The client requested a kitchen that would not only provide a great space to cook and enjoy family meals but one that would fit in with her unique design sense. An avid collector of contemporary art, she wanted something unexpected in her 100-year-old home in both color and finishes but still providing a great layout with improved lighting, storage, and superior cooking abilities. The existing kitchen was in a closed off space trapped between the family room and the living. If you were in the kitchen, you were isolated from the rest of the house. Making the kitchen an integrated part of the home was a paramount request. Step one, remove the wall separating the kitchen from the other rooms in the home which allowed the new kitchen to become an integrated space instead of an isolation room for the cook. Next, we relocated the pantry access which was in the family room to the kitchen integrating a poorly used recess which had become a catch all area which did not provide any usable space for storage or working area. To add valuable function in the kitchen we began by capturing unused "cubbies", adding a walk-in pantry from the kitchen, increasing the storage lost to un-needed drop ceilings and bring light and design to the space with a new large awning window, improved lighting, and combining interesting finishes and colors to reflect the artistic attitude of the client. A bathroom located above the kitchen had been leaking into the plaster ceiling for several years. That along with knob and tube wiring, rotted beams and a brick wall from the back of the fireplace in the adjacent living room all needed to be brought to code. The walls, ceiling and floors in this 100+ year old home were completely out of level and the room’s foot print could not be increased. The choice of a Sub-Zero wolf product is a standard in my kitchen designs. The quality of the product, its manufacturing and commitment to food preservation is the reason I specify Sub Zero Wolf. For the cook top, the integrated line of the contemporary cooktop and the signature red knobs against the navy blue of the cabinets added to the design vibe of the kitchen. The cooking performance and the large continuous grate on the cooktop makes it an obvious choice for a cook looking for a great cook top with professional results in a more streamlined profile. We selected a Sharp microwave drawer for the island, an XO wine refrigerator, Bosch dishwasher and Kitchen Aid double convection wall ovens to round out the appliance package. A recess created by the fireplace was outfitted with a cabinet which now holds small appliances within easy reach of my very petite client. Natural maple accents were used inside all the wall cabinets and repeated on the front of the hood and for the sliding door appliance cabinet and the floating shelves. This allows a brighter interior for the painted cabinets instead of the traditional same interior as exterior finish choice. The was an amazing transformation from the old to the new. The final touches are the honey bronze hardware from Top Knobs, Mitzi pendants from Hudson Valley Lighting group, a fabulous faucet from Brizo. To eliminate the old freestanding bottled water cooler, we specified a matching water filter faucet.

Tribeca Family Condo

Lucy Harris Studio

Key decor elements include: Lodge Chandelier Two by Workstead, Siro counter stool from Suite NY, Staub round cocotte
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary separate kitchen in New York with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, panelled appliances, with island, white benchtop, medium hardwood floors and brown floor.

Modern, glam kitchen

John Lewis of Hungerford

Stylish modern kitchen in Obsidian Green. Striking worktop and splashback with grey veining. Brass handles from Buster and Punch.
This is an example of a large modern l-shaped separate kitchen in London with flat-panel cabinets, green cabinets and with island.

Pyrmont Kitchen - Right Side

Matter Design & Make Pty Ltd

Our client's galley kitchen lacked practical storage with an outdated layout that didn’t flow. They approached Matter to maximise the available storage with a more cohesive layout to suit their evolving needs in the years ahead. They allowed near free reign over design and materials, with one simple request that each are equally contemporary and functional. Our design solution combines hard-wearing Blackbutt plywood and grey Forescolor MDF for the door and drawer fronts with laminate-face plywood carcasses. As the MDF has a full colour core, we added a new handle design that cut into the face on a taper, enabling a larger finger-pull and play of light on the surface. Solid Blackbutt handles and vertical partitions are a contemporary take on traditional frame and panel doors. For a touch of indulgence, we added beautifully dramatic Faustina quartzite bench tops and splashbacks from Artedomus. All lower cupboards were replaced with drawers featuring adjustable partitions and a large pull-out Kesseböhmer pantry to ensure food is easily accessed. The oven and microwave were moved next to the stove area and raised for better accessibility. A bench top appliance nook hides away the kettle and toaster behind a custom-made Blackbutt tambour door. We also replaced a section of overhead cupboards with slatted shelving and a mirrored backing that reflects natural light to open up the tight space. Lastly, we added a pull-up bench at the end of the galley to allow our client all the surface area they need to continue to cook meals with complete ease.

Stunning Nassau County Redesign

Jacqueline Rose Interiors, LLC

Inspiration for a large traditional u-shaped separate kitchen in New York with a farmhouse sink, white cabinets, stone slab splashback, panelled appliances, ceramic floors, with island, raised-panel cabinets, marble benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, brown floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

Kingston Kitchen

Theresa Mae Interiors

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional u-shaped separate kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, beige cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, vinyl floors, grey floor and white benchtop.

Textura Anthracite and Furore Gloss Cashmere

Solo spaces

Franke Omni Tap in Copper Our client wanted to mix metals in this kitchen to add an industrial vibe. Paired with the textured doors and cashmere, the warm tones compliment each other well.

Olivier & Sandrine - Cuisine noire et bois

Lily Cuisines & Cie

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary u-shaped separate kitchen in Nantes with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite benchtops, black splashback, granite splashback, black appliances, ceramic floors, no island, beige floor and black benchtop.

Commonwealth Kitchen Remodel

Balboa Design Group

Mid-sized arts and crafts galley separate kitchen in San Diego with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, green splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, no island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Contemporary kitchen

Soka Homes Construction

This contemporary kitchen has it all; plenty of space, pot lights throughout, a built-in speaker system, an hvac system, a stainless-steel skirt sink, an intercom system, security screen, a large island with an overhanging countertop, shaker style cabinets, pendant lights, quartz cabinets, glass backsplash and wolf appliances throughout.

Arlington Home Remodel

Alison Giese Interiors

Custom island and plaster hood take center stage in this kitchen remodel. Perimeter cabinets are full custom, inset arch. Design by: Alison Giese Interiors

Heritage Kitchen

Neilson Design Studio

White shaker-style heritage kitchen with original hardwood floors, rustic windows, farmhouse sink, and granite countertops.
Small country galley separate kitchen in Ottawa with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, with island and grey benchtop.

Pelham Arts + Crafts

Innate Studio - Architecture & Design

Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional l-shaped separate kitchen with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, terra-cotta floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Cuisine contemporaine et fonctionnelle dans petit espace

Raison Home - Corentin CELKA

Small single-wall separate kitchen in Nancy with flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets and laminate benchtops.

St John's Wood Luxury Apartment

VORBILD Architecture

Mid-sized modern u-shaped separate kitchen in London with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, marble benchtops, grey splashback, marble splashback, panelled appliances, dark hardwood floors, no island, black floor and grey benchtop.

The Woodland Farmhouse Kitchen

Sardone | McLain Construction

Custom built cabinets and island table, hardwood floor, stainless steel appliances
This is an example of a transitional u-shaped separate kitchen in Dallas with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, wood benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, brick splashback, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and brown benchtop.

WASHINGTON WAY

Interior Particulier

Photo of a small contemporary u-shaped separate kitchen in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, medium wood cabinets, granite benchtops, window splashback, stainless steel appliances, a peninsula, brown floor, flat-panel cabinets, medium hardwood floors and grey benchtop.

Colonial Road

Thyme & Place Design LLC

This small kitchen packs a powerful punch. By replacing an oversized sliding glass door with a 24" cantilever which created additional floor space. We tucked a large Reid Shaw farm sink with a wall mounted faucet into this recess. A 7' peninsula was added for storage, work counter and informal dining. A large oversized window floods the kitchen with light. The color of the Eucalyptus painted and glazed cabinets is reflected in both the Najerine stone counter tops and the glass mosaic backsplash tile from Oceanside Glass Tile, "Devotion" series. All dishware is stored in drawers and the large to the counter cabinet houses glassware, mugs and serving platters. Tray storage is located above the refrigerator. Bottles and large spices are located to the left of the range in a pull out cabinet. Pots and pans are located in large drawers to the left of the dishwasher. Pantry storage was created in a large closet to the left of the peninsula for oversized items as well as the microwave. Additional pantry storage for food is located to the right of the refrigerator in an alcove. Cooking ventilation is provided by a pull out hood so as not to distract from the lines of the kitchen.

Modern Farmhouse Kitchen

Carmit Oron Interior Design

Design ideas for a small country galley separate kitchen in San Francisco with a drop-in sink, raised-panel cabinets, green cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, cement tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, a peninsula and white benchtop.

Contemporary kitchen in Tunbridge Wells

Koivu Ltd

This kitchen was made for a new space in a renovation project in Tunbridge Wells. The kitchen is long with an angular wall at one end, so the design had to use the space well. We built an angular cupboard to fit perfectly in the alcove with book shelves above in order to utilise the space in the most efficient way. The white colour keeps a contemporary feel whilst enhancing the plywood details around the doors and a lovely contrast is created with the use of bold yellow for the wall units.

Separate Kitchen 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!