Photo of a beach style u-shaped kitchen in Hobart with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, black appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Hindley & Co - Kitchen Joinery

Hindley & Co Architecture & Interior Design

A secret door leads to a laundry and powder room under the stair
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary u-shaped open plan kitchen in Melbourne with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, solid surface benchtops, grey splashback, ceramic splashback, black appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Open Plan Kitchen and Dining Room

Order & Grace

Design ideas for a large beach style u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Sydney with a drop-in sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, blue splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, no island, grey floor and white benchtop.

Weerona House

Demardi.

This Kitchen was relocated from the middle of the home to the north end. Four steel trusses were installed as load-bearing walls and beams had to be removed to accommodate for the floorplan changes. There is now an open Kitchen/Butlers/Dining/Living upstairs that is drenched in natural light with the most undisturbed view this location has to offer. A warm and inviting space with oversized windows, gorgeous joinery, a curved micro cement island benchtop with timber cladding, gold tapwear and layered lighting throughout to really enhance this beautiful space.

Minimalist White and Timber Contemporary Kitchen

Transform-A-Space

A light and bright minimalist design featuring two-pack painted cabinetry to match the clients freshly painted walls, subway tile stack-style, and feature timber components bring warmth into the space. 20mm Caesarstone 'Ocean Foam' benchtops in a polished finish help to reflect overhead light. A small kitchen packed with functionality.

Lyneham Extension and Renovation

Build Professional

Kitchen Renovation
This is an example of a mid-sized eclectic u-shaped open plan kitchen in Canberra - Queanbeyan with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, green cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Southbank Apartment

Jasmine McClelland Design

Fresh, clean, white apartment kitchen with living room in mirrored reflection.
Inspiration for a small contemporary u-shaped open plan kitchen in Melbourne with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and white benchtop.

Wanneroo Project

Western Cabinets

Custom designed and lacquered slatted curved ends to the overheads add texture and interest to the chalky matte cabinetry The use of existing timber that had been used in other areas of the home, not wanting to waste the beautiful pieces, I incorporated these into the design The kitchen needed a modern transformation, selection of chalky black slabbed doors are carefully considered whilst detailed curved slatted ends bounce natural light, concrete grey matte benches, reflective glass custom coloured back splash and solid timber details creates a beautifully modern industrial elegant interior.

Kitchen with Bronzed Mirror Splashbacks

Nouvelle Kitchens & Bathrooms

This is an example of a small contemporary u-shaped open plan kitchen in Sydney with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, metallic splashback, mirror splashback, black appliances, light hardwood floors, a peninsula and beige benchtop.

Pi_Pad

Mcmahon and Nerlich

Light filled kitchen and dining space, with bespoke dining table and featuring Australian artists.
Mid-sized contemporary u-shaped open plan kitchen in Melbourne with flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, quartz benchtops, green splashback, glass sheet splashback, black appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and grey benchtop.

Blue Moon Granite

Avant Stone

Inspiration for a contemporary u-shaped kitchen in Sydney with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, grey splashback, panelled appliances, dark hardwood floors, a peninsula, brown floor and grey benchtop.

Hill House, Wheelers Hill

Inbetween Architecture

Scandinavian u-shaped kitchen pantry in Melbourne with medium hardwood floors and with island.

Flinders , Sailors Whisk

Mermaid Bay Interiors

Photo of a mid-sized beach style u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Melbourne with a farmhouse sink, open cabinets, distressed cabinets, concrete benchtops, white splashback, shiplap splashback, coloured appliances, light hardwood floors, brown floor and grey benchtop.

Brunswick Californian Bungalow

Jacqui Koska

Inspiration for a contemporary u-shaped separate kitchen in Other with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, wood benchtops, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and brown benchtop.

Kitchen and Bathroom Renovation - Abbotsford

Damco Kitchens

Using all available space for storage is key, allowing the design not only to look stunning, but also functional.
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary u-shaped open plan kitchen in Melbourne with flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, quartz benchtops, orange splashback, glass sheet splashback, black appliances and black benchtop.

Contemporary Kitchen, New Lambton Heights

Vista Kitchens Newcastle

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Newcastle - Maitland with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, with island and white benchtop.

Brighton Victorian Renovation

Everlong Constructions

Design ideas for a transitional u-shaped open plan kitchen in Melbourne with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, medium wood cabinets, marble benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, marble splashback, black appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

Lurline Bay House I Part 2

D'Cruz Design Group

Photo of a large contemporary u-shaped kitchen in Sydney with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, marble benchtops, glass sheet splashback, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, grey benchtop and exposed beam.

Double Storey Extension - Ashgrove, Brisbane

Smith & Sons Renovations & Extensions Ashgrove

Photo of a contemporary u-shaped open plan kitchen in Brisbane with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, window splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, a peninsula, beige floor and white benchtop.

Modern Blac Noir: Full House Renovation with Sleek Accents

Boss Design Center

Welcome to this captivating house renovation, a harmonious fusion of natural allure and modern aesthetics. The kitchen welcomes you with its elegant combination of bamboo and black cabinets, where organic textures meet sleek sophistication. The centerpiece of the living area is a dramatic full-size black porcelain slab fireplace, exuding contemporary flair and making a bold statement. Ascend the floating stair, accented with a sleek glass handrail, and experience a seamless transition between floors, elevating the sense of open space and modern design. As you explore further, you'll discover three modern bathrooms, each featuring similar design elements with bamboo and black accents, creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere throughout the home. Embrace the essence of this remarkable renovation, where nature-inspired materials and sleek finishes harmonize to create a stylish and inviting living space.

U-shaped 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!