Jeri Koegel
Photo of a large arts and crafts l-shaped open plan kitchen in San Diego with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, multi-coloured splashback, stainless steel appliances, granite benchtops, ceramic splashback, ceramic floors, with island and multi-coloured floor.

Kitchen

GDC Construction

All of the cabinets in the kitchen are custom-made by Inplace Studio of La Jolla.
Large contemporary l-shaped open plan kitchen in San Diego with stainless steel appliances, an undermount sink, medium hardwood floors, brown floor, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite benchtops, beige splashback, stone slab splashback and with island.

Cortona Kitchen

Cornerstone Architects

This Westlake site posed several challenges that included managing a sloping lot and capturing the views of downtown Austin in specific locations on the lot, while staying within the height restrictions. The service and garages split in two, buffering the less private areas of the lot creating an inner courtyard. The ancillary rooms are organized around this court leading up to the entertaining areas. The main living areas serve as a transition to a private natural vegetative bluff on the North side. Breezeways and terraces connect the various outdoor living spaces feeding off the great room and dining, balancing natural light and summer breezes to the interior spaces. The private areas are located on the upper level, organized in an inverted “u”, maximizing the best views on the lot. The residence represents a programmatic collaboration of the clients’ needs and subdivision restrictions while engaging the unique features of the lot. Built by Butterfield Custom Homes Photography by Adam Steiner

Kitchen Countertops

Cabinets Direct USA | Zimmerman Kitchen Design

Countertop Brand: Cambria Style: Galloway
Inspiration for a contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, dark wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, flat-panel cabinets, glass tile splashback, brown floor and brown benchtop.

A quiant and lovely home in Palm Beach Gardens with even Loveier Owners!

Encore Interiors Limited

Design ideas for a large contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Other with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartzite benchtops, beige splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, concrete floors, with island, beige floor, white benchtop and vaulted.

Cucina Mtt_D

Carmelostuni Atelier d’arredo

Ipotesi di progetto cucina con isola in finiture pregiate, isola finitura cannettato, come da mood board e armadi con ante rientranti
Design ideas for a large modern galley open plan kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite benchtops, grey splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, concrete floors, with island, grey floor, grey benchtop and exposed beam.

Mr & Mrs Davis

Diane Berry Kitchens

This amazing old house was in need of something really special and by mixing a couple of antiques with modern dark Eggersmann units we have a real stand out kitchen that looks like no other we have ever done. What a joy to work with such a visionary client and on such a beautiful home.

CSTB HOUSE

Tommaso Giunchi Architetti

isola con piano snack in marmo collemandina Colonne in fenix nero Cucina di Key Cucine Boiserie in noce canaletto
Photo of a large modern galley open plan kitchen in Milan with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, marble benchtops, black splashback, stainless steel appliances, concrete floors, multiple islands, grey floor and grey benchtop.

Surry Hills Kitchen

Matter Design & Make Pty Ltd

In 2019, Interior designer Alexandra Brown approached Matter to design and make cabinetry for this penthouse apartment. The brief was to create a rich and opulent space, featuring a favoured smoked oak veneer. We looked to the Art Deco inspired features of the building and referenced its curved corners and newly installed aged brass detailing in our design. We combined the smoked oak veneer with cambia ash cladding in the kitchen and bar areas to complement the green and brown quartzite stone surfaces chosen by Alex perfectly. We then designed custom brass handles, shelving and a large-framed mirror as a centrepiece for the bar, all crafted impeccably by our friends at JN Custom Metal. Functionality and sustainability were the focus of our design, with hard-wearing charcoal Abet Laminati drawers and door fronts in the kitchen with custom J pull handles, Grass Nova ProScala drawers and Osmo oiled veneer that can be easily reconditioned over time. Photography by Pablo Veiga

Brinley's Cove

Bardi Designs

Photo of a country l-shaped open plan kitchen in Raleigh with a farmhouse sink, dark wood cabinets, brown splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, grey benchtop and raised-panel cabinets.

Luxury Ski Getaway

JJ Interiors

This traditional style kitchen is not shy on modern features. The iridescent glazed tile backsplash is a dramatic backdrop for an efficient induction cooktop. The raised island countertop discretely hides the preparation space at the sink.

Kitchen Remodel (Bryant)

Mariano & Co., LLC

We removed the old cabinetry and backsplash and replaced with Cabinetry and countertops. The new cabinets are OakCraft Knotty Alder in a Truffle Stain. The countertops are Brittanica Cambria quartz.

Holloway | Mid-Century Modern Farmhouse

Vision Interiors

The Holloway blends the recent revival of mid-century aesthetics with the timelessness of a country farmhouse. Each façade features playfully arranged windows tucked under steeply pitched gables. Natural wood lapped siding emphasizes this homes more modern elements, while classic white board & batten covers the core of this house. A rustic stone water table wraps around the base and contours down into the rear view-out terrace. Inside, a wide hallway connects the foyer to the den and living spaces through smooth case-less openings. Featuring a grey stone fireplace, tall windows, and vaulted wood ceiling, the living room bridges between the kitchen and den. The kitchen picks up some mid-century through the use of flat-faced upper and lower cabinets with chrome pulls. Richly toned wood chairs and table cap off the dining room, which is surrounded by windows on three sides. The grand staircase, to the left, is viewable from the outside through a set of giant casement windows on the upper landing. A spacious master suite is situated off of this upper landing. Featuring separate closets, a tiled bath with tub and shower, this suite has a perfect view out to the rear yard through the bedroom's rear windows. All the way upstairs, and to the right of the staircase, is four separate bedrooms. Downstairs, under the master suite, is a gymnasium. This gymnasium is connected to the outdoors through an overhead door and is perfect for athletic activities or storing a boat during cold months. The lower level also features a living room with a view out windows and a private guest suite. Architect: Visbeen Architects Photographer: Ashley Avila Photography Builder: AVB Inc.

Ashland Midsummers Night

Suzanne Childress Design

Photo of a mid-sized eclectic u-shaped open plan kitchen in San Francisco with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, solid surface benchtops, stone slab splashback, black appliances, dark hardwood floors, no island, black floor, white benchtop and white splashback.

Robinson Interior

MARCUSSE CONSTRUCTION

Mid-sized traditional u-shaped open plan kitchen in Grand Rapids with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Hillside Modern

Intrinsik Architecture

Derik Olsen
Design ideas for a mid-sized modern l-shaped open plan kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, black splashback, metal splashback, stainless steel appliances, concrete floors, with island, grey floor and white benchtop.

Project 640

Jim Morrison Construction INC

Design ideas for a large country open plan kitchen in Sacramento with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, grey splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, multiple islands, brown floor and granite benchtops.

Traditional Craftsman in the Setting of Black Mountain

Living Stone Design + Build

Inspiration for a mid-sized country l-shaped open plan kitchen in Other with recessed-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, multi-coloured splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, multi-coloured benchtop, an undermount sink, granite benchtops and stone tile splashback.

On Display - dark timber and glass shelves in modern kitchen

Mastercraft Kitchens New Zealand

Jamie Cobel
Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional galley open plan kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island, grey floor and white benchtop.

Hillbury Road, Wandsworth

GDL London

This is an example of an expansive modern l-shaped open plan kitchen in London with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartzite benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, metal splashback, stainless steel appliances, concrete floors, with island, grey floor and white benchtop.

Open Plan Kitchen with Dark 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!