Photo of a small transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Portland with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, brown splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula.

Contemporary Kitchen Remodel

SweisKloss

This highly customized kitchen was designed in such a way to make use of as much space as possible in an elegant and modern way. The combination of walnut veneer cabinets and buttermilk caesarstone countertops creates contrast in a subtle and eye catching way. The angled island adds dimension and intrigue to the design, as well as creates a solution for seating at the island.

Kitchen Remodel in Des Plaines

OHi - Our Home Improvement

This is an example of a small transitional single-wall open plan kitchen in Chicago with a triple-bowl sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, beige splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Roselle Renovation

Briggs Design Associates, Inc.

Concealed message center. Alex Claney Photography, LauraDesignCo.
Large traditional open plan kitchen in Chicago with a double-bowl sink, raised-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, granite benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors and with island.

Center City One - Creating an Accessible Home

Ellen Farber Strategic Design

Pictured here is a closeup of the microwave and island storage which includes 4 pantry drawers, under cabinet microwave, drawers for pots and pans easily located near the cooktop and drawers for kitchen supplies, napkins, and other items. The kitchen was originally planned to mimic the location of appliances in her current kitchen to minimize re-learning of appliance locations. The only change was adding a trash cabinet between the fridge and the sink. A french door fridge allows someone in a wheelchair to easily access frozen and cold foods, while the water and ice dispenser on the outside of the door make it easy to stay hydrated rather than using the sink each time. She can roll up to the kitchen sink due to the recessed cabinetry under the sink or stand at counter height to put away dishes from the dishwasher. The dishwasher is ADA and very simple to use , and is raised off the floor so whether she is sitting or standing it's easier to reach. The gas cooktop has controls at the front making it easy to reach from the wheelchair and the exhaust fan above also has a control at the front. All cabinet door handles are D-shape, which makes them easy to grasp and there is plenty of electric outlets for charging phones, computers and small appliances. The kitchen island is table height at 30" so meal prep can be easily done in a wheelchair while guests and can be seated in a chair or wheelchair around the island. The dining chairs can also be turned around to add extra seating in the living room area. Pendant lights above the kitchen island light up the space, while recessed lighting in the kitchen and living room provide overall room lighting. There is also under cabinet lighting which makes the room glow at night! Wainscoting made of commercial grade material is strategically placed on sharp corners and exposed walls to reduce and minimize damage from the wheel chair, while creating a finished and complete look! We selected a free standing microwave to sit below the island, which is easy to use and is the same style as in her previous apartment. The island is 48" from the appliance wall, leaving ample space to open doors and maneuver around in the wheelchair and has easy access to the laundry area as well. We eliminated the pocket doors that had been in front of the laundry area for easy access, and since it was exposed, dressed it up with coordinating tile to the kitchen with additional cabinets above. There is a coordinating quartz counter on top of the washer and dryer for folding laundry or storing additional supplies.

Mt. Mansfield Ski Home

Newschool Builders LLC

This beautiful custom home located in Stowe, will serve as a primary residence for our wonderful clients and there family for years to come. With expansive views of Mt. Mansfield and Stowe Mountain Resort, this is the quintessential year round ski home. We worked closely with Bensonwood, who provided us with the beautiful timber frame elements as well as the high performance shell package. Durable Western Red Cedar on the exterior will provide long lasting beauty and weather resistance. Custom interior builtins, Masonry, Cabinets, Mill Work, Doors, Wine Cellar, Bunk Beds and Stairs help to celebrate our talented in house craftsmanship. Landscaping and hardscape Patios, Walkways and Terrace’s, along with the fire pit and gardens will insure this magnificent property is enjoyed year round.

Carmel Valley Kitchen and Family Room Remodel

Mc Construction Design Build

Kitchen Design and Cabinetry by Bonnie Bagley Catlin Photos by @photogailowens We created a curved island that resembles a piano while it maximized there countertop space it left plenty of room for them to entertain many guest in their nook. We created a integrated pantry door with custom walnut panels.

Arbour House

nimtim Architects

Elyse Kennedy
Industrial open plan kitchen in London with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, concrete floors, with island and grey floor.

Contractor's Own House: Butler's House

On The Level Remodeling Company

Inspiration for a mid-sized midcentury u-shaped open plan kitchen in Boise with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, granite benchtops, blue splashback, glass tile splashback, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors and with island.

San Francisco Glam

Coddington Design

The glass shelves of this built-in bar disappear and let the handmade mosaic tile in 24 karat gold glass, agate and quartz jewel glass shine as the focal point. Photo: David Livingston

Summit Signature Homes, Inc.

Beechen & Dill Homes

John Shipka
This is an example of a large country u-shaped open plan kitchen in Chicago with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, grey splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors and with island.

Kitchens by Design Connection, Inc. | Kansas City Certified Interior Designers

Design Connection, Inc.

Aside from the beautiful aesthetics of gray glass staggered tile on the back splash, new quartz counters, gorgeous new appliances, and updated modern lighting, one of Ladegaard’s main considerations in planning this kitchen, was the client’s need for more storage. Cabinets were designed in both the kitchen, and the adjoining laundry/pantry area, where storage was highly customized and made to suit the specific needs of the client. Upon completion of the project, the client is thrilled with the major updates to this functional space.

Arlington Park Sarasota

The Vision Group

CMS photography
Mid-sized transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Tampa with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island and brown floor.

Modern Teak Kitchen

South Shore Cabinetry Ltd.

- Vince Klassan Photography - This kitchen has a lot to offer, both visually and in terms of storage and space. Oiled teak, grey stone countertops, and a glass tile backsplash combine to create a striking contrast that highlights the most functional and stylish parts of the kitchen. The open shelving provides ample storage and space to accent the homeowner's decor, giving the kitchen a personalized touch that makes it both bold and inviting.

Vermillion Summer Home

30A Interiors

White Macabus Quartzite Counter tops adorn this coast kitchen. Waterworks back splash behind stove. Construction by Borges Brooks Builders and photography by Fletcher Isaacs

CA Remodel

Mise en Place Design

This is an example of a large contemporary l-shaped open plan kitchen in San Francisco with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, brown cabinets, granite benchtops, beige splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island and brown floor.

Blackhurst Renovation

SMPL Design Studio

workman photography
Large contemporary l-shaped open plan kitchen in Toronto with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, blue splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors and with island.

Kitchen and Vanity countertops

Select Stone

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional u-shaped open plan kitchen in Boston with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, black cabinets, granite benchtops, grey splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, slate floors, with island and grey floor.

Contemporary Residence in Arlington, VA

Marblex Design International, Inc.

Marblex installed 12"X24" Brazillian Black slate in Natural Cleft in herringbone pattern on the floor as well as 4"X12" Aria Aqua Opera Glass on the backsplash. Countertops are: Sea Pearl with mitered edge on the island and Silestone White Storm on the perimeter countertops.

Sutton Place, New York

Doreen Chambers Interiors, Inc.

Fully renovated contemporary kitchen with cabinetry by Bilotta. Appliances by GE Bistro, Fisher & Paykel, Marvel, Bosch and Sub Zero. Walnut and woven counter stools by Thomas Pheasant. Photography by Tria Giovan

Open Plan Kitchen with Glass Tile 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!