a continuation of the wood floor. People can flow from kitchen to the living / dining room and the deck seamlessly, making the main entertainment space feel at once unified and complete, and at the same time open and limitless. Klopf opened up the bedroom with a large sliding panel, and turned what was once a large walk-in closet into an office area, again with a large sliding panel. The master bathroom has high windows all along one wall to bring in light, and a large wet room area for the shower and tub. The dark, solid roof structure over the patio was replaced with an open trellis that allows plenty of light, brightening the new deck area as well as the interior of the house. All the materials of the house were replaced, apart from the framing and the ceiling boards. This allowed Klopf to unify the materials from space to space, running the same wood flooring throughout, using the same paint colors, and generally creating a consistent look from room to room. Located in Lafayette, CA this remodeled single-family house is 3,363 square foot, 4 bedroom, and 3.5 bathroom. Klopf Architecture Project Team: John Klopf, AIA, Jackie Detamore, and Jeffrey Prose Landscape Design: Envision Landscape Studio Structural Engineer: Brian Dotson Consulting Engineers Contractor: Kasten Builders Photography ©2015 Mariko Reed Staging: The Design Shop Location: Lafayette, CA Year completed: 2014

Hilltop Road

Dichotomy Interiors

warm white oak and blackened oak custom crafted kitchen with zellige tile and quartz countertops.
This is an example of a large midcentury open plan kitchen in New York with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, beige splashback, ceramic splashback, black appliances, concrete floors, with island, grey floor and grey benchtop.

Upper West Side Classic Six

Weil Friedman Architects

This Kitchen was carved out of a former Maids Room and Pantry in order to provide an "open-concept" Kitchen/Family Room which opens into a Living/Dining Room. While the spaces are all open to one another, each is defined separately to maintain the pre-war character of the apartment. In this instance, the peninsula is contained within a large cased opening which also incorporates custom storage cabinets. Photo by J. Nefsky

VERDE URBANO

Annalisa Carli Architetto

Cucina verde comodoro con pensili bianchi di dimensioni contenute ma molto funzionale. Top in HPL grigio effetto marmo. Foto di Simone Marulli
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary u-shaped open plan kitchen in Milan with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, green cabinets, solid surface benchtops, grey splashback, engineered quartz splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, no island, beige floor, grey benchtop and recessed.

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.

appartamento TB

BURNAZZI FELTRIN ARCHITETTI

Expansive contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, terrazzo benchtops, grey splashback, black appliances, with island, grey floor, white benchtop and vaulted.

Terrace Kitchen

HDR Remodeling Inc.

Photo of a large transitional galley open plan kitchen in San Francisco with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, brown floor and white benchtop.

Cuisine style industriel

Mon Plan Ma Cuisine

Inspiration for a mid-sized industrial u-shaped open plan kitchen in Lyon with a peninsula, an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, light wood cabinets, wood benchtops, panelled appliances, ceramic floors, grey floor and beige benchtop.

Seattle Contemporary Waterfront

H2 View

Open format kitchen includes gorgeous custom cabinets, a large underlit island with an induction cooktop and waterfall countertops. Full height slab backsplash and paneled appliances complete the sophisticated design.

Projet NATIONALE | 19m² | Paris 13e

NEVA Architecture Intérieure - Interior Design

On adore cette jolie cuisine lumineuse, ouverte sur la cour fleurie de l'immeuble. Un joli carrelage aspect carreau de ciment mais moderne, sous cette cuisine ikea blanche aux moulures renforçant le côté un peu campagne, mais modernisé avec des boutons en métal noir, et une crédence qui n'est pas toute hauteur, en carreaux style métro plat vert sauge ! Des petits accessoires muraux viennent compléter le côté rétro de l'ensemble, éclairé par des suspensions design en béton.

Modern Classic in Denver

Laura Medicus Interiors

This home was built in the early 2000’s. We completely reconfigured the kitchen, updated the breakfast room, added a bar to the living room, updated a powder room, a staircase and several fireplaces. Interior Styling by Kristy Oatman. Photographs by Jordan Katz. FEATURED IN Colorado Nest

Transitional Navy

Sanctuary Kitchen and Bath Design

Design ideas for a large transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Denver with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and blue benchtop.

French Country Florida Style

Waterview Kitchens

Gorgeous French Country style kitchen featuring a rustic cherry hood with coordinating island. White inset cabinetry frames the dark cherry creating a timeless design.

Promontory- Midcentury Mountain

Hudson + Bloum Design

This is an example of a large country galley open plan kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, stone slab splashback, panelled appliances, with island, white benchtop, white cabinets, light hardwood floors and beige floor.

A Naturally Modern Kitchen Remodel

Bobbi Alderfer/Lifestyle Design

Transforming this home from a very bad attempt at an arts and crafts look to this naturally modern design style. All cabinetry was removed and replaced with a beautiful walnut cabinet with a delightfully simplistic door style. The island was previously an awkward shape with many angles making it difficult to walk around. We squared it up but kept one angle to play into the angles in the rest of the house. We added a seating area at table height to accommodate all who visit.

Modern Traditional

House Sprucing

This is an example of a mid-sized 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, porcelain floors, with island, grey floor and white benchtop.

Open concept modern bungalow, Oakville ON

avenue design inc

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary single-wall open plan kitchen in Toronto with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, with island, an undermount sink, quartz benchtops, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors, brown floor and white benchtop.

Kitchen and Island

Daniel Contelmo Architects

This is an example of a mid-sized beach style l-shaped open plan kitchen in New York with an undermount sink, glass-front cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, blue splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and grey benchtop.

Cooper Woods Model Home

Havlicek Builders Inc.

Large transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Chicago with an undermount sink, white cabinets, marble splashback, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, recessed-panel cabinets, white splashback and panelled appliances.

Boneca Apartment by Brad Swartz A

Fisher & Paykel

Inspiration for a small contemporary single-wall open plan kitchen in Orange County with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, no island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Open Plan Kitchen with an Undermount Sink 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!