Photo of a large midcentury u-shaped kitchen in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, blue splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island, grey floor, medium wood cabinets, quartzite benchtops, glass tile splashback and cement tiles.

Chestnut Ave, Clarendon Hills

Plain & Posh

This young family wanted to update their kitchen and loved getting away to the coast. We tried to bring a little of the coast to their suburban Chicago home. The statement pantry doors with antique mirror add a wonderful element to the space. The large island gives the family a wonderful space to hang out, The custom "hutch' area is actual full of hidden outlets to allow for all of the electronics a place to charge. Warm brass details and the stunning tile complete the area.

A Modern Chef's Kitchen

Designer's Choice Inc

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Denver with a farmhouse sink, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, flat-panel cabinets and beige floor.

Hillsboro Kitchen Remodel

Adapt Interior Design

Engage Photo & Video
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary u-shaped open plan kitchen in Portland with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, granite benchtops, beige splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors and with island.

Bright Modern Kitchen in Hingham

Transitions Kitchens and Baths

This modern kitchen design in Hingham is sure to be the bright spot in the center of this home. Mouser Cabinetry sets the tone for this design with white beaded inset perimeter cabinets, which is contrasted by a dark wood finish kitchen island with a built in microwave. Both cabinets are Centra Square Inset Reno door style, complemented by Emtek satin nickel Alexander Pulls and Norwich Knobs. A white with gray veining countertop from Boston Bluestone is an ideal counterpart to the cabinetry along with a Highland Park Dove Grey 3 x 6 glass tile backsplash. The large Kohler Vault farmhouse sink sits under a bright window, paired with a Blanco Culina Chrome faucet. The island includes an Elkay single bowl sink, with the two sinks creating a perfect zone for food preparation and clean up including space for more than one person to work. Cooking will be a breeze in this kitchen with a large Wolf oven, along with a Blanco Cantata chrome pot filler faucet. A custom hutch adds storage and style with the central cabinet doors in a black frame with glass front doors to contrast the white cabinetry. In cabinet lighting spotlights these striking cabinets and adds space to display favorite items. The bright kitchen includes ample natural light plus dramatic Feiss Kenney Collection light fixtures with two above island and one above the table. This stunning kitchen design offers ample space for cooking, dining, and entertaining, and is connected to an adjacent living area with a custom bar.

San Francisco Style

Coddington Design

In the center of the kitchen is a waterfall island with classic marble countertop, oversized brass geometric pendants, and blue faux leather stools with brass frames. The tile backsplash behind the oven is a geometric marble with metallic inlay which creates a glamorous patterning. Photo: David Livingston

Modern Maple Kitchen

La Costa Cabinets & Design

Beautiful striated granite countertops play off the warm tones of the maple clad kitchen. Slab door and drawer front paired with sleek glass subway tiles nod towards mid century modern influences. Glass light fixtures and gold finishes contrast the cool grey tones of the countertop. Desk space is crafted out of the end of the cabinet run for quick mail sorting.

Chevron Park- Kitchen Island

LDa Architecture & Interiors

TEAM Architect: LDa Architecture & Interiors Interior Design: LDa Architecture & Interiors Photographer: Greg Premru Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional u-shaped separate kitchen in Boston with white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, blue splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, vaulted, an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, brown floor and white benchtop.

Vermont Kitchen

A. Lee Interior Design

Mid-sized transitional u-shaped kitchen in Boston with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, granite benchtops, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, no island, vaulted, beige splashback, brown floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

Shaker Kitchen & Living Room in Welwyn

Planet Furniture

We’re delighted to be able to show this, our latest project in Welwyn Garden City. More than ever, we need our homes to do so much. We want the kitchens functional and beautiful, the living areas comfortable yet practical with plenty of storage - and when it’s open plan living, like this one, we want the spaces to connect in a stylish and individual way. Choosing a supplier that creates hand built, bespoke cabinets and fitted furniture is the very best way to ensure all boxes are ticked! In this project the kitchen and living areas have been hand built in a classic Shaker style which is sure to stand the test of time but with some lovely contemporary touches. The mirror splashback, in the kitchen, allows the natural light to bounce around the kitchen and the copper accents are bright and stylish and keep the whole look current. The pendants are from tom Dixon @tom_dixon11. The cabinets are hand painted in F&B’s downpipe which is a favourite, and for good reason. It contrasts beautifully with their chalky Wimbourne White and, in an open plan living situation like this, it sets the kitchen area apart from living area. At Planet we love combining two finishes. Here, the Corian worktop in Vanilla sits beautifully with the Solid oak Breakfast bar which in itself is great with a wooden floor. The colours and finishes continue into the Living Room which unifies the whole look. The cupboards and shelving are painted in Wimbourne White with accents of the Downpipe on the back panels of the shelving. A drinks cabinet has become a popular addition to our projects, and no wonder! It’s a stylish and fun addition to the room. With doors closed it blends perfectly with the run of storage cupboards and open – no detail has been overlooked. It has integrated lighting and the worktop is the same Vanilla Corian as the kitchen. To complete the drinks cupboard a scalloped oak wine rack below has been hand built by our skilled craftsmen.

Bjornson Designs in Legacy for Pacesetter Homes

Bjornson Designs

Bjornson Designs - cabinet supplier in Calgary, AB
Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Calgary with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, brown cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, laminate floors, multiple islands, beige floor and grey benchtop.

Zen Micro Cabin

CIRCLE Design Studio

Design ideas for a small modern u-shaped eat-in kitchen in DC Metro with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, brown cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, no island, brown floor and grey benchtop.

Large Drum Chandelier in Open Concept Kitchen

Michelle's Interiors

Viewed from the family room, this kitchen opens up to a catering kitchen through the arch on the left and the husband's study through the archway on the right. Seating for nine, divided between the L-shaped island, banquette and dining chairs, was a priority for these clients who entertain often. They wanted family and friends to be able to watch the TV in the adjacent family room, during meals in the open plan kitchen. The repurposed French farm house wood floor anchors the space and provides a lived-in feeling to this newly constructed home. The vivid sunset colors of the chair fabric on the chairs bring energy and warmth to the space while the glass front cabinets from Woodland provide display space for special dishware. Photo by Brian Gassel

Magnificent Transitional Kitchen

CairnsCraft Design & Remodel

Design ideas for a large transitional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in San Diego with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

The Summit at Blakely Harbor......Fortward Hill Rd and Bolero Drive

John Green Land Development and Construction

Photo of a large transitional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Seattle with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Magnificent Transition Kitchen

CairnsCraft Design & Remodel

Photo of a large transitional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in San Diego with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, with island, white benchtop, light hardwood floors and beige floor.

Winan's Lake, Brighton, MI Transitional Style Kitchen

KSI Kitchen & Bath

Storage solutions and organization were a must for this homeowner. Space for tupperware, pots and pans, all organized and easy to access. Dura Supreme Hudson in cashew was chosen to complement the bamboo flooring. KSI Designer Lloyd Endsley. Photography by Steve McCall

Transitional Kitchen & Bath

Kitchen Art Design

Photography: Melody Davis Designer: Miranda Wall Design & Friesen Bros Construction
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional u-shaped separate kitchen in Vancouver with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, glass tile splashback, a double-bowl sink, blue splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island and brown floor.

Al Fresco

TriVistaUSA Design + Build

Darko Zagar
This is an example of a mid-sized midcentury u-shaped kitchen in DC Metro with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, quartzite benchtops, blue splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors and brown floor.

Airport Rd

Melissa Morgan, CKD, Allied ASID

Pure One Photography
Mid-sized transitional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Nashville with multiple islands, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, brown floor and a farmhouse sink.

U-shaped Kitchen with Glass Tile 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!