The result of a close collaboration between designer and client, this stylish kitchen maximises the varying heights and shapes of the space to create a blend of relaxed, open-plan charm and functionally distinct working and living zones. The thoughtful updating of classic aesthetics lends the room a timeless beauty, while a tonal range of warm greys creates a subtle counterpoint to distinctive accents such as brass fittings and sliding ladders. An abundance of light graces the space as it flows between the needs of chic entertaining, informal family gatherings and culinary proficiency. Plentiful – and occasionally quirky – storage also forms a key design detail, while the finest in materials and equipment make this kitchen a place to truly enjoy. Photo by Jake Fitzjones

Dashing Duplex | Full renovation in Kensington, London, W8

Jemimah Barnett

Wall colour: Slaked Lime Mid #149 by Little Greene | Ceilings in Loft White #222 by Little Greene | Pendant light is the Long John 4 light linear fixture by Rubn | Vesper barstools in Laguna Matt & Antique Brass from Barker & Stonehouse | Kitchen joinery custom made by Luxe Projects London (lower cabinetry is sprayed in Corboda #277 by Little Greene) | Stone countertops are Belvedere marble; slabs from Bloom Stones London; cut by AC Stone & Ceramic | Backsplash in toughened bronze mirror | Stone floors are Lombardo marble in a honed finish from Artisans of Devizes

Hinsdale North Adams Street

Plain & Posh

This small kitchen space needed to have every inch function well for this young family. By adding the banquette seating we were able to get the table out of the walkway and allow for easier flow between the rooms. Wall cabinets to the counter on either side of the custom plaster hood gave room for food storage as well as the microwave to get tucked away. The clean lines of the slab drawer fronts and beaded inset make the space feel visually larger.

Contemporary Family Kitchen

Project X Fitouts

“Great design is eliminating all unnecessary details.” We completed all the custom joinery and complete kitchen refurbishment.

Contemporary Family Kitchen

Project X Fitouts

“Great design is eliminating all unnecessary details.” We completed all the custom joinery and complete kitchen refurbishment.

Contemporary Lake Share Drive Condo

Deb Reinhart Interior Design Group, Inc.

CHALLENGE Absentee owner living abroad, with contemporary taste, requested a complete build-out of high-floor, 3,600 square foot condo starting with bare walls and floors—and with all communication handled online.SOLUTION Highly disciplined inteior design creates a contemporary, European influenced environment. Large great room boasts a decorative concrete floor, dropped ceiling, and contemporary lighting. Top-of-the-line kitchen exemplifies design and function for the sophisticated cook. Sheer drapery panels at all windows softened the sleek, minimalist look. Bathrooms feature custom vanities, tiled walls, and color-themed Carrera marble. Built-ins and custom millwork reflect the European influence in style and functionality. A fireplace creates a one-of-a-kind experience, particularly in a high-rise environment.

Cliff Top project

Nimmo Nielsen Collective

Simon Whitbread Photography

New Custom Home - Sanctuary Lakes

The compact central kitchen location becomes a piece of furniture. Walls clad in the matching timber floorboards continue to cupboard doors complete with integrated fridge. A grey mirrored splashback reflects the texture of the exposed brick walls. Image by: Jack Lovel Photography

Hinsdale North Adams Street

Plain & Posh

Astor Street Residence

Jessica Lagrange Interiors

Astor Street Residence, Jessica Lagrange Interiors LLC, Photo by Tony Soluri

Our clients created a new glazed link between two parts of their home and wanted to relocate the kitchen within this space, integrating it with their existing dining area. It was important to them – and to us – that our design was in keeping with the period property, and the end result was magnificent fusion between old and new, creating a fluid link to the rest of their home. The large breakfast bar was finished in solid American walnut and incorporated a bespoke pop-up gin bar, another playful touch. This makes for a stunning showpiece, a surprising feature that acts as a real talking point.

Takapuna Two

Masonry Design Solutions Ltd

Mike Holman

Luxury Beach Condo

SoCal Contractor

Interior Design by LoriDennis.com

Claygate '2' Handleless Shaker Kitchen

Higham Furniture

A run of tall units in our fully bespoke Handleless Shaker style cabinets with stainless steel appliances. Next to the Fisher & Paykel fridge freezer there are hidden doors matching the kitchen cabinetry that lead into the utility. The island has a single stave oak worktop whilst the range & sink runs have polished Bianco Carrara Marble. There is an additional smaller prep sink next to the cooker with a Quooker Fusion Round boiling water tap. The cupboards are painted in Little Greene's French Grey.

Palm Beach Project

Dan Kitchens Australia

A striking entertainers kitchen in a beach house at Sydney's Palm Beach. Featuring a drinks bar hidden behind pocket doors, calacatta oro island bench, stainless steel benchtops with welded in sinks, walk in pantry/scullery, integrated Sub-Zero refrigerator, Wolf 76cm oven, and motorised drawers Photos: Paul Worsley @ Live By The Sea

Clean lines in the kitchen

DUCE CONSTRUCTION CORP

Kitchen with Marble Benchtops and Mirror 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!