To replace an Old World style kitchen, we created a new space with farmhouse elements coupled with our interpretation of modern European detailing. With our focus on improving function first, we removed the old peninsula that closed off the kitchen, creating a location for conversation and eating on the new cantilevered countertop which provides interesting, yet purposeful design. A custom designed European cube shelf system was created, incorporating integrated lighting inside Rift Sawn oak shelves to match our base cabinetry. After building the shelf system, we placed it in front of the handmade art tile backsplash, bringing a very modern element to contrast with our custom inset cabinetry. Our design team selected the Rift sawn oak for the base cabinets to bring warmth into the space and to contrast with the white upper cabinetry. We then layered matt black on select drawer fronts and specific cabinet interiors for a truly custom modern edge. Custom pull outs and interior organizers fulfill our desire for a kitchen that functions first and foremost, while our custom cabinetry and complete design satisfies our homeowners’ desire for wow. Farmhouse style will never be the same.

Modern Farmhouse

Zieba Builders, Inc.

Modern farmhouse kitchen with antique brass accents, mainly lighting fixtures. Stone subway tile, gray LG Viatera quartz counter tops and black Dewils cabinetry. Stainless steel appliances and hardware.

Keeping The View At Bay

Morrison Interiors

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped separate kitchen in Orange County with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, grey splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island, grey floor, grey benchtop, marble benchtops and light hardwood floors.

Project 3501-1 Ford Pkwy St. Paul Kitchen Remodel Plaid Wallpaper

Castle Building & Remodeling

This twin home was the perfect home for these empty nesters – retro-styled bathrooms, beautiful fireplace and built-ins, and a spectacular garden. The only thing the home was lacking was a functional kitchen space. The old kitchen had three entry points – one to the dining room, one to the back entry, and one to a hallway. The hallway entry was closed off to create a more functional galley style kitchen that isolated traffic running through and allowed for much more countertop and storage space. The clients wanted a transitional style that mimicked their design choices in the rest of the home. A medium wood stained base cabinet was chosen to warm up the space and create contrast against the soft white upper cabinets. The stove was given two resting points on each side, and a large pantry was added for easy-access storage. The original box window at the kitchen sink remains, but the same granite used for the countertops now sits on the sill of the window, as opposed to the old wood sill that showed all water stains and wears. The granite chosen (Nevaska Granite) is a wonderful color mixture of browns, greys, whites, steely blues and a hint of black. A travertine tile backsplash accents the warmth found in the wood tone of the base cabinets and countertops. Elegant lighting was installed as well as task lighting to compliment the bright, natural light in this kitchen. A flip-up work station will be added as another work point for the homeowners – likely to be used for their stand mixer while baking goodies with their grandkids. Wallpaper adds another layer of visual interest and texture. The end result is an elegant and timeless design that the homeowners will gladly use for years to come. Tour this project in person, September 28 – 29, during the 2019 Castle Home Tour!

Saratoga Mediterranean Residence

Ryan Rosene Photography

Mediterranean home nestled into the native landscape in Northern California.
Large mediterranean l-shaped separate kitchen in Orange County with ceramic floors, beige floor, a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, beige cabinets, granite benchtops, beige splashback, terra-cotta splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island and grey benchtop.

Kitchen

Rock Paper Hammer

Photo by Andrew Hyslop
Small transitional l-shaped separate kitchen in Louisville with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island and white benchtop.

Spacious Oakland Mediterranean Kitchen

Custom Kitchens by John Wilkins, Inc.

Mike Kaskel Photography
Mid-sized mediterranean galley separate kitchen in San Francisco with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, blue splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, no island, brown floor and beige benchtop.

Roswell Fresh Farmhouse Kitchen

Rosa Moreno Kitchens

Inspiration for a mid-sized country u-shaped separate kitchen in Atlanta with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, beige splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, a peninsula, brown floor, grey benchtop and quartz benchtops.

Kitchen-Living Portfolio

Ziebart Construction

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional l-shaped separate kitchen in Portland with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, soapstone benchtops, grey splashback, marble splashback, panelled appliances, brick floors, with island, red floor and black benchtop.

Modern Kitchen Remodel | Lansdale, PA

Ryann Reed Design Build

Waterproof luxury vinyl tile with anti-microbial coating on top that is resistant to staining.
This is an example of a small modern l-shaped separate kitchen in Philadelphia with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, blue splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, vinyl floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Belleair Shores Whole Home Remodel

Hyde Park Renovations

Photos by Project Focus Photography
This is an example of an expansive transitional u-shaped separate kitchen in Tampa with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, mosaic tile splashback, panelled appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Hamilton Kitchen

Inspyre Home Design

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional galley separate kitchen in Los Angeles with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, grey splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, no island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Herringbone Kitchen

WatchCity Kitchens LLC

We love the contrast in this bright cheery kitchen! The mix of metals and use of black, and grey all provide pattern and texture to the space. The corner range makes an ideal cooking area flanked by the microwave, open shelving and a pull out for oils and spices.

White Kitchens

Realty Design Associates, Inc.

Photo of a large contemporary u-shaped separate kitchen in Sacramento with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, solid surface benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

White Kitchen with Glazed Thin Brick Backsplash

Fireclay Tile

Fireclay Tile's glazed thin Brick in a rustic white glaze adds hand-hewn texture to this fresh white cottage-inspired kitchen. Sample Fireclay Tile's hand-mixed glazed thin Brick colors at FireclayTile.com. FIRECLAY TILE SHOWN Glazed Thin Brick in White Mountains DESIGN Benni Amadi Interiors PHOTOS Lauren Edith

Sea Pearl Quartzite Countertops in Wayne PA

MacLaren Kitchen and Bath

Design, Fabrication, Install and Photography by MacLaren Kitchen and Bath Cabinetry: Centra/Mouser Square Inset style. Coventry Doors/Drawers and select Slab top drawers. Semi-Custom Cabinetry, mouldings and hardware installed by MacLaren and adjusted onsite. Decorative Hardware: Jeffrey Alexander/Florence Group Cups and Knobs Backsplash: Handmade Subway Tile in Crackled Ice with Custom ledge and frame installed in Sea Pearl Quartzite Countertops: Sea Pearl Quartzite with a Half-Round-Over Edge Sink: Blanco Large Single Bowl in Metallic Gray Extras: Modified wooden hood frame, Custom Doggie Niche feature for dog platters and treats drawer, embellished with a custom Corian dog-bone pull.

Alameda Beach House Kitchen Remodel

Custom Kitchens by John Wilkins, Inc.

Francis Combes
Design ideas for a large transitional l-shaped separate kitchen in San Francisco with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, blue splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, no island, blue floor and white benchtop.

Island Forward Modern Kitchen

The Kitchen Master

Photo of a large modern l-shaped separate kitchen in Chicago with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, porcelain splashback, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Project 3408-1 Scandinavian Kitchen Remodel w/ Custom Island on Wheels

Castle Building & Remodeling

This 1901-built bungalow in the Longfellow neighborhood of South Minneapolis was ready for a new functional kitchen. The homeowners love Scandinavian design, so the new space melds the bungalow home with Scandinavian design influences. A wall was removed between the existing kitchen and old breakfast nook for an expanded kitchen footprint. Marmoleum modular tile floor was installed in a custom pattern, as well as new windows throughout. New Crystal Cabinetry natural alder cabinets pair nicely with the Cambria quartz countertops in the Torquay design, and the new simple stacked ceramic backsplash. All new electrical and LED lighting throughout, along with windows on three walls create a wonderfully bright space. Sleek, stainless steel appliances were installed, including a Bosch induction cooktop. Storage components were included, like custom cabinet pull-outs, corner cabinet pull-out, spice racks, and floating shelves. One of our favorite features is the movable island on wheels that can be placed in the center of the room for serving and prep, OR it can pocket next to the southwest window for a cozy eat-in space to enjoy coffee and tea. Overall, the new space is simple, clean and cheerful. Minimal clean lines and natural materials are great in a Minnesotan home. Designed by: Emily Blonigen. See full details, including before photos at https://www.castlebri.com/kitchens/project-3408-1/

Terrace Avenue

Burmeister Woodwork

Reagen Taylor Photography
Photo of a large contemporary u-shaped separate kitchen in Chicago with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

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!