What comes to mind when you envision the perfect multi-faceted living spaces? Is it an expansive amount of counter space at which to cook, work, or entertain freely? Abundant and practical cabinet organization to keep clutter at bay and the space looking beautiful? Or perhaps the answer is all of the above, along with a cosy spot to retreat after the long day is complete. The project we are sharing with you here has each of these elements in spades: spaces that combine beauty with function, promote comfort and relaxation, and make time at home enjoyable for this active family of three. Our main focus was to remodel the kitchen, where we hoped to create a functional layout for everyday use. Our clients also hoped to incorporate a home office right into the kitchen itself. However, the clients realized that renovation the kitchen alone wouldn’t create the full transformation they were looking for. Kitchens interact intimately with their adjacent spaces, especially family rooms, and we were determined to elevate their daily living experience from top to bottom. We redesigned the kitchen and living area to increase work surfaces and storage solutions, create comfortable and luxurious spaces to unwind, and update the overall aesthetic to fit their more modern, collected taste. Here’s how it turned out…

Contemporary Galley Kitchen

Rococo & Taupe, Inc.

Barn wood grey slab door cabinets with grey painted upper doors. Stainless steel appliances, quartz counter tops, and glass backsplash.

Fripp Island Project

Kitchen Design Solutions

Stunning Kitchen and Bathroom Remodel in Old Town Alexandria, VA

Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes

This four-story townhome in the heart of old town Alexandria, was recently purchased by a family of four. The outdated galley kitchen with confined spaces, lack of powder room on main level, dropped down ceiling, partition walls, small bathrooms, and the main level laundry were a few of the deficiencies this family wanted to resolve before moving in. Starting with the top floor, we converted a small bedroom into a master suite, which has an outdoor deck with beautiful view of old town. We reconfigured the space to create a walk-in closet and another separate closet. We took some space from the old closet and enlarged the master bath to include a bathtub and a walk-in shower. Double floating vanities and hidden toilet space were also added. The addition of lighting and glass transoms allows light into staircase leading to the lower level. On the third level is the perfect space for a girl’s bedroom. A new bathroom with walk-in shower and added space from hallway makes it possible to share this bathroom. A stackable laundry space was added to the hallway, a few steps away from a new study with built in bookcase, French doors, and matching hardwood floors. The main level was totally revamped. The walls were taken down, floors got built up to add extra insulation, new wide plank hardwood installed throughout, ceiling raised, and a new HVAC was added for three levels. The storage closet under the steps was converted to a main level powder room, by relocating the electrical panel. The new kitchen includes a large island with new plumbing for sink, dishwasher, and lots of storage placed in the center of this open kitchen. The south wall is complete with floor to ceiling cabinetry including a home for a new cooktop and stainless-steel range hood, covered with glass tile backsplash. The dining room wall was taken down to combine the adjacent area with kitchen. The kitchen includes butler style cabinetry, wine fridge and glass cabinets for display. The old living room fireplace was torn down and revamped with a gas fireplace wrapped in stone. Built-ins added on both ends of the living room gives floor to ceiling space provides ample display space for art. Plenty of lighting fixtures such as led lights, sconces and ceiling fans make this an immaculate remodel. We added brick veneer on east wall to replicate the historic old character of old town homes. The open floor plan with seamless wood floor and central kitchen has added warmth and with a desirable entertaining space.

Rustic Refined Remodel

Gardner/Fox Associates, Inc

Harborview Renovation

Mass Architect, LLC

open concept renovation with new kitchen and great room

Chef's Kitchen

WatchCity Kitchens LLC

Cooking essentials are all within reach for the serious chefs in this home! Faced with a cramped eat-in kitchen our job was to both maximize and open up the space. By relocating the refrigerator and surrounding it with pantry cabinets, we were able to create more counter space and allow space for two chefs. Warm stained-wood open corner shelving was installed to display the chefs’ favorite items and keep them right at an arm's reach. The breakfast table is now positioned at the window, giving diners a view of the beautiful backyard. The finishes (Executive Cabinetry - Putnam door style in Alabaster paint; Belgian Blue Satin quartz counters by Alleanza) blend seamlessly with the rest of the home.

Kitchen Remodel - Hamburg, NY

Kaz Home Improvements

Irvine Kitchen II

White Diamond Cabinets & Design

Gray Compact Kitchen | Kimball Starr

Kimball Starr Interior Design

Hidden Pocket Door Pantry Slide in West Chester, PA

MacLaren Kitchen and Bath

Design, Fabrication, Install and Photography by MacLaren Kitchen and Bath Mouser Cabinetry, Full Overlay – Coronado door style, Maple with a Caramel stain The Perimeter & Island countertop in Caesarstone, Sutton. The Island seating area is Caesarstone, Pebble Backsplash: Daltile – 3x6 Color Waves glass tile in Whipped Cream

Kitchen Remodel

Refresh and Build

We made a one flow kitchen/Family room, where the parents can cook and watch their kids playing, Shaker style cabinets, quartz countertop, and quartzite island, two sinks facing each other and two dishwashers. perfect for big family reunion like thanksgiving.

Grande Style

Fusion Cabinets, Inc.

Gorgeous white shaker cabinets with creekstone grey island and brass accents.

Redondo Beach, Young Family Home

User

Transitional Kitchen with Cherry Cabinets, Quartz Countertops, Mosaic Backsplash

Cabinet-S-Top

In this 1930’s home, the kitchen had been previously remodeled in the 90’s. The goal was to make the kitchen more functional, add storage and bring back the original character of the home. This was accomplished by removing the adjoining wall between the kitchen and dining room and adding a peninsula with a breakfast bar where the wall once existed. A redesign of the original breakfast nook created a space for the refrigerator, pantry, utility closet and coffee bar which camouflages the radiator. An exterior door was added so the homeowner could gain access to their back patio. The homeowner also desired a better solution for their coats, so a small mudroom nook was created in their hallway. The products installed were Waypoint 630F Cherry Spice Cabinets, Sangda Falls Quartz with Double Roundover Edge on the Countertop, Crystal Shores Random Linear Glass Tile - Sapphire Lagoon Backsplash, and Hendrik Pendant Lights.

Saratoga Kitchen Remodel

European Cabinets & Design Studios

There are more cabinets at the back of the island for additional storage for little-used items.

The Aurelion Display Home

Danmar Homes

Robinson Street, North Redondo Beach

Dannielle Albrecht Designs

Open floorplan kitchen with contrasting island

"Best Of" Kitchen Remodel Projects

Nicely Done Kitchens

Chipper Hatter

Delaware

RemodelUp, Inc.

Utilizing the corner to slide in a wine ref thus, creating a bar area accessible from the dining room.

Kitchen with Glass 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!