This 1950's kitchen hindered our client's cooking and bi-weekly entertaining and was inconsistent with the home's mid-century architecture. Additional key goals were to improve function for cooking and entertaining 6 to 12 people on a regular basis. Originally with only two entry points to the kitchen (from the entry/foyer and from the dining room) the kitchen wasn’t very open to the remainder of the home, or the living room at all. The door to the carport was never used and created a conflict with seating in the breakfast area. The new plans created larger openings to both rooms, and a third entry point directly into the living room. The “peninsula” manages the sight line between the kitchen and a large, brick fireplace while still creating an “island” effect in the kitchen and allowing seating on both sides. The television was also a “must have” utilizing it to watch cooking shows while prepping food, for news while getting ready for the day, and for background when entertaining. Meticulously designed cabinets provide ample storage and ergonomically friendly appliance placement. Cabinets were previously laid out into two L-shaped spaces. On the “top” was the cooking area with a narrow pantry (read: scarce storage) and a water heater in the corner. On the “bottom” was a single 36” refrigerator/freezer, and sink. A peninsula separated the kitchen and breakfast room, truncating the entire space. We have now a clearly defined cool storage space spanning 60” width (over 150% more storage) and have separated the ovens and cooking surface to spread out prep/clean zones. True pantry storage was added, and a massive “peninsula” keeps seating for up to 6 comfortably, while still expanding the kitchen and gaining storage. The newly designed, oversized peninsula provides plentiful space for prepping and entertaining. Walnut paneling wraps the room making the kitchen a stunning showpiece.

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.

Custom White Inset Kitchen

Inspyre Home Design

This is an example of a modern u-shaped separate kitchen in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, grey splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, no island and black floor.

Hudson River Views - West Village, NY

Rob Stuart Interiors

Photos: Donna Dotan Photography; Instagram: @donnadotanphoto
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary u-shaped kitchen in New York with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, metallic splashback, mosaic tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island and black floor.

Project Gallery

Matt's Maintenance & Remodeling

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Miami with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, laminate benchtops, grey splashback, stainless steel appliances, a peninsula, an undermount sink, subway tile splashback, ceramic floors, black floor and black benchtop.

eclectic green and alder kitchen

M&M Interiors

This couples small kitchen was in dire need of an update. The homeowner is an avid cook and cookbook collector so finding a special place for some of his most prized cookbooks was a must!

E Ave Remodel

Nicolls Design Build

Samantha Goh
Mid-sized midcentury u-shaped separate kitchen in San Diego with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, beige cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, limestone floors, with island and black floor.

beautiful kitchen projects

Tri-County Design Center

Photo of a large country u-shaped open plan kitchen in San Francisco with shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, grey splashback, black appliances, with island, black floor, an undermount sink, quartz benchtops, matchstick tile splashback, slate floors and grey benchtop.

Anchorage

Katharine Jessica Interior Design, LLC

Kimberly Muto
This is an example of a large country u-shaped eat-in kitchen in New York with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, slate floors, with island and black floor.

Sherwood Whole Home Remodel & Decor

Design Directions

When Amy and Brandon, hip 30 year old attorneys decided to look for a home with better outdoor living space, closer to restaurants and night spots, their search landed them on a house with the perfect outdoor oasis. Unfortunately, it came with an interior that was a mish mash of 50’s, 60’s and 70’s design. Having already taken on a DIY remodel on their own, they weren’t interested in going through the stress and frustration of one again. They were resolute on hiring an expert designer and contractor to renovate their new home. The completed renovation features sleek black cabinetry, rich ebony floors, bold geometric tile in the bath, gold hardware and lighting that together, create a fresh and modern take on traditional style. Thoughtfully designed cabinetry packs this modest sized kitchen with more cabinetry & features than some kitchens twice it’s size, including two spacious islands. Choosing not to use upper cabinets on one wall was a design choice that allowed us to feature an expanse of pure white quartz as the backdrop for the kitchens curvy hood and spikey gold sconces. A mix of high end furniture, finishes and lighting all came together to create just the right mix to lend a 21st century vibe to this quaint traditional home.

Award-Winning Modern Condo Remodel

The Renowned Group

Design ideas for a mid-sized modern u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Dallas with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, quartz benchtops, black splashback, subway tile splashback, black appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, black floor and white benchtop.

TAMARIS - Une transformation audacieuse

COETTE Marion Architecte d'intérieur

This is an example of a small eclectic u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Bordeaux with a single-bowl sink, beige cabinets, laminate benchtops, yellow splashback, black appliances, laminate floors, with island, black floor and black benchtop.

Modern Farmhouse Kitchen with Exposed Wood Beams

Curtis Lumber Ballston Spa

This Modern Farmhouse kitchen has a touch of rustic charm. Designed by Curtis Lumber Company, Inc., the kitchen features cabinets from Crystal Cabinet Works Inc. (Keyline Inset, Gentry). The glossy, rich, hand-painted look backsplash is by Daltile (Artigiano) and the slate floor is by Sheldon Slate. Photos property of Curtis Lumber company, Inc.

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.

2315 Carrington

Nest Builders Development & Design Co.

Mick Anders Photography
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional u-shaped kitchen in Richmond with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, ceramic floors, no island, black floor and white benchtop.

Penthouse Kitchen in Southwark Warehouse Conversion

Brandler London

This penthouse unit in a warehouse conversion offers a glimpse into the home life of a celebrity. Reclaimed joists removed from the warehouse were given a new life and reinstalled as the bespoke kitchen doors, shelves and island. This kitchen and dining room of this three-level penthouse use the midlevel floor exclusively, creating the hub of the property. It is a space designed specifically for cooking, dining, entertaining, and relaxation. Concrete, metal, and wood come together in a stunning composition of orthogonal lines.

Shaker Heights Kitchen

AM Kitchen & Bath

Design ideas for a small contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Denver with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, mosaic tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island, black floor and white benchtop.

Traditional Grey Herringbone Kitchen

Fireclay Tile

Photos by Courtney Apple
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Newark with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, grey splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, ceramic floors, with island, black floor and grey benchtop.

Kitchen Remodel - Ridgefield CT

DM A+D

This is an example of a small country u-shaped open plan kitchen in New York with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, slate floors, with island and black floor.

Bungalows & Butcherblock

Jones Design Group LLC

Design ideas for a small country u-shaped separate kitchen in Indianapolis with a drop-in sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, wood benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, ceramic floors, black floor and brown benchtop.

U-shaped Kitchen with Black Floor 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!