A kitchen with two-tone wooden cabinetry & a large island with seating

This 1950's kitchen hindered our client's cooking and bi-weekly entertaining and was inconsistent with the home's mid-century architecture. Additional key goals were to improve function for cooking and entertaining 6 to 12 people on a regular basis. Originally with only two entry points to the kitchen (from the entry/foyer and from the dining room) the kitchen wasn’t very open to the remainder of the home, or the living room at all. The door to the carport was never used and created a conflict with seating in the breakfast area. The new plans created larger openings to both rooms, and a third entry point directly into the living room. The “peninsula” manages the sight line between the kitchen and a large, brick fireplace while still creating an “island” effect in the kitchen and allowing seating on both sides. The television was also a “must have” utilizing it to watch cooking shows while prepping food, for news while getting ready for the day, and for background when entertaining. Meticulously designed cabinets provide ample storage and ergonomically friendly appliance placement. Cabinets were previously laid out into two L-shaped spaces. On the “top” was the cooking area with a narrow pantry (read: scarce storage) and a water heater in the corner. On the “bottom” was a single 36” refrigerator/freezer, and sink. A peninsula separated the kitchen and breakfast room, truncating the entire space. We have now a clearly defined cool storage space spanning 60” width (over 150% more storage) and have separated the ovens and cooking surface to spread out prep/clean zones. True pantry storage was added, and a massive “peninsula” keeps seating for up to 6 comfortably, while still expanding the kitchen and gaining storage. The newly designed, oversized peninsula provides plentiful space for prepping and entertaining. Walnut paneling wraps the room making the kitchen a stunning showpiece.

Birch Knoll Restoration

k YODER design, LLC

A new kitchen replaced a dated version installed during a prior renovation. Consistent use of walnut wood and marble ensures a timeless aesthetic. As part of the renovation, an enclosed rear stair was opened and outfit with railings to match the home’s main stair. Element by Tech Lighting recessed lighting; Lea Ceramiche Waterfall porcelain stoneware tiles; multi-light pendants by Louis Weisdorf for GUBI; Kolbe VistaLuxe fixed and casement windows via North American Windows and Doors; AKDO Ethereal Flicker white/brass backsplash via Joanne Hudson Associates; Blanco single-bowl sink; Brizo Litze faucet/soap dispenser (Brilliance Luxe Gold); Newport Brass water dispenser (flat black)

Highlands Eichler

Gast Architects

Kitchen open to Family Room, Home Office, and Breakfast Area

Modern Villa

Eaton + Stipp Custom Homes

Kitchen is expansive with custom cabinets, black hardware, 2 silver pendant lights, a huge kitchen island with calcutta stone countertops throughout, kitchen appliances, with hidden refrigerator, and finally a hidden pantry.

MIDCENTURY REMODEL

HUNTINGTON ID

Built-in leather banquette at breakfast nook.

Hazelwood

Miri Design Ltd

New Farmhouse in Franklin

Forte Building Group, LLC

Mid Century Modern Kitchen that's Connected to Nature

Normandy Remodeling

The homeowner appreciates the natural beauty of stone and wood. Natural walnut cabinets, quartzite stone countertops with dramatic veining, and natural travertine floors brought his vision for the kitchen to life. Large windows in the kitchen highlight the beautiful outdoor area.

Modern Cabin Retreat in Walnut

Allen's Fine Woodworking, Inc.

Historic Farmhouse Renovation

Lasley Brahaney Architecture + Construction

We designed an addition to the house to include the new kitchen, expanded mudroom and relocated laundry room. The kitchen features an abundance of countertop and island space, island seating, a farmhouse sink, custom walnut cabinetry and floating shelves, a breakfast nook with built-in bench seating and porcelain tile flooring.

Midcentury Kitchen

Woodhaven Modern

Flavin Architects

Our clients wanted to replace an existing suburban home with a modern house at the same Lexington address where they had lived for years. The structure the clients envisioned would complement their lives and integrate the interior of the home with the natural environment of their generous property. The sleek, angular home is still a respectful neighbor, especially in the evening, when warm light emanates from the expansive transparencies used to open the house to its surroundings. The home re-envisions the suburban neighborhood in which it stands, balancing relationship to the neighborhood with an updated aesthetic. The floor plan is arranged in a “T” shape which includes a two-story wing consisting of individual studies and bedrooms and a single-story common area. The two-story section is arranged with great fluidity between interior and exterior spaces and features generous exterior balconies. A staircase beautifully encased in glass stands as the linchpin between the two areas. The spacious, single-story common area extends from the stairwell and includes a living room and kitchen. A recessed wooden ceiling defines the living room area within the open plan space. Separating common from private spaces has served our clients well. As luck would have it, construction on the house was just finishing up as we entered the Covid lockdown of 2020. Since the studies in the two-story wing were physically and acoustically separate, zoom calls for work could carry on uninterrupted while life happened in the kitchen and living room spaces. The expansive panes of glass, outdoor balconies, and a broad deck along the living room provided our clients with a structured sense of continuity in their lives without compromising their commitment to aesthetically smart and beautiful design.

Reforma integral de un piso de 27m2 en Madrid

StudioMadera s.l.

Diamante

Houss Expo Italy

Diamante Designed by Artemadesign and elaborated by Houss Expo to rewrite the rules of living. Thus was born Diamante, from a creative idea, from an indistinct and vaguely abstract vision at the origin, which gradually becomes more and more clear and defined. Houss Expo interprets the taste and desires of those who love classic elegance, integrating technology and cleanliness into the lines, with a tailor-made processing program handcrafted in every detail.

Tiny But Mighty Kitchen

Lucy Johnson Interior Design

Glen Road

risa boyer architecture

Walnut and Turquoise Allure

CraftedWild Cabinetry

Staging: Jaqueline with Tweaked Style Photography: Tony Diaz General Contracting: Big Brothers Development

Hampton Road, Bristol

E J Studio Ltd

Hampton Road: Open plan kitchen / dining space

Atherton Avenue House

Mark English Architects, AIA

The Atherton House is a family compound for a professional couple in the tech industry, and their two teenage children. After living in Singapore, then Hong Kong, and building homes there, they looked forward to continuing their search for a new place to start a life and set down roots. The site is located on Atherton Avenue on a flat, 1 acre lot. The neighboring lots are of a similar size, and are filled with mature planting and gardens. The brief on this site was to create a house that would comfortably accommodate the busy lives of each of the family members, as well as provide opportunities for wonder and awe. Views on the site are internal. Our goal was to create an indoor- outdoor home that embraced the benign California climate. The building was conceived as a classic “H” plan with two wings attached by a double height entertaining space. The “H” shape allows for alcoves of the yard to be embraced by the mass of the building, creating different types of exterior space. The two wings of the home provide some sense of enclosure and privacy along the side property lines. The south wing contains three bedroom suites at the second level, as well as laundry. At the first level there is a guest suite facing east, powder room and a Library facing west. The north wing is entirely given over to the Primary suite at the top level, including the main bedroom, dressing and bathroom. The bedroom opens out to a roof terrace to the west, overlooking a pool and courtyard below. At the ground floor, the north wing contains the family room, kitchen and dining room. The family room and dining room each have pocketing sliding glass doors that dissolve the boundary between inside and outside. Connecting the wings is a double high living space meant to be comfortable, delightful and awe-inspiring. A custom fabricated two story circular stair of steel and glass connects the upper level to the main level, and down to the basement “lounge” below. An acrylic and steel bridge begins near one end of the stair landing and flies 40 feet to the children’s bedroom wing. People going about their day moving through the stair and bridge become both observed and observer. The front (EAST) wall is the all important receiving place for guests and family alike. There the interplay between yin and yang, weathering steel and the mature olive tree, empower the entrance. Most other materials are white and pure. The mechanical systems are efficiently combined hydronic heating and cooling, with no forced air required.

Kitchen with Medium Wood Cabinets and White Benchtop 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!