It is sometimes a surprise what beauty can lurk under the surface of a room. A client with a 1970s kitchen and eat-in area cut up by an unwieldy peninsula was desperate for it to reflect her love of all things English-and-French-Manor-Home. Working closely with my client, we removed the peninsula in favor of a lovely free-standing island that we painted a shade of French Blue. This is topped with Old World sink hardware (note the ceramic HOT and COLD medallions on the faucets!) and a gorgeous marble counter with a very special edge profile that evokes an antique French Boulangerie counter from the 1910s. Pendants with patinaed metal shades over the island further the charming Old World feel. Handmade white and blue tiles laid in a quilted diamond pattern cover the backsplash, and the remainder of the cabinetry at the perimeter is in a warm cream tone. The eat-in near the fireplace got a cozy treatment with custom seat cushions and window seat bench cushions in a classic blue-and-white Toile de Jouy matching the island stools. The nearby living room got a similar treatment. We removed dark wood paneling and dark carpeting in favor of a light sky blue wall and lighter wood flooring. A new rug with the appearance of an heirloom, a new grand-scaled sofa, and some of my client’s precious antiques helped take the room from 70s rec room to English Sitting Room. Photo: Bernardo Grijalva

Kitchen

Tindall Architecture Workshop

Brand new 2-Story 3,100 square foot Custom Home completed in 2022. Designed by Arch Studio, Inc. and built by Brooke Shaw Builders.

Kitchen 231

Waldorf Cabinets

Light gray base cabinets white shaker wall cabinets

Wychmere Renovation

JB Robbie Builders Inc.

Working within the existing space of the house, the first floor layout was reconfigured to an open floor plan that relocated the kitchen into the old family room space and made the old kitchen space into a dining area open to the living area. The low ceiling was removed for a much more dramatic and airy effect

Jacobs Residence

sk7 design studios, inc.

Kitchen with slide-away window and outdoor bar seating across from kitchen sink.

Light-Filled Modern

AOME Architects

Warm neutrals serve as a backdrop for active family life // Image : John Granen Photography, Inc.

Larkspur Farmhouse

HEYDT DESIGNS

Photography by Golden Gate Creative

Mid-century Kitchen with a Modern Rustic Appeal

Amazing Spaces

The existing kitchen was separated from the family room by a 17’ long bookcase. It was the first thing you saw upon entering and it hid much of the light and views to the backyard making the space feel claustrophobic. The laundry room was part of the kitchen space without any attempt to conceal the washer and dryer. Removing the long bookcase opened the opportunity to add counter stools in the kitchen and decided to align a target wall opposite the front door to help maintain some division within the main space while creating a space for the refrigerator. This also allowed us to create an open laundry room concept that would be hidden from view from all other areas. We kept the industrial feel of the exposed building materials, which we complimented with textured melamine slab doors for the new kitchen cabinets. We maintained the galley set up but defined the kitchen from the utility area by changing both thickness and color of the countertop materials. Because the back of the house is mainly windows, there was very little wall space for upper cabinets and everyday dish storage. We designed a custom ceiling hung shelf system that floats in front of the windows, and is mostly out of view from the sitting area. Tall cabinets are installed along the only available wall to support both kitchen and laundry room functions. We used cable lighting threaded through the beams which really punctuates the industrial aesthetic.

Harding Boulevard Bar Cabinet/Pocket Bar

Amy Carman Design

Perfect for cocktail hour or dinner parties, this built-in pocket bar is always at the ready for elegant entertaining. Set near this kitchen's second island, it becomes a natural place to gather, mix drinks, and spend time with friends at a party.

Mountain Modern Lodge

VPC Builders, LLC

VPC’s featured Custom Home Project of the Month for March is the spectacular Mountain Modern Lodge. With six bedrooms, six full baths, and two half baths, this custom built 11,200 square foot timber frame residence exemplifies breathtaking mountain luxury. The home borrows inspiration from its surroundings with smooth, thoughtful exteriors that harmonize with nature and create the ultimate getaway. A deck constructed with Brazilian hardwood runs the entire length of the house. Other exterior design elements include both copper and Douglas Fir beams, stone, standing seam metal roofing, and custom wire hand railing. Upon entry, visitors are introduced to an impressively sized great room ornamented with tall, shiplap ceilings and a patina copper cantilever fireplace. The open floor plan includes Kolbe windows that welcome the sweeping vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The great room also includes access to the vast kitchen and dining area that features cabinets adorned with valances as well as double-swinging pantry doors. The kitchen countertops exhibit beautifully crafted granite with double waterfall edges and continuous grains. VPC’s Modern Mountain Lodge is the very essence of sophistication and relaxation. Each step of this contemporary design was created in collaboration with the homeowners. VPC Builders could not be more pleased with the results of this custom-built residence.

Danville Hilltop Hideaway

Ridgecrest Designs

Situated at the top of the Eugene O'Neill National Historic Park in Danville, this mid-century modern hilltop home had great architectural features, but needed a kitchen update that spoke to the design style of the rest of the house. We would have to say this project was one of our most challenging when it came to blending the mid-century style of the house with a more eclectic and modern look that the clients were drawn to. But who doesn't love a good challenge? We removed the builder-grade cabinetry put in by a previous owner and took down a wall to open up the kitchen to the rest of the great room. The kitchen features a custom designed hood as well as custom cabinetry with an intricate beaded details that sets it apart from all of our other cabinetry designs. The pop of blue paired with the dark walnut creates an eye catching contrast. Ridgecrest also designed and fabricated solid steel wall cabinetry to store countertop appliances and display dishes and glasses. The copper accents on the range and faucets bring the design full circle and finish this gorgeous one-of-a-kind-kitchen off nicely.

Industrial Loft Kitchen & Master Bath

Neil Kelly Company

The "Dream of the '90s" was alive in this industrial loft condo before Neil Kelly Portland Design Consultant Erika Altenhofen got her hands on it. The 1910 brick and timber building was converted to condominiums in 1996. No new roof penetrations could be made, so we were tasked with creating a new kitchen in the existing footprint. Erika's design and material selections embrace and enhance the historic architecture, bringing in a warmth that is rare in industrial spaces like these. Among her favorite elements are the beautiful black soapstone counter tops, the RH medieval chandelier, concrete apron-front sink, and Pratt & Larson tile backsplash

Watertown MA - Kitchen Remodel & Addition

Rebel Builders

Industrial transitional English style kitchen. The addition and remodeling were designed to keep the outdoors inside. Replaced the uppers and prioritized windows connected to key parts of the backyard and having open shelvings with walnut and brass details. Custom dark cabinets made locally. Designed to maximize the storage and performance of a growing family and host big gatherings. The large island was a key goal of the homeowners with the abundant seating and the custom booth opposite to the range area. The booth was custom built to match the client's favorite dinner spot. In addition, we created a more New England style mudroom in connection with the patio. And also a full pantry with a coffee station and pocket doors.

Norcross Kitchen Remodel

Haggard Home Cabinetry & Design

Changed the appliance location and added faux wood beams

Modern Tudor House | New Construction and Decorating

Bria Hammel Interiors

Very functional corner drawers

Associate Interiors

Love these custom functional corner drawers and floating shelves!

Patterson Park Kitchen

Reidy Creative

Complete kitchen renovation including creation of a tray ceiling, new window and door, lighting and storage components.

The Agra | Medina, WA

JayMarc Homes

Chef's kitchen with stainless steel appliances (Sub-Zero, Wolf, Bosch), large island with seating, dedicated nook and floating shelf displays.

Kitchen with Medium Hardwood Floors 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!