This homeowner came to us with her basic design ready for us to execute for her kitchen, but also asked us to design and update her entry, sunroom and fireplace. Her kitchen was 80’s standard builder grade cabinetry and laminate countertops and she had a knee wall separating her kitchen from the family room. We removed that wall and installed a custom cabinetry buffet to complement the cabinetry of the kitchen, allowing for access from all sides. We removed a desk area in the kitchen and converted it to a closed organization station complete with a charging station for phones and computers. Calcutta Quartzite countertops were used throughout and continued seamlessly up the walls as a backsplash to create a wow factor. We converted a closet into a pantry cabinet, and new stainless appliances, including a microwave drawer completed this renovation. Additionally, we updated her sunroom by removing the “popcorn” textured ceiling and gave it a fresh updated coat of paint. We installed 12x24 tile floor giving the room a simple classic transformation. Finally, we renewed the fireplace area, by building a custom mantle and adding wood paneling and trim to soften the marble fireplace face and a simple coat of paint in the entry and a new chandelier brought a lighter and fresher impact upon entering the home.

Rift White Oak Beaded inset

Wende Woodworking LLC

Integrated fridge/freezer Subzero units with bi-pass swinging door into walk in pantry.

Ultimate Luxe Kitchen

Studio M Kitchen & Bath

The finished space is awe-inspiring and perfect for hosting, family dinners, testing new recipes, and everything in between!

The Pearl Charlestown

Pablo Marble and Granite, LLC

Kitchen expansion within existing footprint

Amiano & Son Construction, LLC

Walls removed to enlarge kitchen and open into the family room . Windows from ceiling to countertop for more light. Coffered ceiling adds dimension. This modern white kitchen also features two islands and two large islands.

Dayton Lodge

Mark D. Williams Custom Homes, Inc.

Incredible double island entertaining kitchen. Rustic douglas fir beams accident this open kitchen with a focal feature of a stone cooktop and steel backsplash.

Port Clinton Project

Maumee Bay Kitchen and Bath

We chose the white cable and railing as a nod to the nautical location of the home. It also allowed us to blend the interior with the exterior.

Custom Clyde Hill Home

Nip Tuck Remodeling

Two islands: dubbed working island & party island helped to divide and conquer this kitchen layout. Storage, built-in appliances, walnut cabinet interiors, brass fixtures all help to complete this custom kitchen. Pullout work surface for the coffee center.

Stylish Carmel Kitchen Transformation

Corinthian Fine Homes

Hinsdale Kitchen and Family Room Remodel

Tate Enterprises

A Rural Renovation

BAKER POSEY DESIGN

This kitchen was an addition to the existing home, gracious archway connects to the original section of the house that was once the kitchen and now is dining.

Rift White Oak Beaded inset

Wende Woodworking LLC

Close up of the 5 foot range with brushed brass trim.

Modern 3 Island Kitchen

Servigon Construction Group

Modern 3 Island Kitchen with waterfall countertops. Walnut cabinets with contemporary hardware

European Kitchen in suburban Long Island

European Kitchen Center

The large kitchen features handle-less European cabinetry, numerous mechanisms, gadgets, and organizers. The materials chosen are medium wood veneer, white glossy lacquer, topped with quartz countertop.

New Home in Bettendorf Quad Cities with Modern Lighting and Custom Cabinetry

Village Home Stores

Custom Amish-built cabinetry in painted Super White and Iron Ore paints paired with Q Quartz Carrera Caldia countertops with full height backsplash and 2 1/2" thick edge. MidCentury Modern style Aged Brass Kichler Armstrong series lighting above dinette and two kitchen islands.

Los Altos Hills New Build

Carmit Oron Interior Design

Black and White Kitchen in Okemos

McDaniels Kitchen and Bath

In this Okemos kitchen design, a striking black and white color scheme combines with eye-catching tile details and metallic accents to create a stunning, one-of-a-kind kitchen. The Design-Craft frameless cabinetry incorporates white cabinets in the main cooking area with contrasting black floor to ceiling cabinets on the adjacent wall and black island cabinetry. ENVI Calacatta Vittoria quartz countertop and backsplash beautifully accents the cabinet design, including a stunning waterfall edge on the island. The opposite wall incorporates a beverage center with an undercounter refrigerator, black framed glass front upper cabinets, open storage, and a unique Terra Bella marble tile backsplash in white with gold accents. Metallic accents feature throughout this kitchen design including two-tone Top Knobs cabinet hardware, gold lantern pendants over the island, white barstools with gold legs, and GE Cafe Series appliances in stainless with gold handles. The range hood creates a design focal point in black and gold.

Dream Home 2020

Atwood Custom Homes

Regent Place Longboat Key Club

Ocean Builders of S W Florida Inc

Waterfall engineered quartz island. Under cabinet lighting with recessed plug mold. Kitchen hood is integrated into cabinets. Full height backslash with veins trailing from countertops.

Kitchen with Engineered Quartz Splashback and multiple Islands 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!