The result of a close collaboration between designer and client, this stylish kitchen maximises the varying heights and shapes of the space to create a blend of relaxed, open-plan charm and functionally distinct working and living zones. The thoughtful updating of classic aesthetics lends the room a timeless beauty, while a tonal range of warm greys creates a subtle counterpoint to distinctive accents such as brass fittings and sliding ladders. An abundance of light graces the space as it flows between the needs of chic entertaining, informal family gatherings and culinary proficiency. Plentiful – and occasionally quirky – storage also forms a key design detail, while the finest in materials and equipment make this kitchen a place to truly enjoy. Photo by Jake Fitzjones

Cleveland Kitchen

Michael Christopher Design

Tony Dailo

Contemporary Grey Kitchen

Tom Howley

The Hartford collection is an inspired modern update on the classic Shaker style kitchen. Designed with simplicity in mind, the kitchens in this range have a universal appeal that never fails to delight. Each kitchen is beautifully proportioned, with an unerring focus on scale that ensures the final result is flawless. The impressive island adds much needed extra storage and work surface space, perfect for busy family living. Placed in the centre of the kitchen, it creates a hub for friends and family to gather. A large Kohler sink, with Perrin & Rowe taps creates a practical prep area and because it’s positioned between the Aga and fridge it creates an ideal work triangle.

Contemporary Grey Kitchen

Tom Howley

The Hartford collection is an inspired modern update on the classic Shaker style kitchen. Designed with simplicity in mind, the kitchens in this range have a universal appeal that never fails to delight. Each kitchen is beautifully proportioned, with an unerring focus on scale that ensures the final result is flawless. The traditional style range cooker is everything you expect from an Aga but with the flexibility of gas and electric. This model is much more suited to modern families where we need instant heat to cook on daily. The cast-iron classic design is finished in a soft grey called Pearl Ashes, perfectly balancing the whole kitchen scheme. Other appliances such as the Miele fridge are cleverly integrated behind floor-to-ceiling cabinets.

BUTLERS PANTRY

Donna Guyler Design

Interior Design by Donna Guyler Design

Austin Penthouse

McWalters Collaborative

Cheshire Home Ground Floor

Cream & Black Interior Design

Chris Snook

Fitzroy North House

MMAD Architecture

The kitchen becomes another furniture piece morphing to become the stair and divides the dining and lounge. The void above is open the the study landing maintaining a connection between the floor levels. Image by: Jack Lovel Photography

SieMatic Stilwelt | PURE

SieMatic - moebelplus Deutschland GmbH & Co KG

Nevern

Jess Lavers Design

Luxurious Residence - Kitchen

Martin Manley Architects

A luxurious and well-appointed house an a ridge high in Avon's Wildridge neighborhood with incredible views to Beaver Creek resort and the New York Mountain Range.

Avon New Construction

Interior Intuitions, Inc.

Teri Fotheringham - Denverphoto.com

Retreat at Mt Cathedral - The Colours of Nature

Studio Jung

Black impact. The beauty of timber grain.

UWS - Riverside Dr Apartment

Marwa Bsat

Aisling Wood Slab in Frame Kitchen

Portfolio Kitchens

A modern kitchen which still feels homely. We chose an inframe kitchen but with a flat door. As it's a bespoke, traditional style of kitchen but the flat door and long bar handles give it a streamlined and contemporary feel.

Stan Case Study

Roundhouse

Roundhouse Urbo matt lacquer bespoke kitchen in RAL9003 with alternate front finishes in Fumed Eucalyptus vertical grain veneer and vertical grain Walnut veneer, splashback in Bronze mirror. Worksurface in 17mm thick Corian Glacier White with Mixa sink and a stainless steel inset into island. Photography by Nick Kane.

Modern shaker kitchen in dark slate blue against the brick wall

Eclectic Interiors

Modern shaker kitchen in dark slate blue looks stunning against the brick wall. The cabinets are complemented by marble effect quartz worktop. Bronze mirror splashback adds the wow factor to this modern extension . The island faces the back garden and this lay-out provides not just additional storage and seating but also leaves plenty of room for a dining table and sofa for a young growing family.

Cool & Contemporary Kitchen

Chamber Furniture

This large open plan kitchen features a combination of stunning textures as well as colours from natural wood grain, to copper and hand painted elements creating an exciting Mix & Match style. An open room divider provides the perfect zoning piece of furniture to allow interaction between the kitchen and cosy relaxed seating area. A large dining area forms the other end of the room for continued conversation whilst entertaining and cooking. Photography credit: Darren Chung

Hope Island / Gold Coast

Germancraft Cabinets

Crisp & Clean White Kitchen in NYC

Bilotta Kitchen & Home

This clean, contemporary, white kitchen, in a New York City penthouse, was designed by Bilotta's Goran Savic and Regina Bilotta in collaboration with Jennifer Post of Jennifer Post Design. The cabinetry is Bilotta’s contemporary line, Artcraft. A flat panel door in a high-gloss white lacquer finish, the base cabinet hardware is a channel system while the tall cabinets have long brushed stainless pulls. All of the appliances are Miele, either concealed behind white lacquer panels or featured in their “Brilliant White” finish to keep the clean, integrated design. On the island, the Gaggenau cooktop sits flush with the crisp white Corian countertop; on the parallel wall the sink is integrated right into the Corian top. The mirrored backsplash gives the illusion of a more spacious kitchen – after all, large, eat-in kitchens are at a premium in Manhattan apartments! At the same time it offers view of the cityscape on the opposite side of the apartment. Designer: Bilotta Designer, Goran Savic and Regina Bilotta with Jennifer Post of Jennifer Post Design Photo Credit:Peter Krupenye

Contemporary Kitchen with Mirror 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 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!