This outdated Mid Century ranch built in late 1950’s was in serious need of an update. Our clients wanted a fresh contemporary feel that was simple in design and reflected the original Mid Century feel of the home. The new frosted Plexiglas railing allows the now open staircase and modern pendant to become part of the small dining area. White painted cabinetry with slab doors and minimal pulls add a lighter component and balance out the dark walnut cabinetry. The (3) built-in charging drawers, Legrand retractable outlets and a single door hood that opens with a light touch add a "cool" functional vibe to the space., Gray quartz countertops and a rectilinear white tile backsplash add serenity and tie in the stainless appliances giving the kitchen a modern feel. A wood waterfall countertop detail on the back of the island adds interest to the space and is anchored by the unique handblown wave glass pendants in a soft grey color. The new exposed support is both dramatic and functional in that it hides a support post in open bookcase cabinet. Wendi Nordeck Photography

Lake Austin Contemporary

Paula Ables Interiors

An open floor plan with high ceilings and large windows adds to the contemporary style of this home. The view to the outdoors creates a direct connection to the homes outdoor living spaces and the lake beyond. Photo by Jacob Bodkin. Architecture by James LaRue Architects.

Natural Stone Kitchen | Super White Premium

WK STONE

Super White Premium marble benchtops

Pantry Storage Solution

Abundance Organizing

Pull out drawers create accessible storage solution in a tall pantry cabinet.

Mt Tamborine Project

ANA Building Group

Kitchen at our Tamborine Project

A beautiful open plan kichen with Marina Oak wood floors designed by Architect M

Hallmark Floors

Marina Oak Ventura in a Rancho Palos Verdes home, sent by Architect Michelle Anaya. The Ventura Engineered Hardwood Floor Collection by Hallmark Floors is a gorgeous feature to add to any home. High vaulted ceilings and a contemporary color palette is a spectacular combination with Photo by Michelle Anaya.

Contemporary Feel, Classic Style on the NH Seacoast

User

The pantry was also incorporated into the design with glass door cabinets and a pass through area to make every day cooking a little easier.

Danville Contemporary Cottage Kitchen

Lisa Anne Designs

Tim Manning

Freeman Residence

LMK INTERIOR DESIGN

Scott Zimmerman, Modern kitchen with walnut cabinets and quartz counter tops and double island.

San Rafael Remodel

Knocknock

Detail of cabinets and kitchen storage space. Photo by Olga Soboleva

Kitchen

Sugatsune America, Inc.

Sugatsune LIN-X system used for full access on blind corners

Wide Plank White Oak Wood Floor in Nashville TN Modern Farmhouse

Oak & Broad

8" Character Rift & Quartered White Oak Wood Floor. Extra Long Planks. Finished on site in Nashville Tennessee. Rubio Monocoat Finish. View into Kitchen with white cabinets, stainless refrigerator and appliances, green glass pendants lights, and bar stools. www.oakandbroad.com

Chatelain - Mt. Pleasant, SC

Sceltas Custom Homes

Centrally located in Mount Pleasant, the owners of this condo wanted to give their loved kitchen a nice facelift. This kitchen remodel included new grey Silestone countertops, glazed subway tile backsplash, a Koehler farmhouse sink, stainless steel appliances, new pendant lighting, and custom made shelving and cabinetry (exclusive to Sceltas). With classic white shaker style cabinets with full extension soft close doors, this kitchen will be functional and attractive for years to come.

Panoramastraße Weil der Stadt

AMP Architekten

Open plan family diner

J M Interiors

Pedersen Kitchen

Kiwi Woodworks

Birds Eye Maple Kitchen Cabinets with Flat Panel door style . Stainless steel appliances, Dacor cooktop, Dacor double ovens, Subzero refrigerator, Subzero wine fridge, Miele dishwasher, Jenn-Air warming drawer, granite countertops, appliance storage center, floor to ceiling hall pantry doors, center island range hood, Cherry hardwood flooring.

Large Marble Island in Statuary Marble

Artichoke

Artichoke worked with the renowned interior designer Ilse Crawford to develop the style of this bespoke kitchen in a Grade II listed Regency house. We made two furniture ‘elements’ providing the main functions for the kitchen. Care has been taken not to interfere with the original interior architecture of the room. Tall Georgian windows enable light to flood over the furniture as well as providing delightful views of the grounds. Limited palettes of fine quality materials help create the feeling of an art installation, enhancing the drama of this fabulous room. Primary materials: Bookmatched Statuary marble and hand burnished gloss pigmented lacquer. The kitchen scullery is in English oak, finished in soap, a traditional Georgian period finish.

Ida Avenue Modern Farmhouse

Elevate Architecture

Black Bike Photography

Contemporary Kitchen with Medium 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 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!