The design of this small kitchen in Boston's South End was driven by the owner who put a lot of thought into the details. A serious cook, he needed to optimize a small space. The kitchen was designed so that the cook could look into the living room, but you can sit in the living room and be free of work space views. A tall lighted glassware cabinet is practical and provides a luminescence and sparkle that is lovely at night. Good lighting design, lots of shelves, lots of roll outs in the kitchen, a pass-through, exposed brick, and a happy cook! KR+H's Paul Reidt and Karla Monkevich worked closely with the homeowner to complete the kitchen's design. Everyone enjoyed the process! Builder: DeSimone Brothers / Photography from homeowner

American Contemporary Kitchen Remodel: Fort Washington, PA

HomeTech Renovations, Inc.

This kitchen remodel accentuates the owners' entertaining lifestyle and supports their love of cooking. The project not only included the kitchen remodel, but also an addition of a new living and dining space which was created by enclosing and revamping the previously existing screened porch. The open layout allows for a flow from one area to the next and is conducive to entertaining. American cherry, frameless cabinetry with a natural finish and slab door fronts provides the kitchen with contemporary style. Natural materials such as Cosmic Black granite countertops, hand-cut walnut travertine backsplash, and handmade cherry stools make the space welcoming, while the reeded glass inerts in the cabinetry and the decorative blown glass pendants above the peninsula enhance the space's contemporary design. Radiant heating under tri-size porcelain floor tile is featured throughout both spaces, and the living area incorporates energy efficient Pella doors and windows as well as Velux skylights. Three tall pantry units provide ample storage, and the centrally located island offers additional useable counter space. A paneled beverage cooler and double wall oven allude to the clients' love of entertaining and cooking, and a low profile retractable hood eliminates the need for a bulky ventilation system. An integral desk along the pantry wall was also incorporated into the design. The natural materials and range of tones used throughout the kitchen and living area tie the two spaces together and create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Kitchen

Brickhouse Architects PLLC

Open Gourmet Kitchen with french doors leading to screened porch beyond

Los Altos Residence

Matarozzi Pelsinger Builders

Complete renovation of 1960's ranch style home located in Los Altos. The design is functional modern with many stylish and unique amenities. The new design incorporates more light and views to the outside. Features of the home include vaulted ceilings, a large chef's kitchen with top of the line appliances and a more open floor plan than the original home. Sustainable features of this project include bamboo flooring, solar photovoltaic electric generation, solar hydronic hot water heating for the pool and a high efficiency tankless hot water system for the pool/exercise room. Photos: Rien van Rijthoven Architect: Mark Horton

Trish Namm

Trish Namm, Allied ASID - Kent Kitchen Works

Pull out Spice Rack

Danenberg Design

Custom Wet Bar Idea

Los Altos Kitchen Remodeling with custom kitchen island

Bill Fry Construction - Wm. H. Fry Const. Co.

Custom Modern IKEA Kitchen Remodel

Dendra Doors

Custom IKEA Kitchem Remodel by John Webb Construction using Dendra Doors Modern Slab Profile in VG Doug Fir veneer finish.

Cuisine

La Compagnie de la Maison

1926 Kitchen remodel with waterfall counter top

Murphy Bros. Design | Build | Remodel

Full Overlay, Rift White Oak front panel conceals Subzero drawer-style refrigerator/freezer.

Квартира на Пролетарской

Lavka-Design

Vertical grain cherry cabinets and cream-colored quartz countertops.

FabCab

Photography by Dale Lang

Curvey & Earthy

Performance Kitchens & Home

Voted best of Houzz 2014, 2015, 2016 & 2017! Since 1974, Performance Kitchens & Home has been re-inventing spaces for every room in the home. Specializing in older homes for Kitchens, Bathrooms, Den, Family Rooms and any room in the home that needs creative storage solutions for cabinetry. We offer color rendering services to help you see what your space will look like, so you can be comfortable with your choices! Our Design team is ready help you see your vision and guide you through the entire process! Photography by: Juniper Wind Designs LLC

Kitchen Remodel 18

Sue Monday's Design

This remodel of a kitchen and dining area included new cabinets, counters, lighting, and wall treatments to lighten up the area and make it feel more open and modern. Two bathrooms were also remodeled as part of this same project. They include some great custom tile work in the showers. Check them out in my projects under Bathroom Remodel 07!

Ostend Road

Bull O'Sullivan Architecture Limited

San Francisco High-Rise Home

Cheng Design

Fu-Tung Cheng, CHENG Design • Eat-in Kitchen featuring Concrete Countertops and Okeanito Hood, San Francisco High-Rise Home Dynamic, updated materials and a new plan transformed a lifeless San Francisco condo into an urban treasure, reminiscent of the client’s beloved weekend retreat also designed by Cheng Design. The simplified layout provides a showcase for the client’s art collection while tiled walls, concrete surfaces, and bamboo cabinets and paneling create personality and warmth. The kitchen features a rouge concrete countertop, a concrete and bamboo elliptical prep island, and a built-in eating area that showcases the gorgeous downtown view. Photography: Matthew Millman

Custom Coastal Residential Remodel Project

Marengo Morton Architects

Wrapped in a contemporary shell, this house features custom Cherrywood cabinets with blue granite countertops throughout the kitchen to connect its coastal environment.

Contemporary Kitchen Cabinetry

Modiani Kitchens

The Entertainer

BARRETT STUDIO architects

In this remodel, the kitchen forms a social hub flooded with natural light. Multiple islands are zoned by use: preparing, cooking, entertaining, and storage, and delineated by changes in flooring material and height. The remainder of the home is touched with thoughtful materials, as well as extensive energy updates including blown-in insulation, radiant heat flooring, solar, and daylighting. Photos: Maggie Flickinger

My kitchen

Andy Sermonia

Contemporary Kitchen 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 Contemporary 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!