Yes, you read the title right. Small updates DO make a BIG difference. Whether it’s updating a color, finish, or even the smallest: changing out the hardware, these minor updates together can all make a big difference in the space. For our Flashback Friday Feature, we have a perfect example of how you can make some small updates to revamp the entire space! The best of all, we replaced the door and drawer fronts, and added a small cabinet (removing the soffit, making the cabinets go to the ceiling) making this space seem like it’s been outfitted with a brand new kitchen! If you ask us, that’s a great way of value engineering and getting the best value out of your dollars! To learn more about this project, continue reading below! Cabinets As mentioned above, we removed the existing cabinet door and drawer fronts and replaced them with a more updated shaker style door/drawer fronts supplied by Woodmont. We removed the soffits and added an extra cabinet on the cooktop wall, taking the cabinets to the ceiling. This small update provides additional storage, and gives the space a new look! Countertops Bye-bye laminate, and hello quartz! As our clients were starting to notice the wear-and-tear of their original laminate tops, they knew they wanted something durable and that could last. Well, what better to install than quartz? Providing our clients with something that’s not only easy to maintain, but also modern was exactly what they wanted in their updated kitchen! Backsplash The original backsplash was a plain white 4×4″ tile and left much to be desired. Having lived with this backsplash for years, our clients wanted something more exciting and eye-catching. I can safely say that this small update delivered! We installed an eye-popping glass tile in blues, browns, and whites from Hirsch Glass tile in the Gemstone Collection. Hardware You’d think hardware doesn’t make a huge difference in a space, but it does! It adds not only the feel of good quality but also adds some character to the space. Here we have installed Amerock Blackrock knobs and pulls in Satin Nickel. Other Fixtures To top off the functionality and usability of the space, we installed a new sink and faucet. The sink and faucet is something used every day, so having something of great quality is much appreciated especially when so frequently used. From Kohler, we have an under-mount castiron sink in Palermo Blue. From Blanco, we have a single-hole, and pull-out spray faucet. Flooring Last but not least, we installed cork flooring. The cork provides and soft and cushiony feel and is great on your feet!

Tashmoo Cottage

Sherman Associates

A quaint cottage set back in Vineyard Haven's Tashmoo woods creates the perfect Vineyard getaway. Our design concept focused on a bright, airy contemporary cottage with an old fashioned feel. Clean, modern lines and high ceilings mix with graceful arches, re-sawn heart pine rafters and a large masonry fireplace. The kitchen features stunning Crown Point cabinets in eye catching 'Cook's Blue' by Farrow & Ball. This kitchen takes its inspiration from the French farm kitchen with a separate pantry that also provides access to the backyard and outdoor shower.

Dallas | Lakewood | Kitchen (Revive)

Kitchen Design Concepts

SE Portland Kitchen & Bath Remodel

Interiors by Blackwood

SE Portland Kitchen & Bath Remodel

Interiors by Blackwood

Fun Kitchen & Bath (Three of them!) Remodel in 1914 Mount Airy Home

Pine Street Carpenters & The Kitchen Studio

John Welsh

Fun Kitchen & Bath (Three of them!) Remodel in 1914 Mount Airy Home

Pine Street Carpenters & The Kitchen Studio

John Welsh

Fun Kitchen & Bath (Three of them!) Remodel in 1914 Mount Airy Home

Pine Street Carpenters & The Kitchen Studio

John Welsh

When Art and Food Collide

Robin Rigby Fisher, CMKBD/CAPS/CLIPPS

Condos are often a challenge – can’t move water, venting has to remain connected to existing ducting and recessed cans may not be an option. In this project, we had an added challenge – we could not lower the ceiling on the exterior wall due to a continual leak issue that the HOA has put off due to the multi-million-dollar expense. DESIGN PHILOSOPHY: Work Centers: prep, baking, clean up, message, beverage and entertaining. Vignette Design: avoid wall to wall cabinets, enhance the work center philosophy Geometry: create a more exciting and natural flow ANGLES: the baking center features a Miele wall oven and Liebherr Freezer, the countertop is 36” deep (allowing for an extra deep appliance garage with stainless tambour). CURVES: the island, desk and ceiling is curved to create a more natural flow. A raised drink counter in Sapele allows for “bellying up to the bar” CIRCLES: the 60” table (seating for 6) is supported by a steel plate and a custom column (used also to support the end of the curved desk – not shown) ISLAND CHALLENGE: To install recessed cans and connect to the existing ducting – we dropped the ceiling 6”. The dropped ceiling curves at the end of the island to the existing ceiling height at the pantry/desk area of the kitchen. The stainless steel column at the end of the island is an electrical chase (the ceiling is concrete, which we were not allowed to puncture) for the island Cabinets: Sapele – Vertical Grain Island Cabinets: Metro LM 98 – Horizontal Grain Laminate Countertop Granite: Purple Dunes Wood – maple Drink Counter: Sapele Appliances: Refrigerator and Freezer: Liebherr Induction CT, DW, Wall and Steam Oven: Miele Hood: Best Range Hoods – Cirrus Wine Refrigerator: Perlick Flooring: Cork Tile Backsplash: Artistic Tile Steppes – Negro Marquina Lighting: Tom Dixon NW Architectural Photography

Kitchen Crashers 3 day Remodel

JKL Development Inc.

Eclectic Red Kitchen - Portland

Interiors by Blackwood

Fun Kitchen & Bath (Three of them!) Remodel in 1914 Mount Airy Home

Pine Street Carpenters & The Kitchen Studio

John Welsh

Classic Style Kitchen Remodel with a Twist

Kitchen Mart

The Eclectic Country Kitchen

Hadrien Dimier Photographie

This kitchen area, despite it's very large size, feels very warm and welcoming. The custom backsplash consists of handmade tiles in the shape of leaves and has an amazing effect from every angle in the room. This kitchen also successfully incorporates several distinct areas (Breakfast area, office desk, mud room) in a very homogenous and natural way. Easier said than done! Interior Design: Longlook Kitchen & Bath / Photography: Hadrien Dimier Photographie / © 2013 Hadrien Dimier Photographie

Classic Style Kitchen Remodel with a Twist

Kitchen Mart

Fun Kitchen & Bath (Three of them!) Remodel in 1914 Mount Airy Home

Pine Street Carpenters & The Kitchen Studio

John Welsh

When Art and Food Collide

Robin Rigby Fisher, CMKBD/CAPS/CLIPPS

Classic Style Kitchen Remodel with a Twist

Kitchen Mart

Kitchen of Light and Texture

Fraley and Company

On the left, where we now see an informal dining space, was once was an enclosed atrium (open to the outside). Interesting in concept, in execution it was a huge chance for water intrusion in our rainy climate. We removed all but the structurally required walls, drywalls, painted, and ran the cork flooring into the new space! Photography by Schweitzer Creative

Kitchen of Light and Texture

Fraley and Company

We delight in the details: a subtle curve to the legs on the peninsula table; the cherry framing around the bamboo panels. Photography by Schweitzer Creative

Eclectic Kitchen with Cork 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 Eclectic 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!