With the request for neutral tones, our design team has created a beautiful, light-filled space with a white lithostone bench top, solid timber drop-down seating area and terrazzo splashback ledge to amplify functionality without compromising style. We extended the window out to attract as much natural light as possible and utilised existing dead-space by adding a cozy reading nook. Fitted with power points and shelves, this nook can also be used to get on top of life admin.

Sky Farm Project

Studio H Designs, Inc.

This is an example of a large mediterranean l-shaped open plan kitchen in San Francisco with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, black cabinets, quartzite benchtops, beige splashback, stone tile splashback, panelled appliances, limestone floors, multiple islands, beige floor and beige benchtop.

North Tustin - Addition and Remodel

Pacific Coast Builders, Inc.

Modern Farmhouse kitchen with shaker style cabinet doors and black drawer pull hardware. White Oak floating shelves with LED underlighting over beautiful, Cambria Quartz countertops. The subway tiles were custom made and have what appears to be a texture from a distance, but is actually a herringbone pattern in-lay in the glaze. Wolf brand gas range and oven, and a Wolf steam oven on the left. Rustic black wall scones and large pendant lights over the kitchen island. Brizo satin brass faucet with Kohler undermount rinse sink. Photo by Molly Rose Photography

Farmhouse Kitchen

User

An open plan kitchen with white shaker cabinets and natural wood island. The upper cabinets have glass doors and frame the window looking into the yard ensuring a light and open feel to the room. marble subway tile and island counter contrasts with the taupe Neolith counter surface. Shiplap detail was repeated on the buffet and island. The buffet is utilized as a serving center for large events. Photo: Jean Bai / Konstrukt Photo

Luxe Penthouse

Studio K Architects

Expansive contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Miami with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, grey splashback, panelled appliances, marble floors, multiple islands and stone slab splashback.

Transitional Kitchen

Photo of a mid-sized transitional galley open plan kitchen in Denver with multiple islands, an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, marble benchtops, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors and medium wood cabinets.

NICOLLET

Kate Roos Design LLC

An angled view of the kitchen looking towards the river features the two island and the partial waterfall detail at the sink.
Large transitional single-wall open plan kitchen in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, engineered quartz splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, multiple islands, brown floor and white benchtop.

The Hertfordshire Home

Simpson & Voyle

Immerse yourself in the opulence of this bespoke kitchen, where deep green cabinets command attention with their rich hue and bespoke design. The striking copper-finished island stands as a centerpiece, exuding warmth and sophistication against the backdrop of the deep green cabinetry. A concrete countertop adds an industrial edge to the space, while large-scale ceramic tiles ground the room with their timeless elegance. Classic yet contemporary, this kitchen is a testament to bespoke craftsmanship and luxurious design.

A dramatic whole-home transformation

Dover Home Remodelers

Design ideas for a large single-wall open plan kitchen in Cleveland with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, quartzite benchtops, beige splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, multiple islands, white benchtop and dark wood cabinets.

Kitchen expansion within existing footprint

Amiano & Son Construction, LLC

Walls removed to enlarge kitchen and open into the family room . Windows from ceiling to countertop for more light. Coffered ceiling adds dimension. This modern white kitchen also features two islands and two large islands.

#The Gourmet Kitchen

Angie Keyes CKBD

The main island stayed in its original shape with minor arranging of appliances and adding drawers. The second island was enlarge slightly to accommodate a better selection of appliances as we added a second dish washer drawer and ice maker. Again we used better storage solutions when replacing the old cabinetry.

Stylish Carmel Kitchen Transformation

Corinthian Fine Homes

This homeowner came to us with her basic design ready for us to execute for her kitchen, but also asked us to design and update her entry, sunroom and fireplace. Her kitchen was 80’s standard builder grade cabinetry and laminate countertops and she had a knee wall separating her kitchen from the family room. We removed that wall and installed a custom cabinetry buffet to complement the cabinetry of the kitchen, allowing for access from all sides. We removed a desk area in the kitchen and converted it to a closed organization station complete with a charging station for phones and computers. Calcutta Quartzite countertops were used throughout and continued seamlessly up the walls as a backsplash to create a wow factor. We converted a closet into a pantry cabinet, and new stainless appliances, including a microwave drawer completed this renovation. Additionally, we updated her sunroom by removing the “popcorn” textured ceiling and gave it a fresh updated coat of paint. We installed 12x24 tile floor giving the room a simple classic transformation. Finally, we renewed the fireplace area, by building a custom mantle and adding wood paneling and trim to soften the marble fireplace face and a simple coat of paint in the entry and a new chandelier brought a lighter and fresher impact upon entering the home.

Enchantment Custom

Curtis Homes

Expansive contemporary l-shaped open plan kitchen in Portland with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, multiple islands, white benchtop, medium hardwood floors and brown floor.

Kitchens III

Webber Coleman Woodworks

Traditional kitchen with white and gray cabinets. White cabinets feature Van Dyke Brown glaze. Two islands, one with apron-front sink. Built-in wall ovens. Island with curved countertop overhang.

The Woodlands- Hinsdale

Plain & Posh

This stunning home is a combination of the best of traditional styling with clean and modern design, creating a look that will be as fresh tomorrow as it is today. Traditional white painted cabinetry in the kitchen, combined with the slab backsplash, a simpler door style and crown moldings with straight lines add a sleek, non-fussy style. An architectural hood with polished brass accents and stainless steel appliances dress up this painted kitchen for upscale, contemporary appeal. The kitchen islands offers a notable color contrast with their rich, dark, gray finish. The stunning bar area is the entertaining hub of the home. The second bar allows the homeowners an area for their guests to hang out and keeps them out of the main work zone. The family room used to be shut off from the kitchen. Opening up the wall between the two rooms allows for the function of modern living. The room was full of built ins that were removed to give the clean esthetic the homeowners wanted. It was a joy to redesign the fireplace to give it the contemporary feel they longed for. Their used to be a large angled wall in the kitchen (the wall the double oven and refrigerator are on) by straightening that out, the homeowners gained better function in the kitchen as well as allowing for the first floor laundry to now double as a much needed mudroom room as well.

Egypt Valley Traditional Residence

Jennifer Butler Design

Double islands serve double duty for the busy residents and their large (27 grandchildren, and counting!) family. The 2” quartz tops are from Dwyer Marble & Stone, with chandeliers by Hubbardton Forge.

Eclectic Kitchen Design

Karr Bick Kitchen and Bath

Expansive transitional u-shaped open plan kitchen in St Louis with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, soapstone benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, multiple islands, grey floor and grey benchtop.

Eclectic Kitchen Design

Karr Bick Kitchen and Bath

Design ideas for an expansive transitional u-shaped open plan kitchen in St Louis with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, soapstone benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, multiple islands, grey floor and grey benchtop.

Nellysford

Arterra Design & Construction

This is an example of an expansive country l-shaped open plan kitchen in Other with medium wood cabinets, granite benchtops, stainless steel appliances, slate floors, multiple islands, grey floor, white benchtop, an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white splashback and stone slab splashback.

Cynthia

Ashwood Designs and Custom Homes

TK Images
Photo of a large transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Houston with a drop-in sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, multiple islands, brown floor and white benchtop.

Open Plan Kitchen with multiple Islands 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!