Crédits photo: Alexis Paoli

Another 2018 example of Black Fenix NTM © being used to great effect for this extensive whole house renovation! For this renovation in Mount Lawley a combination of white laminate, walnut effect laminate and black Fenix © were used to create contrast and drama in the kitchen area. Arrital's walnut effect laminate has been a popular door finish this year! It is very competitively priced and has come up beautifully on all the projects it has featured. The walnut colour assists to soften an area when used in the same space as black Fenix ©. To further soften this kitchen area, Caesarstone's rugged concrete was used on the breakfast bar providing a gray backdrop for the rest of the kitchen. Retreat Design provided the cabinetry for all areas of this whole house renovation, including study nooks and an outdoor BBQ area. The cabinetry pricing was kept competitive through the use of white laminate cabinetry coupled with feature cabinetry to higher specification in areas such as the kitchen.

Modern Highland Escape

SGDI - Sarah Gallop Design Inc.

This modern kitchen features wood valances and gables to capture tall cabinet walls as well as fridges, pantries and wall ovens integrated for a streamlined contemporary look. Two work triangles allow for collaborative cooking, and the span of a 10’4 Island with waterfall edge, makes the space very comfortable. The sleek shark-nose edge applied to the quartz tops extends to the perimeter counters and throughout the spice kitchen as well. The modern look of this unique finish is complimented by a statement making natural marble chevron backsplash tile. Combination of painted white perimeter, wood valance and gable details, and painted blue island crowned with gold finished cabinet hardware and lighting fixture details lend warmth and contrast to the contemporary artistic space. photo: Paul Grdina Photography

Beach Penthouse - Toronto

GRECO INTERIORS

Full kitchen renovation as part of a larger renovation to modernize the client's penthouse. It's not how much space you have; it's what you do with it! We used integrated appliances to space space and modern millwork with finger pulls to achieve a modern, streamlined design aesthetic. Adding the grey brick wall warms up the space and adds a custom touch that adds a sophisticated experience. Designer: Greco Interiors Photo: Stephani Buchman

nx510 / nx960 Achatgrau samtmatt / Ceramic Marmor bianco Nachbildung

next125

Wenig Platz für Küche, aber trotzdem viel Platz in der Küche, dazu noch ein Kommunikationszentrum in Form einer Bartheke – fertig ist die Loftküche. Was sich so leicht anhört, ist das Ergebnis perfekter Planung. Da wären zum Beispiel die raumhoch eingebauten Hochschränke mit Fronten in edlem Ceramic Marmor bianco Nachbildung, kombiniert mit extra Stauraum in Unterschränken in samtmattem Achatgrau. Kontrast und Auflockerung bieten die offenen Schübe aus hellem Holz, die alles Notwendige verstauen. So entsteht eine „große“ Küche auf kleinstem Raum. Little space for the kitchen, but plenty of space in the kitchen, plus a place for communication in the form of a breakfast bar – that‘s the loft kitchen. What sounds so easy means perfect planning. For instance, the floor-to-ceiling fitted tall units with fronts in exquisite ceramic marble bianco effect, combined with extra storage space in base units in subtle agate grey velvet matt. Contrast and a less formal look com from the open drawers in light-coloured wood which can be used to hold simply everything that needs to be in easy reach. Particular attention has been given to configuring the drawers and pull-outs to make good use of every inch of space. This creates a “big” kitchen in a small space.

Contemporary Kitchen

Small Condo Kitchen on budget

SieMatic Boston

Photographer Angela Carpenter. SieMatic S3 in Lotus White and Graphite Grey laminate finish.

Modern Farmhouse Kitchen

Silver Birch

2018 Street of Dreams - Private Reserve

BC Custom Construction

Steven R Haning

Small U Shape Kitchen - Kensington, London

Elan Kitchens

Balmes -240m²-, Barcelona -in progress-

GokoStudio

Bluetomatophotos

Pineapple House

Origin

rénovation d'un appartement en hyper centre urbain

ad mansio

Conservation refurbishment

User

EFH Rimsting

Singhammer Bodensysteme

Küchenboden mit Creafloor Design Sichtestrich Mikro Terrazzo Schliff

Southwestern Contemporary

Janet Brooks Design

At the end of a large great room, this kitchen features a large working island, in addition to a raised counter for bar stools. A blackened steel custom range hood ties in with a steel back splash, all organically placed against a wall of ledge stone that pierces the home from inside to outside.

HML_Haus M Leipzig

Blässe Laser Architekten bla°

bla architekten / Steffen Junghans

Century City High-rise

Black Lacquer Design

Eron Rauch

Modern Boston Apartment

Shor Home

Laura Moss Photography

Park Avenue Apartment

Rodman Paul Architects, pllc

Contemporary U-shaped 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!