Having appliances near the sink with ample counter top space between them for cooking is a must.
Inspiration for a mid-sized beach style galley open plan kitchen in Raleigh with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, glass tile splashback, white appliances, dark hardwood floors and with island.

Colts Neck Estate

Captivating Construction Group

Design ideas for an expansive traditional l-shaped open plan kitchen in New York with a farmhouse sink, granite benchtops, beige splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, ceramic floors and beige floor.

Modern Bungalow ReDone

habitare design studio, inc.

Inspiration for a small modern l-shaped open plan kitchen in Other with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, blue splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors and with island.

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

Clark kitchen project

Renaissance Contractors

Hunter Steadley
Inspiration for a small traditional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Baltimore with an undermount sink, white cabinets, granite benchtops, grey splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, ceramic floors, with island and shaker cabinets.

Beachside Condo | Bar | Coronado, CA

Simply Stunning Spaces

This Coronado Condo went from dated to updated by replacing the tile flooring with newly updated ash grey wood floors, glossy white kitchen cabinets, MSI ash gray quartz countertops, coordinating built-ins, 4x12" white glass subway tiles, under cabinet lighting and outlets, automated solar screen roller shades and stylish modern furnishings and light fixtures from Restoration Hardware.

Palo Alto, modern kitchen in 19th century victorian house

European Kitchen Design

This Victorian old house from the beginning of the previous century had to keep its exterior look, but the interior went through a dramatic change and brought it into our era. The first floor of the house was completely transformed into a huge open space, which by doing that already gave it a modern feeling around. The use of modern laminate door style in different colors had emphasized the contemporary style that was brought in with so much elegancy together with the light wood floors and light counter tops. The island was given a sculpture look to create a nice focal point for the kitchen where the cooking preparation is mostly taking place at. Door Style Finish: Alno Look, laminate door style, in the graphite, yellow and magnolia white colors finish.

Lake Wawasee 1

HELMAN SECHRIST Architecture

Helman Sechrist Architecture-Architect David Hubler-Photography
Photo of a large beach style u-shaped open plan kitchen in Chicago with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors and with island.

Serenata Beach

Glenn Layton Homes

Glenn Layton Homes, LLC, "Building Your Coastal Lifestyle"
Large beach style u-shaped open plan kitchen in Jacksonville with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, white splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island, beige floor and brown benchtop.

Pfuner Design, Oceanfront Penthouse

Pfuner Design - Miami Interior Designers

Luxurious high-rise living in Miami Interior Design: Renata Pfuner
This is an example of a large contemporary l-shaped open plan kitchen in Miami with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, a double-bowl sink, metallic splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, marble floors, with island and grey floor.

Efficient Modern Kitchen

Krieger + Associates Architects, Inc.

Photo: Wendy Concannon
Mid-sized contemporary u-shaped open plan kitchen in Philadelphia with glass tile splashback, black splashback, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets and medium hardwood floors.

Walnut Hill Residence - Bulthaup Kitchen

Bauhaus Custom Homes

Modern Bulthaup kitchen in a residence on Walnut Hill Lane in Dallas, TX
Large industrial l-shaped open plan kitchen in Dallas with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, solid surface benchtops, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, red splashback and glass tile splashback.

Foothills Fantastic

Chimera Interior Design

A chef's dream and perfect for entertaining, this kitchen features an oversized island with prep sink. The room is both inviting and functional. Finishes are classic and will stand the test of time.

Mazama House

FINNE Architects

Benjamin Benschneider
Design ideas for a large contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Seattle with an undermount sink, medium wood cabinets, glass benchtops, glass tile splashback, panelled appliances, concrete floors and with island.

Transitional Remodel with Geometric Trim

McClure Contracting, Inc.

This was a whole house remodel, the owners are more transitional in style, and they had a lot of special requests including the suspended bar seats on the bar, as well as the geometric circles that were custom to their space. The doors, moulding, trim work and bar are all completely custom to their aesthetic interests. We tore out a lot of walls to make the kitchen and living space a more open floor plan for easier communication, The hidden bar is to the right of the kitchen, replacing the previous closet pantry that we tore down and replaced with a framed wall, that allowed us to create a hidden bar (hidden from the living room) complete with a tall wine cooler on the end of the island. Photo Credid: Peter Obetz

Bangerter Residence

Steven Dailey Construction

Large modern l-shaped open plan kitchen in Salt Lake City with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, multiple islands, brown floor, black benchtop and exposed beam.

The House That Patience Built

McCabe By Design LLC

This open plan kitchen provides ample space for family members and guests to participate in meal preparation and celebrations. The dishwasher, warming drawer and refrigerator are some what incognito with their matching cabinet panel exteriors. The kitchen appliances collection is rounded out with a speed cook oven, convection wall oven, induction cooktop, downdraft ventilation and a under counter wine and beverage fridge. Contrasting cabinet and countertop finishes and the non-traditional glass tile backsplash add to the soothing, textural finishes in this kitchen.

One Sunset Residence, Camano Island WA.

Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects

Kitchen looking toward dining/living space.
This is an example of a mid-sized modern l-shaped open plan kitchen in Seattle with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, granite benchtops, green splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island, grey floor, black benchtop and wood.

Forever Ranch

Kipnis Architecture + Planning

The kitchen design that opens to the great room. The door to the mudroom is to the right.
Mid-sized midcentury l-shaped open plan kitchen in Chicago with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop and exposed beam.

Shaker Kitchen & Living Room in Welwyn

Planet Furniture

We’re delighted to be able to show this, our latest project in Welwyn Garden City. More than ever, we need our homes to do so much. We want the kitchens functional and beautiful, the living areas comfortable yet practical with plenty of storage - and when it’s open plan living, like this one, we want the spaces to connect in a stylish and individual way. Choosing a supplier that creates hand built, bespoke cabinets and fitted furniture is the very best way to ensure all boxes are ticked! In this project the kitchen and living areas have been hand built in a classic Shaker style which is sure to stand the test of time but with some lovely contemporary touches. The mirror splashback, in the kitchen, allows the natural light to bounce around the kitchen and the copper accents are bright and stylish and keep the whole look current. The pendants are from tom Dixon @tom_dixon11. The cabinets are hand painted in F&B’s downpipe which is a favourite, and for good reason. It contrasts beautifully with their chalky Wimbourne White and, in an open plan living situation like this, it sets the kitchen area apart from living area. At Planet we love combining two finishes. Here, the Corian worktop in Vanilla sits beautifully with the Solid oak Breakfast bar which in itself is great with a wooden floor. The colours and finishes continue into the Living Room which unifies the whole look. The cupboards and shelving are painted in Wimbourne White with accents of the Downpipe on the back panels of the shelving. A drinks cabinet has become a popular addition to our projects, and no wonder! It’s a stylish and fun addition to the room. With doors closed it blends perfectly with the run of storage cupboards and open – no detail has been overlooked. It has integrated lighting and the worktop is the same Vanilla Corian as the kitchen. To complete the drinks cupboard a scalloped oak wine rack below has been hand built by our skilled craftsmen.

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!