Step into a kitchen that exudes both modern sophistication and inviting warmth. The space is anchored by a stunning natural quartzite countertop, its veined patterns reminiscent of a sun-drenched landscape. The countertop stretches across the kitchen, gracing both the perimeter cabinetry and the curved island, its gentle curves adding a touch of dynamism to the layout. White oak cabinetry provides a grounding contrast to the cool quartzite. The rich, natural grain of the wood, paired with a crisp white paint, create a sense of airiness and visual lightness. This interplay of textures and tones adds depth and dimension to the space. Breaking away from the traditional rectilinear lines, the island features curved panels that echo the countertop's gentle sweep. This unexpected detail adds a touch of whimsy and softens the overall aesthetic. The warm vinyl flooring complements the wood cabinetry, creating a sense of continuity underfoot.

Boho Chic Modern Space

Paul Lopa Designs

Light Green Walk-in Pantry

Tom Howley

This full-sized pantry is the ultimate storage for all your dried and fresh produce as well as herbs, spices, tinned and bottled goods. Everything has a dedicated space that’s been specially designed for its purpose. Heavy, bulky items below and lighter items, within easy reach on upper open shelves, or nestled inside individually crafted racks so they can be seen and not forgotten.

The Crusader - Kitchen with Mountain Views

Drewett Works

Cedar ceilings and a three-sided split-faced silver travertine and steel fireplace add warmth and drama. The Galapagos Quartzite kitchen counters and charcoal limestone flooring cool the space showcasing the view as art. Estancia Club Builder: Peak Ventures Interior Design: Ownby Design Photography: Jeff Zaruba

Sullivans Island Mix

Jill Howard Design Studio

Winthrop

Clearcut Construction, Inc.

This transitional design works with our clients authentic mid century split level home and adds touches of modern for functionality and style!

DC Kitchen

Ready 2 Remodel

Galley Kitchen expanded to open floor plan; Kitchen, Dining Room, Living Room. Quartz Calacatta Laza countertops with Island Waterfall and Full Height Stone Backsplash. Low profile microwave including pot filler and Built in Fridge. Also includes a wine bar with cooler.

Warm Scandinavian

Sanctuary Kitchen and Bath Design

White oak flooring, walnut cabinetry, white quartzite countertops, stainless appliances, white inset wall cabinets

Kitchen

Platinum Design Build

Alamo Contemporary Kitchen with Custom Copper Hood

Gayler Design Build

When this family approached Gayler Design Build, they had a unique, octagon-shaped room that lacked flow and modern amenities. The home initially was constructed from three small houses that were "joined" together to create this unusual shape. It was important for the family to keep the open floor plan but add more functional space, to include new cabinetry and a large center island. In order to build the open floor plan, Gayler Design Build had to design around a central post and refinish the octagon concrete flooring, which was cut to reconfigure items in space and access sewer lines, etc.

Class Romantic Ranch

KBG Design

Casual Family Living in San Antonio Texas

BRADSHAW DESIGNS LLC

Casual comfortable family kitchen is the heart of this home! Organization is the name of the game in this fast paced yet loving family! Between school, sports, and work everyone needs to hustle, but this hard working kitchen makes it all a breeze! Photgraphy: Stephen Karlisch

A perfect retreat in Houston, Texas

By Design Interiors, Inc.

This Kitchen was renovated into an open concept space with a large island and custom cabinets - that provide ample storage including a wine fridge and coffee station. The details in this space reflect the client's fun personalities! With a punch of blue on the island, that coordinates with the patterned tile above the range. The funky bar stools are as comfortable as they are fabulous. Lastly, the mini fan cools off the space while industrial pendants illuminate the island seating. Maintenance was also at the forefront of this design when specifying quartz counter-tops, porcelain flooring, ceramic backsplash, and granite composite sinks. These all contribute to easy living. Builder: Wamhoff Design Build Photographer: Daniel Angulo

A Stunningly Beautiful Kitchen for a Stunningly Beautiful Home

Design Perspectives LLC

My client called me in for a "Design Perspective". She hated her floors and wanted my professional opinion. I questioned whether I should be brutally honest, and her response was "absolutely". Then truth be told, "your countertops bother me more than your floors". My client has a stunningly beautiful home and her countertops were not in "the same league". So the project scope expanded from new floors to include countertops, backsplash, plumbing fixtures and hardware. While we were at it, her overly froufrou corbels were updated along with dishwashers that "drove her crazy". Since there was plenty of "demo" in store, she elected to lower her breakfast bar to counter height at the same time to connect her nook more seamlessly with her kitchen. The process: at our first slab warehouse stop, within ten minutes, we uncovered the most beautiful slabs of Taj Mahal ever. No need to keep looking. The slabs had perfect coloration and veining. So different from any other slab of Taj Mahal, it really ought to have its own name. Countertop selection was easy as was the subway and Arabesque backsplash tile. Polished chrome, with its blend of warm and cool tones, was the obvious choice for her plumbing fixture and hardware finish. Finding the right floor tile was what proved to be most challenging, but my client was up to the task. Several weeks of shopping and numerous samples hauled home led us to the perfect limestone. Once her room was complete, better barstools were in order. Hancock and Moore with their huge assortment of leather colors and textures was our clear choice. The Ellie barstools selected embody the perfect blend of form and comfort. Her new limestone flooring extends into her Butler's pantry, pool bath, powder bath and sewing room, so wait, there is still more to do.

Aspen

Paul Gray Homes

The natural wood floors beautifully accent the design of this gorgeous gourmet kitchen, complete with vaulted ceilings, brass lighting and a dark wood island. Photo Credit: Shane Organ Photography

Simple yet elegant kitchen renovation

Don Foote Contracting

Pull out corner cabinet a good use of space. Photo by Todd Gieg

Detail of bar area with glass shelfs in front of window

AnKa CC Build

Museum of Modern Art Tower Residence

Fundamental Design

View of the kitchen and L-shaped pantry with dining beyond at right. Featured are the expansive Sea Pearl quartzite counters, backsplash, and island, the custom walnut cabinets, and the built-in appliances. Photo credit: Alan Tansey

Brown Kitchen with Quartzite Benchtops 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!