The backsplash in this kitchen is a real showstopper! Wish we would have been there when they took the photo as there are few things out of skew. It still turned out great though!

Leeds Residence

Gridley Company

Large transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in San Francisco with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and white benchtop.

Transitional with a Twist Kitchen

Robinwood Kitchens

Photo of a mid-sized transitional galley open plan kitchen in New York with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, ceramic floors, with island, grey floor and white benchtop.

Basement conversion

ULLE Studio

Inspiration for a small contemporary single-wall open plan kitchen in Seattle with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, quartz benchtops, brown splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island, grey floor and grey benchtop.

South Loop: Federal St

Lugbill Designs

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Chicago with medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop, an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, marble splashback and stainless steel appliances.

West Annapolis

Rogue Home Interiors

Modern farmhouse kitchen with a rustic, walnut island which features a shelf to stash electronics for easy access.
This is an example of a mid-sized country l-shaped open plan kitchen in DC Metro with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, porcelain splashback, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island and white benchtop.

Highlands Ranch Sleek Transitional Kitchen

JM Kitchen & Bath Design

Omega Cabinets: Puritan door style, Pearl White Paint, Paint MDF door Heartwood: Alder Wood, Stained with Glaze (floating shelves, island, hood)
Design ideas for a large transitional galley open plan kitchen in Denver with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, beige splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Contemporary Delafield Whole House

Kowalske Kitchen & Bath

This exciting ‘whole house’ project began when a couple contacted us while house shopping. They found a 1980s contemporary colonial in Delafield with a great wooded lot on Nagawicka Lake. The kitchen and bathrooms were outdated but it had plenty of space and potential. We toured the home, learned about their design style and dream for the new space. The goal of this project was to create a contemporary space that was interesting and unique. Above all, they wanted a home where they could entertain and make a future. At first, the couple thought they wanted to remodel only the kitchen and master suite. But after seeing Kowalske Kitchen & Bath’s design for transforming the entire house, they wanted to remodel it all. The couple purchased the home and hired us as the design-build-remodel contractor. First Floor Remodel The biggest transformation of this home is the first floor. The original entry was dark and closed off. By removing the dining room walls, we opened up the space for a grand entry into the kitchen and dining room. The open-concept kitchen features a large navy island, blue subway tile backsplash, bamboo wood shelves and fun lighting. On the first floor, we also turned a bathroom/sauna into a full bathroom and powder room. We were excited to give them a ‘wow’ powder room with a yellow penny tile wall, floating bamboo vanity and chic geometric cement tile floor. Second Floor Remodel The second floor remodel included a fireplace landing area, master suite, and turning an open loft area into a bedroom and bathroom. In the master suite, we removed a large whirlpool tub and reconfigured the bathroom/closet space. For a clean and classic look, the couple chose a black and white color pallet. We used subway tile on the walls in the large walk-in shower, a glass door with matte black finish, hexagon tile on the floor, a black vanity and quartz counters. Flooring, trim and doors were updated throughout the home for a cohesive look.

Direct Depot | White & Dark Kitchen with Designer Appliances

Direct Depot Kitchen Wholesalers

A large transitional l-shaped kitchen design in Wayne, NJ, with white shaker cabinets, and a dark island. This kitchen also has a farmhouse sink, quartz countertops, green subway tile backsplash, designer appliances and black countertops.

Old Toccoa Farms

Mountain Lakes Cabinetry

Beautiful cozy cabin in Blue Ridge Georgia. Cabinetry: Rustic Maple wood with Silas stain and a nickle glaze, Full overlay raised panel doors with slab drawer fronts. Countertops are quartz. Beautiful ceiling details!! Wine bar features lovely floating shelves and a great wine bottle storage area.

5th Avenue Penthouse Remodel

design styles architecture

Modern single-wall open plan kitchen with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, mosaic tile splashback, panelled appliances, vinyl floors, with island, grey floor and white benchtop.

Kitchen Detail Shot

Pike Properties

All the cabinet hardware in this kitchen consists of Shaub and Company Menlo Park in Satin Brass, with the exception of the cup pulls which are Nostalgic Warehouse Farmhouse Cup Pulls in Satin Brass. https://schaubandcompany.com/product/menlo-park/transitional/cabinet-pull/522-ssb/2373/4 https://www.nostalgicwarehouse.com/products/farmhouse-large-cup-pull/

Lake Coeur d'Alene Custom Home

Parsons Construction Inc

Design ideas for a small contemporary single-wall open plan kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, blue splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, bamboo floors, no island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Seaford Kitchen & Laundry

The Kitchen Designer

A small beachside home was reconfigured to allow for a larger kitchen opening to the back yard with compact adjacent laundry. The feature tiled wall makes quite a statement with striking dark turquoise hand-made tiles. The wall conceals the small walk-in pantry we managed to fit in behind. Used for food storage and making messy afternoon snacks without cluttering the open plan kitchen/dining living room. Lots of drawers and benchspace in the actual kitchen make this kitchen a dream to work in. And enhances the whole living dining space.

Willow Glen Modern Farmhouse

Arch Studio, Inc.

New construction of a 3,100 square foot single-story home in a modern farmhouse style designed by Arch Studio, Inc. licensed architects and interior designers. Built by Brooke Shaw Builders located in the charming Willow Glen neighborhood of San Jose, CA. Architecture & Interior Design by Arch Studio, Inc. Photography by Eric Rorer

Masculine, Soft Contemporary in Luxury Condo

Monarch & Maker

This is an example of a contemporary l-shaped open plan kitchen in Houston with flat-panel cabinets, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor, white benchtop, an undermount sink, dark wood cabinets, beige splashback, stainless steel appliances, quartz benchtops and stone slab splashback.

Transitional Kitchen - Dallas, TX

Design Lifestyles, LLC

Mid-sized transitional l-shaped open plan kitchen in Dallas with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, mosaic tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Wexley | Urban Contemporary

Vision Interiors

As a conceptual urban infill project, the Wexley is designed for a narrow lot in the center of a city block. The 26’x48’ floor plan is divided into thirds from front to back and from left to right. In plan, the left third is reserved for circulation spaces and is reflected in elevation by a monolithic block wall in three shades of gray. Punching through this block wall, in three distinct parts, are the main levels windows for the stair tower, bathroom, and patio. The right two-thirds of the main level are reserved for the living room, kitchen, and dining room. At 16’ long, front to back, these three rooms align perfectly with the three-part block wall façade. It’s this interplay between plan and elevation that creates cohesion between each façade, no matter where it’s viewed. Given that this project would have neighbors on either side, great care was taken in crafting desirable vistas for the living, dining, and master bedroom. Upstairs, with a view to the street, the master bedroom has a pair of closets and a skillfully planned bathroom complete with soaker tub and separate tiled shower. Main level cabinetry and built-ins serve as dividing elements between rooms and framing elements for views outside. Architect: Visbeen Architects Builder: J. Peterson Homes Photographer: Ashley Avila Photography

Promontory- Midcentury Mountain

Hudson + Bloum Design

This is an example of a large country galley open plan kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, stone slab splashback, panelled appliances, with island, white benchtop, white cabinets, light hardwood floors and beige floor.

Oak, and White Kitchen with Matte Black Accents in Iowa Aspen Homes Farmhouse

Village Home Stores

White and Oak farmhouse kitchen with matte black accents. Kitchen design and materials by Village Home Stores for Aspen Homes.
Inspiration for a large country l-shaped open plan kitchen in Other with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Open Plan Kitchen with Quartz Benchtops 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!