White painted kitchen with dark blue island. Paneled appliances and plentiful storage. Built-in kegerator in the hallway pantry.
Inspiration for a large contemporary u-shaped open plan kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, grey splashback, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop and timber.

Sinclair Estates

LP-wood Ltd.

Transitional u-shaped kitchen in Toronto with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white splashback, subway tile splashback, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop and timber.

Strawberry Hills - Kitchen

PlaidFox Studio

Inspiration for a scandinavian u-shaped open plan kitchen in Other with black splashback, with island, timber, a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, beige floor and white benchtop.

Cuisine traditionnelle à Annecy (74960)

MOBILIS CREATIO

Design ideas for a large transitional u-shaped open plan kitchen in Grenoble with an undermount sink, light wood cabinets, granite benchtops, white splashback, granite splashback, panelled appliances, travertine floors, with island, grey floor, white benchtop and timber.

Carlisle Century Home

Cranberry Hill Kitchens

Beautiful eat-in kitchen with a stunning custom baker's island center-kitchen. This kitchen includes paneled appliances, a large custom hood, white framed cabinetry, solid pine island and fridge, glass china cabinetry, brass plumbing fixtures, backsplash to the ceiling, and marble countertops.

A Splash of Yellow

Next Stage Design + Build

Mid-sized midcentury u-shaped eat-in kitchen in San Francisco with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, yellow splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop and timber.

Japandi Home

SDA Architects

After the second fallout of the Delta Variant amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic in mid 2021, our team working from home, and our client in quarantine, SDA Architects conceived Japandi Home. The initial brief for the renovation of this pool house was for its interior to have an "immediate sense of serenity" that roused the feeling of being peaceful. Influenced by loneliness and angst during quarantine, SDA Architects explored themes of escapism and empathy which led to a “Japandi” style concept design – the nexus between “Scandinavian functionality” and “Japanese rustic minimalism” to invoke feelings of “art, nature and simplicity.” This merging of styles forms the perfect amalgamation of both function and form, centred on clean lines, bright spaces and light colours. Grounded by its emotional weight, poetic lyricism, and relaxed atmosphere; Japandi Home aesthetics focus on simplicity, natural elements, and comfort; minimalism that is both aesthetically pleasing yet highly functional. Japandi Home places special emphasis on sustainability through use of raw furnishings and a rejection of the one-time-use culture we have embraced for numerous decades. A plethora of natural materials, muted colours, clean lines and minimal, yet-well-curated furnishings have been employed to showcase beautiful craftsmanship – quality handmade pieces over quantitative throwaway items. A neutral colour palette compliments the soft and hard furnishings within, allowing the timeless pieces to breath and speak for themselves. These calming, tranquil and peaceful colours have been chosen so when accent colours are incorporated, they are done so in a meaningful yet subtle way. Japandi home isn’t sparse – it’s intentional. The integrated storage throughout – from the kitchen, to dining buffet, linen cupboard, window seat, entertainment unit, bed ensemble and walk-in wardrobe are key to reducing clutter and maintaining the zen-like sense of calm created by these clean lines and open spaces. The Scandinavian concept of “hygge” refers to the idea that ones home is your cosy sanctuary. Similarly, this ideology has been fused with the Japanese notion of “wabi-sabi”; the idea that there is beauty in imperfection. Hence, the marriage of these design styles is both founded on minimalism and comfort; easy-going yet sophisticated. Conversely, whilst Japanese styles can be considered “sleek” and Scandinavian, “rustic”, the richness of the Japanese neutral colour palette aids in preventing the stark, crisp palette of Scandinavian styles from feeling cold and clinical. Japandi Home’s introspective essence can ultimately be considered quite timely for the pandemic and was the quintessential lockdown project our team needed.

Country Lane Classic

Martineau Homes

Inspiration for a large traditional u-shaped open plan kitchen in Salt Lake City with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, grey splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, black benchtop and timber.

Contemporary Kitchen In Irvine

Amazing Cabinetry & Bath

You don't need a lot of space in order to make your dream kitchen a reality. Check out these stunning small kitchen remodel ideas. Call to Schedule a Free Estimate! #kitchenremodeling #dreamkitchen #homerenovation #kitchenremodel #kitchencountertops #ContemporaryKitchen #Remodeling #LagunaBeach #LagunaNiguel

1890'S Farmhouse Revival

Yancy Interior Design

Inspiration for a small country u-shaped separate kitchen in Detroit with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, quartz benchtops, brown splashback, ceramic splashback, white appliances, cork floors, no island, brown floor, white benchtop and timber.

The Lookout

Lisa Carlisle Architect

Inspiration for a large beach style u-shaped open plan kitchen in Providence with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, grey benchtop and timber.

NANTUCKET, MA - Nantucket Restoration

DEANE Inc | Distinctive Design & Cabinetry

These owners wanted to update their historic 1860s home with modern amenities while still honoring Nantucket style influences. They had worked with DEANE on three previous projects, and the vision for this collaboration was a stylish, yet low-key kitchen that would host endless vacation gatherings. A family of seven who loved to cook together, it was key to create multiple work and seating areas that were functional but still beautiful. DEANE designed a two-toned effect with white oak lower cabinetry for durability and Chantilly Lace upper wall cabinetry for contrast. The clients decided to panel the appliances for a cohesive visual line. The understated white Quartz countertops and simple ceramic tile backsplash allow the cool wood tones of the cabinetry to be the focal point, while the high-gloss lacquer shiplap ceiling casts a glow.

Farmhouse Kitchen

Home Idea Center

Country u-shaped kitchen pantry in Other with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, medium wood cabinets, laminate benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, stone tile splashback, black appliances, vinyl floors, with island, multi-coloured floor, white benchtop and timber.

Chanhassen Lake Charmer

Boyer Building Corporation

Such a beautiful mix of old world and great function for this stunning blue kitchen.
Large beach style u-shaped kitchen in Minneapolis with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, quartzite benchtops, grey splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, grey benchtop and timber.

Rose Hill

Reece Homes, LLC

Inspiration for a country u-shaped kitchen in Austin with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop, exposed beam, timber and vaulted.

Aqua Verde Residence

Clark Richardson Architects

The Kitchen exemplifies the idea of creating a medley of Eastern and Western influences brought together by contemporary design. A subdued color palette, rich in texture variety, give this kitchen its character. The range hood clad in black Venetian Plaster, takes its inspiration from ideas expounded by the traditional Japanese aesthetic principals of wabi sabi, which values transience and imperfection.

Beautiful Box Beams

Artistry Millworks

Photo of a country u-shaped kitchen in San Francisco with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop, exposed beam, timber and vaulted.

Small Rustic Farmhouse Kitchen

Laura Medicus Interiors

The small 1950’s ranch home was featured on HGTV’s House Hunters Renovation. The episode (Season 14, Episode 9) is called: "Flying into a Renovation". Please check out The Colorado Nest for more details along with Before and After photos. Photos by Sara Yoder. FEATURED IN: Fine Homebuilding

1890'S Farmhouse Revival

Yancy Interior Design

This is an example of a small country u-shaped separate kitchen in Detroit with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, quartz benchtops, brown splashback, ceramic splashback, white appliances, cork floors, no island, brown floor, white benchtop and timber.

Memeger Project - Kitchen Remodeling in Falls Church, VA

USA Cabinet Store Fairfax

Inspiration for a mid-sized modern u-shaped eat-in kitchen in DC Metro with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, green splashback, glass tile splashback, white appliances, porcelain floors, no island, beige floor, white benchtop and timber.

U-shaped Kitchen with Timber 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!