Transitional / Contemporary Kitchen, Plymouth, MN

Transitional / Contemporary Stained Walnut Frameless Cabinetry, Quartzite Countertops, Waterfall Island with Prep Sink, Wide Plank White Oak Flooring, Thermador Appliances, Gas Cooktop, Double Ovens

Telluride Cabin

Artisan Builders LLC

Inspiration for a mid-sized country u-shaped separate kitchen in Denver with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, grey benchtop, distressed cabinets, concrete benchtops, brown splashback, stone tile splashback, panelled appliances and exposed beam.

North Andover Renovation

Apple Wood Construction, Inc.

Kath & Keith Photography
Photo of a mid-sized traditional u-shaped separate kitchen in Boston with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, white cabinets, granite benchtops, beige splashback and porcelain splashback.

1920's Mediterranean Revival - Kitchen

Andrena Felger / In House Design Co.

Custom maple kitchen in a 1920 Mediterranean Revival designed to coordinate with original butler's pantry. White painted shaker cabinets with statuary marble counters. Glass and polished nickel knobs. Dish washer drawers with panels. Wood bead board backspalsh, paired with white glass mosaic tiles behind sink. Waterworks bridge faucet and Rohl Shaw's Original apron front sink. Tyler Florence dinnerware. Glass canisters from West Elm. Wood and zinc monogram and porcelain blue floral fish from Anthropologie. Basket fromDean & Deluca, Napa. Navy stripe Madeleine Weinrib rug. Illy Espresso machine by Francis Francis. Claudia Uribe

Graceful Gray Kitchen Remodel - Glen Ellyn, IL

TKS Design Group

Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW The homeowners of this mid-century Colonial and family of four were frustrated with the layout of their existing kitchen which was a small, narrow peninsula layout but that was adjoining a large space that they could not figure out how to use. Stealing part of the unused space seemed like an easy solution, except that there was an existing transition in floor height which made that a bit tricky. The solution of bringing the floor height up to meet the height of the existing kitchen allowed us to do just that. This solution also offered some challenges. The exterior door had to be raised which resulted in some exterior rework, and the floor transition had to happen somewhere to get out to the garage, so we ended up “pushing” it towards what is now a new mudroom and powder room area. This solution allows for a small but functional and hidden mudroom area and more private powder room situation. Another challenge of the design was the very narrow space. To minimize issues with this, we moved the location of the refrigerator into the newly found space which gave us an L-shaped layout allowing for an island and even some shallow pantry storage. The windows over the kitchen sink were expanded in size and relocated to allow more light into the room. A breakfast table fits perfectly in the area adjacent to the existing French doors and there was even room for a small bar area that helps transition from inside to outside for entertaining. The confusing unused space now makes sense and provides functionality on a daily basis. To help bring some calm to this busy family, a pallet of soft neutrals was chosen -- gray glass tile with a simple metal accent strip, clear modern pendant lights and a neutral color scheme for cabinetry and countertops. For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Kenwood Tudor

Lind Nelson Construction Inc.

Photographer, Morgan Sheff
Inspiration for a large transitional u-shaped separate kitchen in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors and with island.

Custom Built-ins

Lisa & Leroy

Custom shelving and cabinets were more functional for these homeowners than extra seating.
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional galley separate kitchen in DC Metro with an undermount sink, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, white benchtop, recessed-panel cabinets, solid surface benchtops, grey floor, white splashback and subway tile splashback.

French Country Kitchen

Sexton Development

This is an example of a large u-shaped separate kitchen in Chicago with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, white splashback, panelled appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, quartz benchtops and glass tile splashback.

Aberfeldie Project

Destination Living

This is an example of a large traditional galley separate kitchen in Melbourne with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island and dark hardwood floors.

CASA ST

Easy Relooking

cucina a L
This is an example of a large contemporary l-shaped separate kitchen in Other with tile benchtops, dark hardwood floors and no island.

197 Normanby Crescent

FX40 Building Design Corporation

Mid-sized traditional u-shaped separate kitchen in Vancouver with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, no island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Colorful & Organized Small Kitchen

Tracey Stephens Interior Design Inc

The in-law suite kitchen could only be in a small corner of the basement. The kitchen design started with the question: how small can this kitchen be? The compact layout was designed to provide generous counter space, comfortable walking clearances, and abundant storage. The bold colors and fun patterns anchored by the warmth of the dark wood flooring create a happy and invigorating space. SQUARE FEET: 140

Dutch colonial

reDesign home | chicago

Small transitional u-shaped separate kitchen in Chicago with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, mirror splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, a peninsula, brown floor and white benchtop.

Cambridge Luxury Loft

DANE AUSTIN INTERIOR DESIGN Boston & Cambridge

Our Cambridge interior design studio gave a warm and welcoming feel to this converted loft featuring exposed-brick walls and wood ceilings and beams. Comfortable yet stylish furniture, metal accents, printed wallpaper, and an array of colorful rugs add a sumptuous, masculine vibe. --- Project designed by Boston interior design studio Dane Austin Design. They serve Boston, Cambridge, Hingham, Cohasset, Newton, Weston, Lexington, Concord, Dover, Andover, Gloucester, as well as surrounding areas. For more about Dane Austin Design, see here: https://daneaustindesign.com/ To learn more about this project, see here: https://daneaustindesign.com/luxury-loft

Rustic Walnut Edge Grain Butcher Block Countertop

Hardwood Lumber Company

"Excellent products, we love our new rustic walnut countertops. Everyone that sees our countertops loves them." Jerry
Photo of a mid-sized country l-shaped separate kitchen in Other with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, wood benchtops, brown splashback, timber splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, brown floor, brown benchtop and no island.

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.

ShelfGenie Full Kitchen

ShelfGenie of Central & Coastal VA

Kitchen overview with ShelfGenie solutions on display.
Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional u-shaped separate kitchen in Richmond with an undermount sink, granite benchtops, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, brown floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

Stucco and Stone Sophistication

Moser Architects PLLC

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary u-shaped separate kitchen in DC Metro with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, grey splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Belleair Shores Whole Home Remodel

Hyde Park Renovations

Photos by Project Focus Photography
Expansive transitional u-shaped separate kitchen in Tampa with an undermount sink, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, mosaic tile splashback, panelled appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, white benchtop, shaker cabinets and grey floor.

Compact Modern Kitchen with Entertaining Island

Adam Hartig

This is an example of a small transitional u-shaped separate kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island, brown floor, white benchtop and dark hardwood floors.

Separate Kitchen with Dark Hardwood Floors 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!