This project began with the goal of updating both style and function to allow for improved ease of use for a wheelchair. The previous space was overstuffed with an island that didn't really fit, an over-sized fridge in a location that complicated a primary doorway, and a 42" tall high bar that was inaccessible from a wheelchair. Our clients desired a space that would improve wheelchair use for both cooking or just being in the room, yet did not look like an ADA space. It became a story of less is more, and subtle, thoughtful changes from a standard design. After working through options, we designed an open floorplan that provided a galley kitchen function with a full 5 ft walkway by use of a peninsula open to the family den. This peninsula is highlighted by a drop down, table-height countertop wrapping the end and long backside that is now accessible to all members of the family by providing a perfect height for a flexible workstation in a wheelchair or comfortable entertaining on the backside. We then dropped the height for cooking at the new induction cooktop and created knee space below. Further, we specified an apron front sink that brings the sink closer in reach than a traditional undermount sink that would have countertop rimming in front. An articulating faucet with no limitations on reach provides full range of access in the sink. The ovens and microwave were also situated at a height comfortable for use from a wheelchair. Where a refrigerator used to block the doorway, a pull out is now located giving easy access to dry goods for cooks at all heights. Every element within the space was considered for the impact to our homes occupants - wheelchair or not, even the doorswing on the microwave. Now our client has a kitchen that every member of the family can use and be a part of. Simple design, with a well-thought out plan, makes a difference in the lives of another family. Photos by David Cobb Photography

Custom Home | Observatory Park | Denver

Shadow Creek Homes

ZEN

KabCo Kitchens

Dark wood cabinets in Waypoint Living Spaces are accented with reflecting glass and mirror mosaics tile. Sleek quartz in Snow cover the counters. Photo Credit: Julie Lehite

ULTRA CHIC BACKSPLASH & LEGRAND OUTLETS - HORIZONTALLY PLACED

Premium Kitchens

LEGRAND OUTLETS - HORIZONTALLY PLACED

Open area under cooktop for seating or wheelchair access

Poggenpohl Kitchens Hawaii

European style Poggenpohl kitchen offers a roomy island with induction cooktop and beverage refrigerator, wet wall with single dish drawer, Grohe fixtures and lift-up cabinet doors, and full-height wall including refrigeration, ovens and plenty of pantry space. All drawers and lift-up doors open at a gentle touch due to the Servo-drive installation. The lift-up doors may be lowered manually or with the touch of a recessed button. The roomy kitchen includes many Universal Design features like wide paths, dimmable lighting, roll-up cooktop and sink area, dish drawer, automatic drawer openers, pull-down shelves, pull-out pantries, and taller toe kick areas. Photo Credit: Michelle Turner, UDCP

Walnut Heaven

Nouvelle Cuisine Design

Resolutely contemporary, this galley kitchen is radiantly beautiful. The walnut veneer cabinets and the built-in appliances are fully integrated into the wall to create a clean and slick effect. In this block, the only breach is found at the stove, where the horizontal and vertical surfaces are veneered with a brass sheet. This particular treatment definitely brings uniqueness and originality to the kitchen. The marble-like quartz countertop enlightens the room, while giving it a touch of elegance. In addition, the dark gray color of the ceiling emphasizes the kitchen zone in the space and creates a strong contrast that makes this kitchen, even more unique. Finally, the walnut veneer found on other storage units around the kitchen shows us the attention to detail and the unification of all the different zones, sought by the designer

Ocean View

OLSON LEWIS + Architects

This Oceanside home, built to take advantage of majestic rocky views of the North Atlantic, incorporates outside living with inside glamor. Sunlight streams through the large exterior windows that overlook the ocean. The light filters through to the back of the home with the clever use of over sized door frames with transoms, and a large pass through opening from the kitchen/living area to the dining area. Retractable mosquito screens were installed on the deck to create an outdoor- dining area, comfortable even in the mid summer bug season. Photography: Greg Premru

Project Overview Gallery -Cabinets of the Desert

Cabinets of the Desert

Partnership with Design Vision Studio - light, bright, with just a little bit of sparkle.

Gallery

HTS Systems

Ponte Vedra Contemporary

Aria Homes, Inc.

Jessie Preza Photography

Contemporary Kitchen

Mid-Century Modern Kitchen

Essentia Interiors, Ltd.

Renovated, open-plan mid-century modern kitchen with red accents. Dual beer tap beverage bar integrated into galley-style kitchen. Teri Fotheringham photography

Clontarf

Art of Kitchens Pty Ltd

A unique blend of visual, textural and practical design has come together to create this bright and enjoyable Clonfarf kitchen. Working with the owners interior designer, Anita Mitchell, we decided to take inspiration from the spectacular view and make it a key feature of the design using a variety of finishes and textures to add visual interest to the space and work with the natural light. Photos by Eliot Cohen

Rock n' Roll in Balham

Ensoul Ltd

Luxury kitchen for the ultimate space to cook, eat and chill together. A mix of stainless steel and Quartz worktops blend beautifully with the feature wall. Pops of orange in the bar stools pick up the warmth in the wood veneer kitchen cabinetry and the contrast beautifully with a rich blue on the walls and sofa.

ART HOUSE

dSPACE Studio Ltd, AIA

white kitchen, modern cabinets, high end appliances, white countertops, gray cabinets

Large Kitchen Remodel: Valle Vista @ Indian Wells

Kitchens and Baths By Lynn, Inc.

This stunning galley style kitchen boasts an island and opens up into the dining room. The Cambria quartz island is flanked by Dura Supreme Cabinetry in a wood finish. Stainless steel appliances bring a modern touch to the warmth of the brown kitchen cabinets. The glass hood and pendant lights add delicacy to the substantial design.

Kitchen Corner Extension

David Doyle Architects

Corner Kitchen & Dining Area - David Doyle Architects; Kitchen Units by Noel Dempsey Design

Kitchen | Transitional Design with Espresso Shaker Cabinets

WREEDONE ("re-done")

Kitchen in S. Orange

North Jersey Remodelers LLC.

This was taken shortly after we completed the entire job.

Open Plan Kitchen & Dining

Ethos Interiors

The open plan living, dining and kitchen space is kept light and airy thanks to an impressive opening looking into an internal atrium. The soft grey kitchen is highlighted with the stunnibg grey stone, and given a luxury feel with the use of a smoked glass splashback. The concrete dining table gives the space a slightly industrial touch. Photography by Matthew Gianoulis.

Kitchen with Metallic Splashback and Porcelain 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!