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.

Hindley & Co - Kitchen

Hindley & Co Architecture & Interior Design

Blue-green and white kitchen with timber details. recessed pull handles and kickers in contrasting colours.
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.

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.

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.

Center Creek Project

Hauz Studios

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary u-shaped kitchen in Tampa with ceramic splashback.

CENTRAL PARK STUNNER

KE Interior Solutions

DRAWERS!! easy access.. workhorse of the kitchen
Design ideas for a mid-sized modern u-shaped open plan kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, a peninsula and white benchtop.

Shoal Creek Addition

Jameson Design Group

By moving the exterior wall to the patio out two feet, we were able to create an open kitchen/dining/living space in perfect proportion for this mid-century style home. This extra space allowed us to transform the existing galley kitchen into a U-shape with a peninsula bar. The blue base cabinets pack a punch of color, while the white uppers and backsplash create a light and airy space that looks bigger than the actual square footage.

Townsend Ave Kitchen

Imagine Remodeling

http://terryorourke.com/
Inspiration for a large transitional u-shaped separate kitchen in Sacramento with a double-bowl sink, medium wood cabinets, granite benchtops, grey splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, ceramic floors, no island and raised-panel cabinets.

Angled island layout

Stanton Homes

The island kitchen offers casual dining at the raised eating bar. A breakfast nook is tucked around the corner from the vaulted living room.
Design ideas for a large traditional u-shaped open plan kitchen in Raleigh with a double-bowl sink, recessed-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, granite benchtops, beige splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors and with island.

Contemporary Green-Blue Kitchen Tiles

Fireclay Tile

Create a backsplash that's sure to make a splash by using our vertically stacked green blue Flagstone kitchen tile,. DESIGN Interiors by Alexis Austin PHOTOS Life Created Tile Shown: 2x6 in Flagstone

Toorak Gardens

Space Craft Joinery

Jonathan VDK
Photo of a large transitional u-shaped open plan kitchen in Adelaide with flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, solid surface benchtops, grey splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, slate floors, with island and multi-coloured floor.

Arts & Crafts Kitchen Backsplash

Motawi Tileworks

Arts and Crafts kitchen backsplash featuring Motawi Tileworks’ Songbird and Long Stem art tiles in Grey Blue. Photo: Justin Maconochie.
Design ideas for a mid-sized arts and crafts u-shaped kitchen in Detroit with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, granite benchtops, blue splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors and no island.

The Party's At Our House

Studio Dearborn

Designer Sarah Robertson of Studio Dearborn helped a neighbor and friend to update a “builder grade” kitchen into a personal, family space that feels luxurious and inviting. The homeowner wanted to solve a number of storage and flow problems in the kitchen, including a wasted area dedicated to a desk, too-little pantry storage, and her wish for a kitchen bar. The all white builder kitchen lacked character, and the client wanted to inject color, texture and personality into the kitchen while keeping it classic.

Complete Kitchen Remodel in Maitland

KBF Design Gallery

New homeowners wanted to update the kitchen before moving in. KBF replaced all the flooring with a mid-tone plank engineered wood, and designed a gorgeous new kitchen that is truly the centerpiece of the home. The crystal chandelier over the center island is the first thing you notice when you enter the space, but there is so much more to see! The architectural details include corbels on the range hood, cabinet panels and matching hardware on the integrated fridge, crown molding on cabinets of varying heights, creamy granite countertops with hints of gray, black, brown and sparkle, and a glass arabasque tile backsplash to reflect the sparkle from that stunning chandelier.

Berscheid Builders - Golf Haven Estates

Westwind Woodworkers Inc.

Michael's Photography
This is an example of a large modern u-shaped open plan kitchen in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, granite benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors and with island.

Denny Blaine

Carly Gray Design

Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional u-shaped kitchen pantry in Seattle with a single-bowl sink, marble benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island and grey benchtop.

New Kitchen, Fresh Start

Drury Design

THE SETUP “You have to figure out how to rebuild a life worth living,” Basia Kozub’s client says. Her husband passed away suddenly three years ago. Holidays with family became more important, and she found herself struggling with a 37-year old kitchen that was falling apart. “I made a decision to move forward,” she says. “I went, ‘You know what? I’m redoing the kitchen.'” The big task of getting started was as easy as having a conversation – literally. Basia was on the job, helping the client sort through priorities, wishes and ideas. Basia’s client is 5′ 4″, likes keeping an eye on the kiddoes in the backyard and wanted certain things to have their own place. THE REMODEL The objectives were: Enlarge and open the space Find a classic look that incorporates blues Upgrade to easy-to-use appliances Hide an office space within the space Ample storage for dishes Design challenges: Uneven window alignment on the back wall Original kitchen smaller than desired, stuctural concerns if walls to be moved Keep folks close – figure out seating for entertaining Main sink in corner is ideal, but windows are hard to reach Lots of storage needed for dishes, glass collection, pantry items, bar bottles and office supplies Specific storage needs for oft-used spices and utensils THE RENEWED SPACE Design solutions: Replace back wall windows, establish window size continuity Take out two walls to open up the space, tall shallow cabinet and a tall filler added to conceal a new header Large island that seats six easily Custom corner sink cabinet with recessed edge allows vertically challenged homeowner to reach the windows Mindful storage planning features: plenty of cabinets, pull-out bar bottle storage, file drawers & cubbies with pocket doors for office appliances, magic corner pullouts, and appliance garages with pocket doors Shelf behind range for easy access to daily-use spices and oils. Also: spice and utensil pullouts on either side of range The clients says every priority and wish box got checked. The highly functional design absorbed everything that used to be in that area of the house, but now those things are out of the way. “In the past, we were all spread out when we gathered for the holidays, because we had to spread out. Now, we’re all in here together, including my 92-year old mother. We’re visiting, cooking, laughing… everyone is here. And I’m really learning how to use these appliances. This kitchen has given me a whole new life.”

Calle Del Cerrito

Joseph Rodrigues Interiors

Spanish Revival Kitchen Renovation
Large mediterranean u-shaped separate kitchen in Orange County with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, green cabinets, quartz benchtops, beige splashback, ceramic splashback, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and beige benchtop.

Lake of the Isles Kitchen

M. Victoria Johnson Interiors

Design ideas for a beach style u-shaped open plan kitchen in Minneapolis with a single-bowl sink, recessed-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, multi-coloured benchtop and vaulted.

Custom Backsplash Niche 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.

U-shaped Kitchen with Ceramic Splashback 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!