Our client approached Matter in late 2019 for a new kitchen. While the existing kitchen had a reasonable layout and some great features, the cupboards weren’t optimising the space to its full potential, particularly for storage. Noting that the old kitchen aged very quickly, our client wanted the new kitchen to be constructed entirely from plywood—liking the appearance and strength of the material. They also loved vibrant use of colour and suggested we look at the kitchens featured in films by the Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar for inspiration. The result was a playful mix of hand painted navy, light blue and retro orange in combination with a ‘raw’ effect from the birch plywood. To save on cost and waste, we decided to keep certain components of the kitchen that have remained in very good condition. Some of these included the stainless steel bench tops and oven/range hood stack, as well as a polished concrete island bench top. We replaced most of the cupboards with drawer units specifically tailored to fit our client's extensive collection of cookware and appliances with adjustable partitions. An integrated Hideaway rubbish bin free’s up circulation space and a Kesseböhmer pull-out pantry will ensure no bottle of spice is ever lost to the back of a cupboard again.

A classic shaker kitchen with a contemporary twist

Edmondson Interiors

A contemporary take on a classic shaker design, for the perfect combination of old and new. An oak topped central island to blend with the oak framed property. Photos byAlton Omar

Contemporary British Kitchen Project in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex

Alexander Kitchens

The Brief This Shoreham-by-Sea client sought a kitchen improvement to make the most of a sunny extension space. As part of the project new flooring was also required, which was to run from the front porch of the property to the rear bi-fold doors. A theme with a nod to this client’s seaside location was favoured, as well as a design that maximised storage space. An island was also a key desirable of this project brief. Design Elements A combination of Tyrolean Blue and Oak furniture have been utilised, creating the coastal theme that this client favoured. These finishes are from British supplier Mereway, and have been used in their handleless option. The layout groups most of the functional kitchen areas together, with the extension part of the kitchen equipped with plenty of storage and an area to store decorative items. Aron has incorporated an island space as this client required. It’s a thin island purposefully, ensuring there is plenty of space for the clients dining area. Special Inclusions As part of the project, this client sought to improve their appliance functionality. Incorporating Neff models for an integrated fridge-freezer, integrated washing machine, single oven and a combination microwave. A BORA X Pure is placed upon the island and combines an 83cm induction surface with a powerful built-in extraction system. The X Pure venting hob is equipped with two oversized cooking zones, which can fit several pots and pans, or can even be used with the BORA grill pan. Additionally, a 30cm wine cabinet has been built into furniture at the extension area of the kitchen. This is a new Neff model that can cool up to twenty-one standard wine bottles. Above the sink area a Quooker 100°C boiling water tap can also be spotted. This is their famous Flex model, which is equipped with a pull-out nozzle, and is shown in the stainless-steel finish. Project Highlight The extension area of the project is a fantastic highlight. It provides plenty of storage as the client required, but also doubles as an area to store decorative items. In the extension area designer Aron has made great use of lighting options, integrating spotlights into each storage cubbyhole, as well as beneath wall units in this area and throughout the kitchen. The End Result This project achieves all the elements of the brief, incorporating a coastal theme, plenty of storage space, an island area, and a new array of high-tech appliances. Thanks to our complete installation option this client also undertook a complete flooring improvement, as well as a full plastering of all downstairs ceilings. If you are seeking to make a similar transformation to your kitchen, arranging a free appointment with one of our expert designers may be the best place to start. Request a callback or arrange a free design consultation today.

Colonial Road

Thyme & Place Design LLC

This small kitchen packs a powerful punch. By replacing an oversized sliding glass door with a 24" cantilever which created additional floor space. We tucked a large Reid Shaw farm sink with a wall mounted faucet into this recess. A 7' peninsula was added for storage, work counter and informal dining. A large oversized window floods the kitchen with light. The color of the Eucalyptus painted and glazed cabinets is reflected in both the Najerine stone counter tops and the glass mosaic backsplash tile from Oceanside Glass Tile, "Devotion" series. All dishware is stored in drawers and the large to the counter cabinet houses glassware, mugs and serving platters. Tray storage is located above the refrigerator. Bottles and large spices are located to the left of the range in a pull out cabinet. Pots and pans are located in large drawers to the left of the dishwasher. Pantry storage was created in a large closet to the left of the peninsula for oversized items as well as the microwave. Additional pantry storage for food is located to the right of the refrigerator in an alcove. Cooking ventilation is provided by a pull out hood so as not to distract from the lines of the kitchen.

The Master- Class

Kitchens on Highbrook

Mountview

Martins Camisuli Architects

What struck us strange about this property was that it was a beautiful period piece but with the darkest and smallest kitchen considering it's size and potential. We had a quite a few constrictions on the extension but in the end we managed to provide a large bright kitchen/dinning area with direct access to a beautiful garden and keeping the 'new ' in harmony with the existing building. We also expanded a small cellar into a large and functional Laundry room with a cloakroom bathroom. Jake Fitzjones Photography Ltd

Ashridge - A hand-painted Shaker kitchen with banquette seating

Simon Taylor Furniture

Our clients were seeking a classic and stylish Shaker kitchen with a contemporary edge, to complement the architecture of their five-year-old house, which features a modern beamed ceiling and herringbone flooring. They also wanted a kitchen island to include banquette seating surrounding one end of a large industrial-style dining table with an Ash wooden table top that our clients already owned. We designed the main run of in frame cabinetry with a classic cornice to completely fit within the recessed space along the back wall behind the island, which is hand-painted in Stewkey Blue by Farrow & Ball. This includes a central inglenook and an overmantel that conceals a Siemens canopy extractor hood above a white Everhot range cooker. Overhead cabinets and undercounter storage cupboards were included within the design, together with oak dovetailed deep drawer storage boxes. A Samsung American-style fridge freezer was also integrated within the run. A 30mm thick quartz worktop in Tuscany colourway extends on either side of the range cooker and this is repeated on the kitchen island as well, with an overhang on both sides of the u-shaped design to accommodate bar stools beneath. In the centre of the island, we created u-shaped banquette seating upholstered in grey velvet to surround one end of the large rectangular dining table. To store their collection of fine wines, we specified two undercounter wine conditioners by Miele to fit within each end of the island to store reds, whites and Champagnes. Along the length of the island, facing the Everhot is a large ceramic double-bowl Belfast sink by Shaws of Darwen and a Quooker Cube tap, providing hot, cold, boiling and sparkling water. On the task side of the island, two 60cm dishwashers by Miele are integrated at either end of the cabinetry together with storage for pull-out bins and utility items. On a further run to the left of the island, we designed and made a large Shaker two-door pantry larder, hand-painted in All White by Farrow & Ball and featuring deep dovetail drawer boxes beneath. Extending on either side of the pantry is natural oak contemporary open shelving to mix with the traditional design of the kitchen. A further freestanding cabinet with a natural solid oak top was handmade to sit beneath the client’s wall-mounted television. Cup handles and knobs are all brushed brass by Crofts and Assinder, with matching brass butt hinges.

Cameron Kitchen

DStevens

Working alongside the client we have created plenty of storage throughout the kitchen. An oversized pantry provides easy and quick access to large appliances and ingredients when the kitchen is in use. The large sliding doors ensure the pantry can be closed off and any mess hidden away when entertaining.

Industrial Style Shaker Kitchen - Woodford Green

Handmade Kitchen Co

We enjoyed breathing new life into this kitchen we originally fitted in 2016 for the previous owner. The new owner loved the kitchen so much that as part of their plans to renovate the property, they wanted to keep the kitchen for its sturdiness and look. The layout was adapted to fit the new space, new paint, new worktops, new appliances. This has all added up to creating a fantastic open-plan industrial style kitchen. The furniture is in frame classic shaker with a beaded front frame made of tulipwood. The internal carcass is made of an oak veneer for a real oak look and feel but the sturdiness of MDF. Hand painted in Farrow & Ball Railings. We also supplied the Quooker boiling water tap.

Seaside Shaker

Treyone

The Harpenden Project

Folds Inside Ltd

Blackheath Kitchen

piqu

A bright and bold kitchen we designed and installed for a family in Blackheath at the end of last year. The colours look absolutely stunning and the orange back-painted glass splashback really stands out (particularly when the under cabinet lights are on). All of the materials are so tactile - from the cabinets finished in Fenix to the Azzurite quartzite worktop on the Island, and the stunning concrete floor. Motion sensor Philips Hue lighting, Siemens StudioLine appliances and a Franke Tap and Sink complete the kitchen.

strong blues

Chalkhouse Kitchens

Little Greene Paint Company's Hick's Blue painted Shaker units look dramatic but adding in a crisp white Corian worktop keeps the whole kitchen looking fresh. Neat chrome knob handles and chrome covers on the clear glass splashback introduce a sparkle to lift the colour. Photos by Felix Page

Jeff Roberts

This Woodways contemporary kitchen utilizes blue and red acrylic materials mixed with light wood tones to soften the space. Utilizing acrylic allows for a very pigmented color to add to any design to make a statement. Photo Credit: Gabe Fahlen - Birch Tree Design

Kitchens

Dall Designer Homes

Coastal chic with a twist

At No 19

Bespoke contemporary handleless kitchen in coastal colours. Hi Macs solid surface worktops and a bespoke glass splashback. Driftwood effect laminate flooring and integrated appliances

SW2

Alta London Design & Project Management

Linear Kitchen with Copper, Sheffield UK

Goldman and Rankin

Clean lines, simplicity and a handleless cabinet design are the key characteristics that make up the Linear. A bespoke contemporary kitchen design on the outside with wealth of personalized features on the inside.

Kitchen with Blue Cabinets and Glass Sheet 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!