Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW I am still sometimes shocked myself at how much of a difference a kitchen remodel can make in a space, you think I would know by now! This was one of those jobs. The small U-shaped room was a bit cramped, a bit dark and a bit dated. A neighboring sunroom/breakfast room addition was awkwardly used, and most of the time the couple hung out together at the small peninsula. The client wish list included a larger, lighter kitchen with an island that would seat 7 people. They have a large family and wanted to be able to gather and entertain in the space. Right outside is a lovely backyard and patio with a fireplace, so having easy access and flow to that area was also important. Our first move was to eliminate the wall between kitchen and breakfast room, which we anticipated would need a large beam and some structural maneuvering since it was the old exterior wall. However, what we didn’t anticipate was that the stucco exterior of the original home was layered over hollow clay tiles which was impossible to shore up in the typical manner. After much back and forth with our structural team, we were able to develop a plan to shore the wall and install a large steal & wood structural beam with minimal disruption to the original floor plan. That was important because we had already ordered everything customized to fit the plan. We all breathed a collective sigh of relief once that part was completed. Now we could move on to building the kitchen we had all been waiting for. Oh, and let’s not forget that this was all being done amidst COVID 2020. We covered the rough beam with cedar and stained it to coordinate with the floors. It’s actually one of my favorite elements in the space. The homeowners now have a big beautiful island that seats up to 7 people and has a wonderful flow to the outdoor space just like they wanted. The large island provides not only seating but also substantial prep area perfectly situated between the sink and cooktop. In addition to a built-in oven below the large gas cooktop, there is also a steam oven to the left of the sink. The steam oven is great for baking as well for heating daily meals without having to heat up the large oven. The other side of the room houses a substantial pantry, the refrigerator, a small bar area as well as a TV. The homeowner fell in love the with the Aqua quartzite that is on the island, so we married that with a custom mosaic in a similar tone behind the cooktop. Soft white cabinetry, Cambria quartz and Thassos marble subway tile complete the soft traditional look. Gold accents, wood wrapped beams and oak barstools add warmth the room. The little powder room was also included in the project. Some fun wallpaper, a vanity with a pop of color and pretty fixtures and accessories finish off this cute little space. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Rhapsody in Blue

Sycamore Kitchens & More

"We would LOVE a FUNCTIONAL Blue and White kitchen please!" stated the clients who longed for a kitchen that the whole family can cook in. Kristin, our Senior Designer was only too happy to oblige. Using an inset cabinetry selected by the client, Kristin worked her magic. She created an expansive Blue island complete with a prep sink so "no more waiting in line to use the sink!" In addition, the cooktop was relocated from the island to provide additional prep and entertaining space. Plus, an intimate seating area was created. Of course, a beautiful shade of blue was selected for the island. On the perimeter of the kitchen, the refrigeration was separated to provide easy, quick access to the abundance of fresh vegetables needed for each meal, and were paneled to be pleasing to the eye. A speed oven and a convection oven are perfect for the wonderful baked breads, cakes, cookies and casseroles created by this family. A wine area took the place of a desk creating a drink station while entertaining. A beautiful quartzite with rich blue veins was painstakingly selected to tie in the entire space and a textured subway tile completed the look. Rhapsody in Blue= Family Harmony!

City House

SHKS Architects

3/4" Roma Blue Quartzite Kitchen Countertops

User

Amazing 3/4" Roma Blue quartzite countertops custom fabricated in cooperation with Casa Santi Interior Design! Bold & beautiful, Roma Blue quartzite combines brown tones of the floor and dark blue shade of the cabinets to create a stunning contemporary twist on a traditional farmhouse kitchen remodel. At First Class Granite, we offer free layout appointments for all our clients to make sure they are satisfied with the final product. Contact us at 973-575-0006 for a quote for your next countertop project!

Kitchen Remodel- GrayStone

May Construction, Inc.

While the all-white kitchens will probably never go out of style, these San Jose natives wanted natural elements with some pops of color and took the opportunity to really make their home their own. A vaulted ceiling accentuates the spacious design and opens the space for a grand island topped with an exotic Lemurian Blue countertop provides an abundant work surface and offers seating around two sides. Shades of blue dance of the exquisite custom made hanging blue light pendent that brings in that wow factor.

Roland Park Kitchen, 2021

ADR Builders, Ltd.

Blue and White Kitchen

Amanda George Interior Design

The design brief for this project was to create a kitchen befitting an English country cottage. Denim beadboard cabinetry, aged tile, and natural stone countertops provide the feel of timelessness, while the antiqued bronze fixtures and decorative vent hood deliver a sense of bespoke craftsmanship. Efficient use of space planning creates a kitchen that packs a powerful punch into a small footprint. The end result was everything the client hoped for and more, giving them the cottage kitchen of their dreams!

3/4" Roma Blue Quartzite Kitchen Countertops

User

Atlanta BLUE kitchen

Rosa Moreno Kitchens

Sussex Eclectic House

Chapter Eight Design | Interior Design Studio

Nestled in a thriving village in the foothills of the South Downs is a stunning modern piece of architecture. The brief was to inject colour and character into this modern family home. We created bespoke pieces of furniture, integrated bookcases and storage and added bespoke soft furnishings and lighting – bringing character and individuality to the modern interior.

When Three Become One

Square Footage Inc.

Photos by Valerie Wilcox

Transitional Navy

Sanctuary Kitchen and Bath Design

Closet turned Pantry

Cabinets & Granite Solutions, LLC

Millennial Makeover

User

An older Germantown home is given a makeover for the new millennium that includes just a hint in Millennial Pink. 21st century amenities like a double oven range, french door refrigerator, and large storage pantry will stand the test of time.

Astounding Annex

M-Squared Contracting Inc.

Wellesley Residence

Bloomsbury Designs

Industrial Chic Kitchen Remodel

Brothers Services Company

Industrial chic condo kitchen with unique accents including a quartz countertop that extends as a backsplash to the ceiling. A combination of white and blue fieldstone cabinetry creates a costal aesthetic. And luxury vinyl tile has the look of a light wood with a superior durability. • Cabinets: Fieldstone Bristol Slab Header in White & SW Navy • Countertops & Backsplash: Cambria Islington • Island Countertop: Q Quartz Calacatta Vincenza • Hardware: Jeffrey Alexander Sutton • Faucet: Kohler Sensate • Flooring: ADURA Sausalito in Bay Breeze

English Cottage

Amanda George Interior Design

Kitchen with Brown Floor and Blue Benchtop 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!