Design ideas for a contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Sydney with flat-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, beige splashback, stone slab splashback, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor, beige benchtop, vaulted and marble benchtops.

Black Ribbon House

Studio 15b - Architecture + Interior Design

This is an example of a contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Brisbane with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, window splashback, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Camberwell Basement and Extension

5D Builders Pty Ltd

Photo of a contemporary galley open plan kitchen with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, panelled appliances, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Noosa Heads Beach House

Gull Design - Bespoke Joinery & Interiors

Beach style galley open plan kitchen in Sunshine Coast with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, marble benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, marble splashback, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Property Styling - Ryde

Issy & H Creative

Photo of a contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Sydney with an undermount sink, light wood cabinets, white splashback, stone slab splashback, panelled appliances, with island, grey floor and white benchtop.

City Beach

Glenda Roff

Photo of a large contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Perth with an integrated sink, white cabinets, limestone benchtops, white splashback, cement tile splashback, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and grey 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.

Lake Harriet Tudor

Renae Keller Interior Design, Inc.

Troy Thies Photography
Design ideas for a traditional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Minneapolis with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, panelled appliances, dark hardwood floors and with island.

A Modern Kitchen for a Retreat in the Woods

Amazing Spaces

This is a great house. Perched high on a private, heavily wooded site, it has a rustic contemporary aesthetic. Vaulted ceilings, sky lights, large windows and natural materials punctuate the main spaces. The existing large format mosaic slate floor grabs your attention upon entering the home extending throughout the foyer, kitchen, and family room. Specific requirements included a larger island with workspace for each of the homeowners featuring a homemade pasta station which requires small appliances on lift-up mechanisms as well as a custom-designed pasta drying rack. Both chefs wanted their own prep sink on the island complete with a garbage “shoot” which we concealed below sliding cutting boards. A second and overwhelming requirement was storage for a large collection of dishes, serving platters, specialty utensils, cooking equipment and such. To meet those needs we took the opportunity to get creative with storage: sliding doors were designed for a coffee station adjacent to the main sink; hid the steam oven, microwave and toaster oven within a stainless steel niche hidden behind pantry doors; added a narrow base cabinet adjacent to the range for their large spice collection; concealed a small broom closet behind the refrigerator; and filled the only available wall with full-height storage complete with a small niche for charging phones and organizing mail. We added 48” high base cabinets behind the main sink to function as a bar/buffet counter as well as overflow for kitchen items. The client’s existing vintage commercial grade Wolf stove and hood commands attention with a tall backdrop of exposed brick from the fireplace in the adjacent living room. We loved the rustic appeal of the brick along with the existing wood beams, and complimented those elements with wired brushed white oak cabinets. The grayish stain ties in the floor color while the slab door style brings a modern element to the space. We lightened the color scheme with a mix of white marble and quartz countertops. The waterfall countertop adjacent to the dining table shows off the amazing veining of the marble while adding contrast to the floor. Special materials are used throughout, featured on the textured leather-wrapped pantry doors, patina zinc bar countertop, and hand-stitched leather cabinet hardware. We took advantage of the tall ceilings by adding two walnut linear pendants over the island that create a sculptural effect and coordinated them with the new dining pendant and three wall sconces on the beam over the main sink.

Traditional kitchen nestled in Franklin

Terri Sears, Kitchen and Bath Designer

Photo of a large traditional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Nashville with a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Laëtitia & Christophe - A la montagne

Lily Cuisines & Cie

Large contemporary u-shaped open plan kitchen in Nantes with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, panelled appliances, ceramic floors, a peninsula, grey floor, black benchtop, black splashback and granite splashback.

Terrell Hills White Kitchen

BRADSHAW DESIGNS LLC

Beautiful white kitchen with vaulted ceiling and two of the best gold gilded lanterns above the large island. Love the Calacatta marble featured on the countertops and backsplash which keep this kitchen fresh, clean, and updated. Plenty of room to seat three or four at the island. Modern with traditional lines for a transitional look. Additional friends and family can sit at the banquette in the bay window.

Plateau Updated

Urban Restoration

Design ideas for a large transitional u-shaped open plan kitchen in Seattle with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white splashback, marble splashback, panelled appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, marble benchtops and grey benchtop.

East Hampton 5

Kevin O'Sullivan + Associates

Inspiration for a contemporary u-shaped open plan kitchen in New York with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, marble splashback, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

Midcentury Home Addition and renovation

Donald Lococo Architects

The kitchen was designed two years ago and was then erased and redesigned when the world became a different place a year later. As everyone attempted to flatten the curve, our goal in this regard was to create a kitchen that looked forward to a sharp curve down and of a happier time To that promise for happier times, the redesign, a goal was to make the kitchen brighter and more optimistic. This was done by using simple, primary shapes and circular pendants and emphasizing them in contrast, adding a playful countenance. The selection of a dynamic grain of figured walnut also contributes as this once-living material and its sinuous grain adds motion, rhythm, and scale. Proud of their 1970s home, one challenge of the design was to balance a 1970's feel and stay current. However, many ‘70s references looked and felt outdated. The first step was a changed mindset. Just like the return of the ‘40s bath and the retro movement a few years ago, every era returns in some way. Chronologically, the '70s will soon be here. Our design looked to era-specific furniture and materials of the decade. Figured walnut was so pervasive in the era: this motif was used on car exteriors such as the 1970 Town and Country Station Wagon, which debuted the same year the existing home was built. We also looked at furniture specific to the decade. The console stereo is referenced not only by high legs on the island but also by the knurled metal cabinet knobs reminiscent of often-used stereo dials. Knurled metalwork is also used on the kitchen faucet. The design references the second piece of '70s furniture in our modern TV tray, which is angled to face the television in the family room. Its round pencil and mug holder cutouts follow the design of walnut consoles and dashboard of the station wagon and other elements of the time.

Legacy at Silverleaf

AFT Construction

Roehner Ryan
Large country open plan kitchen in Phoenix with a farmhouse sink, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, marble splashback, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor, grey benchtop and shaker cabinets.

Knoll - Modern Farmhouse Kitchen

In the Deets

Modern functionality with a vintage farmhouse style makes this the perfect kitchen featuring marble counter tops, subway tile backsplash, SubZero and Wolf appliances, custom cabinetry, white oak floating shelves and engineered wide plank, oak flooring.

Belterra Project- Furnishings, Lighting Fixtures & Interior Design

Haven Design and Construction

This black, gray and gold urban farmhouse kitchen is the hub of the home for this busy family. Our team changed out the existing plain kitchen hood for this showstopper custom stainless hood with gold strapping and rivets. This provided a much needed focal point for this lovely kitchen. In addition, we changed out the 36" refrigerator to a roomier 42" refrigerator and built-in a matching paneled refrigerator cabinet. We also added the antique gold linear hardware and black and gold lighting to give it a streamlined look. Touches of black tie the kitchen design into the rest of the home's mostly black and white color scheme. The woven counter stools give the space a touch of casual elegance. A new champagne gold kitchen faucet and potfiller add additional style, while greenery and wood accessories add a touch of warmth.

Wedgewood

MMI Design

Large modern open plan kitchen in Houston with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, black cabinets, solid surface benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, panelled appliances, travertine floors, multiple islands, beige floor and white benchtop.

Organic Beauty

Freestyle Interiors

Photo of a large transitional u-shaped open plan kitchen in Miami with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, mosaic tile splashback, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and a farmhouse sink.

Open Plan Kitchen with Panelled Appliances 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!