Cramped kitchen be gone! That was the project motto and top priority. The goal was to transform the current layout from multiple smaller spaces into a connected whole that would activate the main level for our clients, a young family of four. The biggest obstacle was the wall dividing the kitchen and the dining room. Removing this wall was central to opening up and integrating the main living spaces, but the existing ductwork that ran right through the center of the wall posed a design challenge, er design opportunity. The resulting design solution features a central pantry that captures the ductwork and provides valuable storage- especially when compared to the original kitchen's 18" wide pantry cabinet. The pantry also anchors the kitchen island and serves as a visual separation of space between the kitchen and homework area. Through our design development process, we learned the formal living room was of no service to their lifestyle and therefore space they rarely spent time in. With that in mind, we proposed to eliminate the unused living room and make it the new dining room. Relocating the dining room to this space inherently felt right given the soaring ceiling and ample room for holiday dinners and celebrations. The new dining room was spacious enough for us to incorporate a conversational seating area in the warm, south-facing window alcove. Now what to do with the old dining room?! To answer that question we took inspiration from our clients' shared profession in education and developed a craft area/homework station for both of their boys. The semi-custom cabinetry of the desk area carries over to the adjacent wall and forms window bench base with storage that we topped with butcher block for a touch of warmth. While the boys are young, the bench drawers are the perfect place for a stash of toys close to the kitchen. The kitchen begins just beyond the window seat with their refrigerator enclosure. Opposite the refrigerator is the new pantry with twenty linear feet of shelving and space for brooms and a stick vacuum. Extending from the backside of the pantry the kitchen island design incorporates counter seating on the family room side and a cabinetry configuration on the kitchen side with drawer storage, a trashcan center, farmhouse sink, and dishwasher. We took careful time in design and execution to align the range and sink because while it might seem like a small detail, it plays an important role in supporting the symmetrical configuration of the back wall of the kitchen. The rear wall design utilizes an appliance garage mirrors the visual impact of the refrigerator enclosure and helps keep the now open kitchen tidy. Between the appliance garage and refrigerator enclosure is the cooking zone with 30" of cabinetry and work surface on either side of the range, a chimney style vent hood, and a bold graphic tile backsplash. The backsplash is just one of many personal touches we added to the space to reflect our client's modern eclectic style and love of color. Swooping lines of the mid-mod style barstools compliment the pendants and backsplash pattern. A pop of vibrant green on the frame of the pantry door adds a fresh wash of color to an otherwise neutral space. The big show stopper is the custom charcoal gray and copper chevron wall installation in the dining room. This was an idea our clients softly suggested, and we excitedly embraced the opportunity. It is also a kickass solution to the head-scratching design dilemma of how to fill a large and lofty wall. We are so grateful to bring this design to life for our clients and now dear friends.

Philadelphia Custom Kitchen and Laundry

Airy Kitchens

Spruce Hill, Philadelphia: Matte & Modern Black Kitchen Renovation

Bellweather Design-Build, LLC

Willow Glen Transitional Full Home Remodel

Top Shelf Construction

White & Walnut Transformation

Zobel & Co. Kitchens

Here can see the reverse view of the island and the eating area. The kitchen is more spacious, light and easier to work in.

Accessible Elegance - Warminster, PA

Lang's Kitchen & Bath

This rustic style kitchen design was created as part of a new home build to be fully wheelchair accessible for an avid home chef. This amazing design includes state of the art appliances, distressed kitchen cabinets in two stain colors, and ample storage including an angled corner pantry. The range and sinks are all specially designed to be wheelchair accessible, and the farmhouse sink also features a pull down faucet. The island is accented with a stone veneer and includes ample seating. A beverage bar with an undercounter wine refrigerator and the open plan design make this perfect place to entertain. Linda McManus

Rolling Hills

Ottolia & Barnes Architecture

Erizo Pattern

Riad Tile

Wendy Doris

Traditional Kitchen with Extras - Norwell, MA

Transitions Kitchens and Baths

This traditional kitchen design is packed with features that will make it the center of this home. The white perimeter kitchen cabinets include glass front upper cabinets with in cabinet lighting. A matching mantel style hood frames the large Wolf oven and range. This is contrasted by the gray island cabinetry topped with a wood countertop. The walk in pantry includes matching cabinetry with plenty of storage space and a custom pantry door. A built in Wolf coffee station, undercounter wine refrigerator, and convection oven make this the perfect space to cook, socialize, or relax with family and friends. Photos by Susan Hagstrom

Mid Century Modern I Bellevue, Washington

Syltebo Wight Homes & Jon Syltebo Painting Company

An Entertaining Space - Hanover, MA

Transitions Kitchens and Baths

This contemporary kitchen design is the ideal space to host quiet family dinners or large gatherings. The white kitchen cabinets and matching island are perfectly complemented by stainless steel appliances and hardwood floors. The island offers seating, a built in microwave, and extra work space. The wall cabinetry includes a large customized pantry, a beverage bar with bi-fold doors and shelves to display glassware, and a wine refrigerator. The design is complemented by a multi-layered lighting design that includes in cabinet and undercabinet lights, a chandelier, and island lighting. Photos by Susan Hagstrom

Alno Kitchen in Concretto - Concrete front

Alno New York - Kitchens and Custom Cabinetry

Alno AG

Silverbell Seclusion

Apex Mountain Homes

Private Residence Pebble Beach

Andrea Bartholick Pace Interior Design

Rick Pharaoh

Barton Hills

Tenney Construction

Custom butcher block kitchen table supported off the island. Clear and Nickle finish pendant lights above.

Contemporary Kitchen

Rift Cut White Oak kitchen with Black Walnut Island

Clarke - New England’s Sub-Zero & Wolf Showroom

Stunning Asian-inspired kitchen featuring Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, light wood cabinetry, Wolf convection ovens, Wolf warming drawers, Sub-Zero refrigeration, Sub-Zero wine storage, countertop deep fryer, steamer, griddle and more. See this kitchen and test drive the appliances at Clarke in Milford, MA, right off Route 495. http://www.clarkecorp.com.

Oakdale | Greater Seattle Area

JayMarc Homes

This open-concept kitchen features light wooden flooring and is adorned with elegant white and gray cabinets. The Oakdale exhibits a sliding glass door that leads from the kitchen to an outdoor patio, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living spaces. Additionally, it boasts a convenient side entrance leading to the prep kitchen, providing more space for culinary activities. The kitchen's centerpiece is a spacious breakfast bar, a versatile hub for casual dining and social gatherings. Large windows allow natural light to flood the space, creating an airy and inviting atmosphere. With its harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetics, the Oakdale fosters a warm and welcoming environment for all.

Modern Mediterranean

Model Remodel

Encaustic cement tile backsplash with Moroccan pendant lights and built-in island seating.

Kitchen

Hill Swift Architect, pllc

Kitchen with Cement Tile 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!