This bespoke ‘Heritage’ hand-painted oak kitchen by Mowlem & Co pays homage to classical English design principles, reinterpreted for a contemporary lifestyle. Created for a period family home in a former rectory in Sussex, the design features a distinctive free-standing island unit in an unframed style, painted in Farrow & Ball’s ‘Railings’ shade and fitted with Belgian Fossil marble worktops. At one end of the island a reclaimed butchers block has been fitted (with exposed bolts as an accent feature) to serve as both a chopping block and preparation area and an impromptu breakfast bar when needed. Distressed wicker bar stools add to the charming ambience of this warm and welcoming scheme. The framed fitted cabinetry, full height along one wall, are painted in Farrow & Ball ‘Purbeck Stone’ and feature solid oak drawer boxes with dovetail joints to their beautifully finished interiors, which house ample, carefully customised storage. Full of character, from the elegant proportions to the finest details, the scheme includes distinctive latch style handles and a touch of glamour on the form of a sliver leaf glass splashback, and industrial style pendant lamps with copper interiors for a warm, golden glow. Appliances for family that loves to cook include a powerful Westye range cooker, a generous built-in Gaggenau fridge freezer and dishwasher, a bespoke Westin extractor, a Quooker boiling water tap and a KWC Inox spray tap over a Sterling stainless steel sink. Designer Jane Stewart says, “The beautiful old rectory building itself was a key inspiration for the design, which needed to have full contemporary functionality while honouring the architecture and personality of the property. We wanted to pay homage to influences such as the Arts & Crafts movement and Lutyens while making this a unique scheme tailored carefully to the needs and tastes of a busy modern family.”

Client Focus: Clarke Kitchen

Kitchen Craftsmen

A high-quality kitchen begins with outstanding products, which is why we partner with companies such as Caesarstone Australia, whose engineered quartz surfaces were a natural choice here in Frosty Carrina. The Clarke kitchen also showcases the warmth and durability of the new Polytec Woodmatt range, with feature shelving in Natural Oak 32mm Woodmatt and door & panels in Ultraglaze Superior White Acrylic & Natural Oak Woodmatt. Our Osborne Park designer Nathan was able to incorporate their unique requests to create this light-filled and airy kitchen. Be sure to check out the DGW "Dark Mirror" Reflective Painted Glass Splashback and Remote Controlled LED Strip Lighting!

Contemporary with a twist

Design Interiors Ltd

West 93rd Street

Sarah Tombaugh Architect

Photography by Jon Shireman

Cuisine sur mesure

ECORCE & WOOD

Cuisine réalisée entièrement sur-mesure assez épurée

Modern Kitchen

Ariel Muller Designs

The open kitchen incorporates white lacquer and walnut cabinetry with stainless steel appliances. A mirrored backsplash enlarges the space visually, as it reflects the blue accents and the water beyond

Lacroix - Projet en cours

CP Design Interieur

La cuisine a été complétement optimisée et repensée pour répondre aux besoin d'une famille. Elle gagne ainsi en espace de travail et en luminosité.

South Miami Residence

PDZ Studio

Brisbane CBD - Apartment

Kim Duffin for Sublime Luxury Kitchens & Bathrooms

This sky home with stunning views over Brisbane's CBD, the river and Kangaroo Point Cliffs captures the maturity now found in inner city living in Brisbane. Originally from Melbourne and with his experience gain from extensive business travel abroad, the owner of the apartment decided to transform his home to match the cosmopolitan lifestyle he has enjoyed whilst living in these locations. The original layout of the kitchen was typical for apartments built over 20 years ago. The space was restricted by a collection of small rooms, two dining areas plus kitchen that did not take advantage of the views or the need for a strong connection between living areas and the outdoors. The new design has managed to still give definition to activities performed in the kitchen, dining and living but through minimal detail the kitchen does not dominate the space which can often happen in an open plan. A typical galley kitchen design was selected as it best catered for how the space relates to the rest of the apartment and adjoining living space. An effortless workflow is created from the start point of the pantry, housing food stores as well as small appliances, and refrigerator. These are within easy reach of the preparation zones and cooking on the island. Then delivery to the dining area is seamless. There are a number of key features used in the design to create the feeling of spaces whilst maximising functionality. The mirrored kickboards reflect light (aided by the use of LED strip lighting to the underside of the cabinets) creating the illusion that the cabinets are floating thus reducing the footprint in the design. The simple design philosophy is continued with the use of Laminam, 3mm porcelain sheets to the vertical and horizontal surfaces. This material is then mitred on the edges of all drawers and doors extenuate the seamless, minimalist, cube look. A cantilevered bespoke silky oak timber benchtop placed on the island creates a small breakfast/coffee area whilst increasing bench space and creating the illusion of more space. The stain and other features of this unique piece of timber compliments the tones found in the porcelain skin of the kitchen. The half wall built behind the sinks hides the entry point of the services into the apartment. This has been clad in a complimentary laminate for the timber benchtop . Mirror splashbacks help reflect more light into the space. The cabinets above the cleaning zone also appear floating due to the mirrored surface behind and the placement of LED strip lighting used to highlight the perimeter. A fully imported FALMAC Stainless Rangehood and flyer over compliments the plasterboard bulkhead that houses the air conditioning whilst providing task lighting to the island. Lighting has been used throughout the space to highlight and frame the design elements whist creating illumination for all tasks completed in the kitchen. Achieving "fluid motion" has been a major influence in the choice of hardware used in the design. Blum servo drive electronic drawer opening systems have been used to counter act any issues that may be encounter by the added weight of the porcelain used on the drawer fronts. These are then married with Blum Intivo soft close drawer systems. The devil is in the detail with a design and space that is so low profile yet complicated in it's simplicity. Steve Ryan - Rix Ryan Photography

HOOD RESIDENCE

Kitchens by Emanuel

GREY DAZE - Custom designed and manufactured kitchen, finished in matte two tone grey polyurethane - Feature island slat panelling - 55mm thick floating shelving - 20mm thick round benchtop, in natural 'Alaskan Grey' marble - Smokey mirror splashback - Fluted glass display doors - Recessed LED strip lighting - Fully integrated fridge/ freezer - Brass and black handles - Blum hardware Sheree Bounassif, Kitchens by Emanuel

Murano Grande - Miami Beach

FVA26 Design & Build

Godalming Traditional Shaker Kitchen

Higham Furniture

We adore the details in this outstandingly beautiful Shaker kitchen, such as the large bespoke faux chimney that hides a structural pier in one of the legs. The antique mirror splashback squares reflect light in the room. The island has a Villeroy & Boch sink and a Perrin & Rowe Oberon tap, as well as polished chrome Armac Martin, handles to match.

Henley Residence

Justin Loe Architects

Nicole England

KC Kitchen & Patio

Feuerbach Design, L.L.C.

Dry bar in black with white interior, mirror backsplash. Island with pop-up hood and modern pendant lighting.

Hidden Pantry Entrance - door closed

KBF Design Gallery

Coogee Beach Apartment

Dan Kitchens Australia

An overall image of this minimalist Scandi kitchen. Paul Worsley @ Live By The Sea

Parkside pied à terre, South Kensington, SW7

Jemimah Barnett

Walls painted in Slaked Lime Mid #149 by Little Greene | Ceilings and coving painted in Loft White #222 by Little Greene | Featured cabinetry painted in Green Smoke #47 by Farrow & Ball - this seamless door design is called 'infinity moulding', and the upper cabinets have a reeded glass inset with oak internals | Ancillary cabinetry and woodwork is painted in Slaked Lime Deep #150 by Little Greene | Counters are Caeserstone 'Moorland Fog' | Stools from West Elm | Quooker kitchen tap in aged brass | Antiqued mirror splashback | Pendant lighting above the island is the Rubn 'Long John' Pendant in the 4 light size, with dark leather straps | Pendant lighting above the dining banquette is the Le Klint 'Bouquet' chandelier in the 7 light size | Picture light is the David 12" Art Light by Thomas O'Brien, in the Bronze & Brass finish

Intelligente Nischenlösung für kleine Küchen

Ellerbrock "Bad und Küche" GmbH

Über einen Winkel wurde die Küchenausstattung in die vorhandene Nische eingepasst. Das gegenüberliegende, bodentiefe Terrassenfenster sorgt für helle und freundliche Atmosphäre.

A Wiltshire manor house with two islands

Lukonic

Charlie O'Beirne Kitchen designed built and installed by Guild Anderson Furniture of Wiltshire, England

Kitchen with Mirror Splashback and Light 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!