When we drove out to Mukilteo for our initial consultation, we immediately fell in love with this house. With its tall ceilings, eclectic mix of wood, glass and steel, and gorgeous view of the Puget Sound, we quickly nicknamed this project "The Mukilteo Gem". Our client, a cook and baker, did not like her existing kitchen. The main points of issue were short runs of available counter tops, lack of storage and shortage of light. So, we were called in to implement some big, bold ideas into a small footprint kitchen with big potential. We completely changed the layout of the room by creating a tall, built-in storage wall and a continuous u-shape counter top. Early in the project, we took inventory of every item our clients wanted to store in the kitchen and ensured that every spoon, gadget, or bowl would have a dedicated "home" in their new kitchen. The finishes were meticulously selected to ensure continuity throughout the house. We also played with the color scheme to achieve a bold yet natural feel.This kitchen is a prime example of how color can be used to both make a statement and project peace and balance simultaneously. While busy at work on our client's kitchen improvement, we also updated the entry and gave the homeowner a modern laundry room with triple the storage space they originally had. End result: ecstatic clients and a very happy design team. That's what we call a big success! John Granen.

Vada Drive

The Burke Company

This is an example of a mid-sized midcentury u-shaped separate kitchen in Dallas with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, stainless steel appliances, quartz benchtops, window splashback, slate floors and black floor.

Country Kitchen

Mid-sized country open plan kitchen in Gloucestershire with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, quartzite benchtops, slate floors, grey floor, beige benchtop and with island.

Lake Washington Remodel

Adams Architecture

photography by Sean Airhart
Inspiration for a transitional galley kitchen in Seattle with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, panelled appliances, slate floors, with island, black floor and grey benchtop.

Historic Takoma Park Addition

Grossmueller's Design Consultants

Design ideas for a large transitional u-shaped open plan kitchen in DC Metro with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, green splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, slate floors, with island, black floor and white benchtop.

Springlake Ave. Hinsdale Kitchen

Plain & Posh

When these homeowners first approached me to help them update their kitchen, the first thing that came to mind was to open it up. The house was over 70 years old and the kitchen was a small boxed in area, that did not connect well to the large addition on the back of the house. Removing the former exterior, load bearinig, wall opened the space up dramatically. Then, I relocated the sink to the new peninsula and the range to the outside wall. New windows were added to flank the range. The homeowner is an architect and designed the stunning hood that is truly the focal point of the room. The shiplap island is a complex work that hides 3 drawers and spice storage. The original slate floors have radiant heat under them and needed to remain. The new greige cabinet color, with the accent of the dark grayish green on the custom furnuture piece and hutch, truly compiment the floor tones. Added features such as the wood beam that hides the support over the peninsula and doorway helped warm up the space. There is also a feature wall of stained shiplap that ties in the wood beam and ship lap details on the island.

Lakeside Transitional #1

Cannarsa Structure and Design

Photo of a transitional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Grand Rapids with an undermount sink, white cabinets, beige splashback, stainless steel appliances, slate floors, with island, multi-coloured floor and grey benchtop.

Farmhouse Kitchen

Covenant LLC

Inspiration for a mid-sized country single-wall eat-in kitchen in Boston with recessed-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, limestone benchtops, grey splashback, stainless steel appliances, slate floors, with island and grey floor.

Oklahoma City Craftsman Renovation

Lori Fleet Interiors, LLC

This is an example of a mid-sized arts and crafts kitchen in Oklahoma City with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, blue splashback, slate floors, with island, grey benchtop and coffered.

Built-in Bliss - Project 4528

Design 1 Kitchen & Bath

The existing white laminate cabinets, gray counter tops and stark tile flooring did not match the rich old-world trim, natural wood elements and traditional layout of this Victorian home. The new kitchen boasts custom painted cabinets in Blue Mill Springs by Benjamin Moore. We also popped color in their new half bath using Ravishing Coral by Sherwin Williams on the new custom vanity. The wood tones brought in with the walnut island top, alder floating shelves and bench seat as well as the reclaimed barn board ceiling not only contrast the intense hues of the cabinets but help to bring nature into their world. The natural slate floor, black hexagon bathroom tile and custom coral back splash tile by Fire Clay help to tie these two spaces together. Of course the new working triangle allows this growing family to congregate together with multiple tasks at hand without getting in the way of each other and the added storage allow this space to feel open and organized even though they still use the new entry door as their main access to the home. Beautiful transformation!!!!

HAVERTOWN OCEAN INSPIRED KITCHEN RENO

Michelle Gage | Interior Designer

photos: Kyle Born
Inspiration for a large eclectic separate kitchen in Philadelphia with a drop-in sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, blue splashback, ceramic splashback, white appliances, slate floors and no island.

Dlugloss Kitchen

Jerusha Cardimon-Kaffine

Jerusha Kaffine
This is an example of a mid-sized u-shaped kitchen in Detroit with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, distressed cabinets, soapstone benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, slate floors and with island.

Stevens Remodel

Harka Architecture

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Portland with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, soapstone benchtops, blue splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, slate floors, with island, grey floor and black benchtop.

Manhattan, NY Residence

Artistic Tile

Photo of a small transitional galley separate kitchen in New York with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, slate floors and no island.

Via De Los Reyes KITCHEN

Tomlinson Kitchen and Bath

This is an example of a mid-sized modern l-shaped open plan kitchen in San Francisco with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, slate floors, with island, grey floor and white benchtop.

Blue Steel Kitchen

Figura Kitchens & Interiors

A Striking hand painted blue kitchen, designed for a busy Surrey family. The stark contrast of industrial stainless steel and wooden surfaces against the deep blue units create a statement kitchen. All brought together with matching stainless steel appliances.

North Kingsway Residence

Sustain Design Architects Inc.

Architecture: Graham Smith Construction: David Aaron Associates Engineering: CUCCO engineering + design Mechanical: Canadian HVAC Design
Mid-sized contemporary galley eat-in kitchen in Toronto with slate floors and with island.

Rénovation maison

HippK

This is an example of a mid-sized country galley open plan kitchen in Paris with an undermount sink, black cabinets, wood benchtops, green splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, slate floors, with island, grey floor and brown benchtop.

Vada Drive

The Burke Company

Design ideas for a mid-sized midcentury u-shaped separate kitchen in Dallas with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz benchtops, window splashback, stainless steel appliances, slate floors and black floor.

Beachy Boho Kitchen

Design Me By Mahlah

This property is located in the beautiful California redwoods and yet just a few miles from the beach. We wanted to create a beachy feel for this kitchen, but also a natural woodsy vibe. Mixing materials did the trick. Walnut lower cabinets were balanced with pale blue/gray uppers. The glass and stone backsplash creates movement and fun. The counters are the show stopper in a quartzite with a "wave" design throughout in all of the colors with a bit of sparkle. We love the faux slate floor in varying sized tiles, which is very "sand and beach" friendly. We went with black stainless appliances and matte black cabinet hardware. The entry to the house is in this kitchen and opens to a closet. We replaced the old bifold doors with beautiful solid wood bypass barn doors. Inside one half became a cute coat closet and the other side storage. The old design had the cabinets not reaching the ceiling and the space chopped in half by a peninsula. We opened the room up and took the cabinets to the ceiling. Integrating floating shelves in two parts of the room and glass upper keeps the space from feeling closed in. The round table breaks up the rectangular shape of the room allowing more flow. The whicker chairs and drift wood table top add to the beachy vibe. The accessories bring it all together with shades of blues and cream. This kitchen now feels bigger, has excellent storage and function, and matches the style of the home and its owners. We like to call this style "Beachy Boho". Credits: Bruce Travers Construction Dynamic Design Cabinetry Devi Pride Photography

Turquoise Kitchen with Slate 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!