Our kitchen and bath designer, Claire, worked with the clients to design an amazing new kitchen (dubbed Not Your Average Island). The clients’ biggest headache was that the kitchen didn’t function for their family. They were limited with their current seating arrangement, their countertops were filled with appliances, proper storage solutions were lacking and the space was just not working well for them. With the banquette for the children to comfortably do their afternoon homework, additional island seating and enhanced function throughout, our designer Claire completely transformed this space. Her expertise created a one-of-a-kind (definitely not your average) island that was designed specifically for this wonderful family and allowed her to find a home for every piece and part (and more!) the homeowners use every day and the clients love their new kitchen! Photography: Scott Amundson Photography

Tribay Project

Citizen Design Co.

The kitchen is the hub of this home. With custom white shaker cabinetry on the perimeter + a contrasting dark + moody island, we warmed the space by bringing in brass hardware and wood accents. Windows flank both sides of the range hood giving a clear view into the expansive backyard while the floor to ceiling cabinets maximize storage!

The AV's Gamble House

Lenton Company, Inc.

The Craftsman's style inspiration derived from the Gamble House. The fireplace wall was decreased in size for an open-concept spacious grand room. The custom stained cabinetry graciously flows from the kitchen, laundry room, hall, and primary bathroom. Two new hutches were added to the dining room area for extra storage. The sizeable wet island serves as an entertaining hub. We spared no unused space to accommodate the families' needs. Two-tone quartz countertops provide a transitional design. The quartz white countertops serve as a grout-free backsplash.

Classic White Entertaining Kitchen

G.W. Smith Lumber Co.

Look who wanted to be in the photo!

Navy Farmhouse Kitchen

L & L Home Restoration, LLC

This kitchen has plenty of space for the family and for entertaining. The island has 2 sides for stools, large walk around spaces and lots of countertops for preparing meals and enjoying guests.

Bridge House

HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles

Triple Compartment Sink + Double Faucets set in engineered quartz tops + Leicht Cabinets - Bridge House - Fenneville, Michigan - Lake Michigan - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect, Marika Designs, Marika Klemm, Interior Designer - Tom Rigney, TR Builders

Riverdale Remodel | Gray Cabinets

Toulmin Kitchen & Bath

Photography: Lance Holloway Kitchen Design: Jennifer Eaton

Montauk

Pamela Glazer Architect

Kitchens

Cozy Kitchens Group

Cozy custom cabinetry high gloss foil with Silestone countertops. photo by: Elizabeth Kiourtzidis

Design Ideas featuring Mohawk

Mohawk Flooring

Bellview Kitchen & Great Room Remodel

Pure Design Interiors

To make better use of space for a large family, and entertaining, we took out a peninsula and added a huge island. The dark stain on the island and banquette help pull together the light maple on the existing perimeter cabinets and the knotty pine paneling in this original Craftsman home.

Classic White Entertaining Kitchen

G.W. Smith Lumber Co.

This laundry room has its own crafting station and dog wash! The homeowner had custom tiles made in the dog's shower with the names of each pet the family had owned. Such a sweet and personal touch to the space.

Biavo Giallo

McLusky Showcase Kitchens & Baths

Complete design and remodel, removal of walls, new lighting, flooring, custom cabinetry and engineered quartz counters, custom wallsplash. Designer: Kristine McLusky, Remodel by McLusky Showcase Kitchens & Baths Photos by: Ruppersberger Photographer Custom Cupboards Cabinetry

RHOC Interior Design, Kitchen & Gardens | Coto de Caza, CA

Leanne Michael L U X E lifestyle design

Spanish Mediterranean with subtle Moroccan glazed clay tile influences, custom cabinetry and subzero custom fridge panels in a creamy white and gold hand faux finish with quartz counter tops in Taupe grey, brushed gold hardware and faux succulent arrangements. The island was designed in double length as one side is for much needed enclosed storage and the other is for open barstool seating designed to resemble an antique refectory table and then topped with stunning calacata macchia vecchia marble and three impressive custom solid hand forged iron & glass lantern light fixtures sparkling from above. Wolf Range Subzero Miele Coffee Machine Waterstone Faucets

Bridge House

HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles

Kitchen + Island view from Dining - Bridge House - Fenneville, Michigan - Lake Michigan - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles, Christopher Short, Indianapolis Architect, Marika Designs, Marika Klemm, Interior Designer - Tom Rigney, TR Builders - white large format floor tile, Leicht kitchen cabinets, Bekins Refrigerator, Miele Built-In Coffee Machine, Miele Refrigerator, Wolf Range, Bosch Dishwasher, Amana Ice-Maker, Sub-zero Refrigerator, Best-Cirrus Range Hood, Gallery Kitchen Sink, Caesarstone Tops, Floating Kitchen Island

Not Your Average Island Kitchen

Studio M Kitchen & Bath

For this bright & transitional kitchen with added contrast, our clients were not afraid to mix metal finishes. You see this in the cabinet hardware, range hood, and plumbing and lighting fixtures. Photography: Scott Amundson Photography

Cherry Kitchen & large island/ bar

J. Carsten Remodeling

Photos by Mark Ehlen- Ehlen Creative

Split Level Kitchen

Cabinet Gallery

Island Estates Condo Kitchen

Elements Design Co. (DBA Kitchen Style, LLC)

Kitchen with a Triple-bowl Sink and Quartz Benchtops 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!