For this project, the homeowner wanted the main living spaces to be open and flow easily from one room to another. We expanded the kitchen to include more cabinetry and larger work spaces with greater accessibility to both. By removing an odd half-wall between the kitchen and living room, converting an out-of-place wet bar in the entry into a closet, installing new windows for better natural light, and reconstructing the main entry archway, we helped turn this otherwise dark and closed-off space into an expansive, light-filled place of ease.

Hamptons Shingle Style

Schwarz Lewis Design Group, Inc.

Traditional Home Holiday Issue 2017-18

Photographer: Dustin Halleck

2017 Parade Home

Designs by Craig Veenker

Historic Foursquare Kitchen

w.b. builders

Classic Foursquare addition remodel now reflects the charm and character of the rest of the house

Traditional Kitchen with a Chic Farmhouse Twist

Carrie Johnson

Homeowners aimed to bring the lovely outdoors into better view when they removed the two 90's dated columns that divided the kitchen from the family room and eat-in area. They also transformed the range wall when they added two wood encasement windows which frame the custom zinc hood and allow a soft light to penetrate the kitchen. Custom beaded inset cabinetry was designed with a busy family of 5 in mind. A coffee station hides behind the appliance garage, the paper towel holder is partially concealed in a rolling drawer and three custom pullout drawers with soft close hinges hold many items that would otherwise be located on the countertop or under the sink. A 48" Viking gas range took the place of a 30" electric cooktop and a Bosch microwave drawer is now located in the island to make space for the newly added beverage cooler. Due to size and budget constaints, we kept the basic footprint so every space was carefully planned for function and design. The family stayed true to their casual lifestyle with the black honed countertops but added a little bling with the rustic crystal chandelier, crystal prism arched sconces and calcutta gold herringbone backsplash. But the owner's favorite add was the custom island designed as an antique furniture piece with the essenza blue quartzite countertop cut with a demi-bull stepout. The kids can now sit at the ample sized counter and enjoy breakfast or finish homework in the comfortable cherry red swivel chairs which add a pop to the otherwise understated tones. This newly remodeled kitchen checked all the homeowner's desires.

St. Charles estate residence

SeBern Custom Homes

Ponte Vedra Beach Kitchen and Bar Renovation

Woodsman Kitchens and Floors

Stunning kitchen with quarter-sawn white oak cabinetry and custom bench combined with polar white painted maple. The main top is an exotic marble and the expansive waterfall island features a durable and modern white quartz. Also boasts a gorgeous custom hood, light oak floors, fun fabrics, woven window coverings, designer lighting and hardware and a separate wet bar with a custom peach color and polar white uppers. Everything one could need for an active family living at the coast.

Groves Ave Kitchen Renovation

Jordan Design-Build Group

With Craftsman details throughout the rest of the home, our clients wanted their new kitchen to have transitional elements such as Shaker style doors, a farmhouse sink, warm wood tones, and other timeless features such as a custom hood and natural stone counters. The beautiful Glorious White marble counters have a soft honed finish and the stunning marble backsplash ties everything together to complete the look. The two-toned cabinets pair a rich stained cherry island with soft white perimeter cabinets. Brushed brass accents on the appliances pulls, cabinet hardware, lights and plumbing fixtures add another layer of sophistication. An induction range, dishwasher drawers, undercounter microwave, and four-door smart refrigerator amp up the functionality of this cook’s kitchen.

Talmadge St Los Feliz Craftsman

Julia Chasman Design

Side view of custom island with built-in wine rack, vertical storage for trays, narrow bookshelf for cookbooks. Island paint color: Railings by Farrow & Ball

Mediterranean Modern

Cheryl Weckesser Design

Heights Road

JK interior living

Valley Village

Rande Leaman Interior Design

This custom white kitchen is accented by a charcoal gray island and swivel bar stools in a gray textured fabric. Polished nickel faucets and fixtures accent the space. The standout is the richly veined marble countertops and backsplash.

Modern Farmhouse in Observatory Park

AJ Kirkegaard Contractors

Sandpiper

Flagg Coastal Homes

The open kitchen at Sandpiper. Design by Dorian Lytle and Flagg Design Studios Photo by Owen McGoldrick Interiors by Coastal Dwelling and Design

Pacific Palisades Traditional Kitchen

LA Dwelling Inc

Open concept, bright kitchen with custom cabinetry and panels so that a small space is integrated

Light Gray Kitchen - Englewood, NJ

Melanie Sferlazza Design

Perkins Kitchen Remodel

Dream Home Builders and Remodelers

Tall fluted glass in cabinet doors. Looks Great!

farmhouse

Cambridge Row | Design & Renovation

Cambridge Row

Kitchen with a Farmhouse Sink and Marble 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 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!