Removing a secondary staircase and converting the main floor bath to a powder room allowed for an expanded kitchen for this family of 4. A beamed ceiling brings visual interest and speaks to the era of the home while the warm white cabinetry keeps the space light and bright.

Modern Sophisticated Kitchen - Oswego, IL

Drury Design

The original intent of this project was to replace the island, hood, countertops, and a few appliances. A primary bath remodel was the main priority. But once the couple realized certain features would enhance the functionality of the kitchen – not to mention completely change the aesthetic – they put the master bath on hold and decided to remodel the entire kitchen first. Design objectives: -Omit separate table, plan for a larger island that would seat 7 people -Simple, clean lines – no rounded corners or weird angles -Nothing trendy – use modern classic details -Uncluttered countertops -Better pantry storage for food & small appliances -Integrated major appliances -Coffee bar -Avoid “1 color on perimeter with second color on island” -Integrate a harmonious variety of finishes -Integrate black & handmade metals Design challenges: -Island shape to fit within confines of existing half wall between kitchen & family room & bay window/door to backyard -Narrow kitchen with major walkway -Planning for 7 seats at the island -Keep guest social area away from the cook’s zone -Place appliances according to use -Point-of-use storage for an avid cook within a relatively small space -Integrate colors without looking too busy THE NEW KITCHEN -While the island is mostly rectangular, the seating area utilizes the bay extension without interfering with the exterior door -All seating is placed on the outside perimeter of the island, giving the cook dedicated prep space -The L-shaped seating area & adjacent coffee bar encourage guests to gather on the outside edge of the kitchen where they can still interact with the cook -Island prep space includes 5 feet of versatile drawer storage, double waste basket and an open paper towel dispenser -One pantry designated for food; the other for small appliances & bulk storage; creates visual armoire look -Microwave drawer in island faces refrigerator for easy access & less interference with cook’s zone -Appliance garages avoid clutter on the countertops -Off-white upper cabinets make the kitchen look larger while the black bases offer contrast without closing in the space Once the client committed to remodeling her entire kitchen, she had a good idea of the direction she wanted the space to take. Even so, there were many details that remained open to explore & contemplate. The end result is modern, clean and ultimately transitional – a creative vision anchored in functionality and artistry! A powder room remodel was added to the project that beautifully compliments the kitchen aesthetic. The entire staircase, all trim & doors were painted in the same tones as the kitchen, transforming the entire first floor into a cohesive & welcoming space. It was a great collaborative partnership!

Kitchen addition

Joni Spear Interior Design

The functionality of this spacious kitchen is a far cry from its humble beginnings as a lackluster 9 x 12 foot stretch. The exterior wall was blown out to allow for a 10 ft addition. The daring slab of Calacatta Vagli marble with intrepid British racing green veining was the inspiration for the expansion. Spanish Revival pendants reclaimed from a local restaurant, long forgotten, are a pinnacle feature over the island. Reclaimed wood drawers, juxtaposed with custom glass cupboards add gobs of storage. Cabinets are painted the same luxe green hue and the warmth of butcher block counters create a hard working bar area begging for character-worn use. The perimeter of the kitchen features soapstone counters and that nicely balance the whisper of mushroom-colored custom cabinets. Hand-made 4x4 zellige tiles, hung in a running bond pattern, pay sweet homage to the 1950’s era of the home. A large window flanked by antique brass sconces adds bonus natural light over the sink. Textural, centuries-old barn wood surrounding the range hood adds a cozy surprise element. Matte white appliances with brushed bronze and copper hardware tie in the mixed metals throughout the kitchen helping meld the overall dramatic design.

Restauro Appartamento Via Magnolie

Arch. Alessandra Cipriani

Open space con cucina, corner breakfast studiati nel minimo dettaglio
This is an example of a small contemporary u-shaped open plan kitchen in Florence with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, engineered quartz splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and brown floor.

Lupton Drive

Julian Design

Mid-sized traditional u-shaped kitchen pantry in Dallas with a drop-in sink, shaker cabinets, green cabinets, marble benchtops, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, brown floor and white benchtop.

Pi_Pad

Mcmahon and Nerlich

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary u-shaped open plan kitchen in Melbourne with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, glass sheet splashback, black appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and grey benchtop.

The House at Eagle Mountain Lake

Folkway Design & Wares Co.

Inspiration for a large modern u-shaped open plan kitchen in Dallas with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, black cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, engineered quartz splashback, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, white benchtop and exposed beam.

Green with Envy

Yancy Interior Design

This is an example of a large traditional u-shaped open plan kitchen in Detroit with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, green cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

West Didsbury Modern Kitchen

Natalie Holden Interiors

This is an example of a small contemporary u-shaped open plan kitchen in Manchester with an integrated sink, flat-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, solid surface benchtops, white splashback, black appliances, light hardwood floors, no island and yellow benchtop.

Rosewood Lane Whole House

Schloegel Design Remodel

Designer: Lindsay Brungardt Elegant mid-century modern kitchen with a bar, black lower cabinets, warm stained upper cabinets, black appliances, white porcelain tile backsplash, vaulted stained wood ceilings, and natural tone wood floors.

Rancho Refugio

Elliott & Pohls Construction

Location: Santa Ynez, CA // Type: Remodel & New Construction // Architect: Salt Architect // Designer: Rita Chan Interiors // Lanscape: Bosky // #RanchoRefugioSY --- Featured in Sunset, Domino, Remodelista, Modern Luxury Interiors

Quietude

Orion Design, Inc.

Inspiration for a large u-shaped kitchen pantry in Kansas City with a single-bowl sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, coloured appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and black benchtop.

Fairview French Villa

Bohannon Design Team

Design ideas for a large u-shaped open plan kitchen in Dallas with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, stone tile splashback, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, white benchtop and coffered.

Pacific Palisades

ae design

Photo of a beach style u-shaped kitchen in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and white benchtop.

Stately Residence

Peregrine Design Build

Mid-sized transitional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Burlington with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, green splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and black benchtop.

Project Harley

ROOM|EY & CO

This is an example of a mid-sized transitional u-shaped separate kitchen in San Diego with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Holly Hill House

Robert M. Cain, Architect

Essential client goals were a sustainable low-maintenance house, primarily single floor living, orientation to views, natural light to interiors, establishment of individual privacy, creation of a formal outdoor space for gardening, incorporation of a full workshop for cars, generous indoor and outdoor social space for guests and parties. The Holly Hill house is comprised of three wings joined by bridges: An architect's wing with a master garden to the east, an engineer’s wing with automobile workshop and a central activity, kitchen, living, dining wing.

1930's House Renovation - Bear Flat, Bath

Lacey Architecture

A before and after our Bear Flat renovation. Shows how the space can be transformed! Here we removed the chimney breast separating the kitchen and dining space, and altered the doors and windows in the space. Overall it gives one large, open-plan kitchen/living/dining room. #homesofbath #beforeandafter #kitchendesign

Modern Farmhouse

Lauren Jacobsen Interior Design

Beautiful warm wood and white kitchen with large size island that seats 5. Off to the right through the hallway is a pantry and butlers serving area that runs adjacent to the dining room. It is about mixing materials in today's kitchens. So, a combination of cabinetry stain and paint finishes adds interest to a kitchen.

Mid-Century Modern Deck House

The Design Gallery

Mid-sized midcentury u-shaped kitchen in Other with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartzite benchtops, green splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor, white benchtop and exposed beam.

U-shaped Kitchen with Light Hardwood 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!