This project began with the goal of updating both style and function to allow for improved ease of use for a wheelchair. The previous space was overstuffed with an island that didn't really fit, an over-sized fridge in a location that complicated a primary doorway, and a 42" tall high bar that was inaccessible from a wheelchair. Our clients desired a space that would improve wheelchair use for both cooking or just being in the room, yet did not look like an ADA space. It became a story of less is more, and subtle, thoughtful changes from a standard design. After working through options, we designed an open floorplan that provided a galley kitchen function with a full 5 ft walkway by use of a peninsula open to the family den. This peninsula is highlighted by a drop down, table-height countertop wrapping the end and long backside that is now accessible to all members of the family by providing a perfect height for a flexible workstation in a wheelchair or comfortable entertaining on the backside. We then dropped the height for cooking at the new induction cooktop and created knee space below. Further, we specified an apron front sink that brings the sink closer in reach than a traditional undermount sink that would have countertop rimming in front. An articulating faucet with no limitations on reach provides full range of access in the sink. The ovens and microwave were also situated at a height comfortable for use from a wheelchair. Where a refrigerator used to block the doorway, a pull out is now located giving easy access to dry goods for cooks at all heights. Every element within the space was considered for the impact to our homes occupants - wheelchair or not, even the doorswing on the microwave. Now our client has a kitchen that every member of the family can use and be a part of. Simple design, with a well-thought out plan, makes a difference in the lives of another family. Photos by David Cobb Photography

Timber Frame Home for Retirement in North Carolina - Kitchen

Riverbend Timber Framing

Timber beams extend over the kitchen, which includes a live edge wood slab as the island countertop. Photo Credit: Lassiter Photography

Kitchen

Sophie Piesse Architect, PA

1960 ranch remodel

Wooden Dreams

Typical ranch home redesigned to an open plan with new alder cabinets, Cambria countertops, oak hardwood flooring, Tech pendent lights, Kitchen Aide appliances

Midland - Contemporary Kitchen

Custom Tile & Design, Ltd.

Contemporary style kitchen with a gold leaf covered travertine 4x12 tile on the back splash and large format porcelain tile on the floor with a concrete look.

Various Projects

Millwork Supply

Craftsman Ranch

Allen Schrock & Sons, Inc.

White Cabinets, Double Stacked, Rustic Island, Quartz Tops, Modern Design

Stumbo Kitchen

Akar ARchiTecture

Sanjay Jani Butler Door Closed

The "Marquee"

Symphony Homes

Craftsman Lake Home on Notla Island

Timberlake Custom Homes

This craftsman lake home on Notla Island boasts a gorgeous view from every room in the house! The interior of this large custom home features a mixture of natural stained shiplap with dark red oak floors. This rustic kitchen features a stained perimeter and navy blue island, granite counter tops, and a reflective backsplash.

Kitchen Remodels

PB General Contractors

Model Home Gourmet Kitchen

Robinshore Incorporated

California Craftsman

Added Style

Photos by John Rider- Large kitchen island with beautiful Patagonia slab countertops bordered with Absolute black granite. Backsplash is a glass subway tile.

NW Whole Home Renovation

Craftsman Design and Renovation

Photo: Eckert & Eckert Photography

The Berkshire Junior

Harmony Builders LTD

The kitchen is open to the nook and living room in our Berkshire Junior. Making entertaining and visiting a breeze. We love how spacious this home feels and hope the clients love it as much as we loved building it for them!

Full Home Renovation

Sunrise Design and Construction LLC

Wow: This Zero-Reno Kitchen Makeover Is Amazing

One Kings Lane

The Cabinets AFTER:To mimic the glass-front cabinets I loved so much, Megan suggested a simple change: Remove the doors on the upper cabinets and fill them with new, simple glassware. With the cabinets’ interiors painted and the glassware in place, I sometimes forget that I don’t actually have the custom glass cabinetry. Photos by Lesley Unruh.

Rustic Craftsman - Gray Oaks

Old Town Design Group

The custom pantry is the fan-favorite space in the home. Featuring a ladder, computer desk and shelving with extra storage, what's not to love?

Custom Cabinetry

British Home Emporium

This wet bar was designed by British Home Emporium custom woodwork designer Jihan Tannous and built by our master craftsman for our client in Wayne, New Jersey.

Crafted Ranch

Studio3 Design, Inc.

Kelly Vorves Photography

Arts and Crafts Kitchen with Metallic 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 Arts and Crafts 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!