Photos by Valerie Wilcox

This spice cabinet was a unique design because the homeowner loves to cook, and wanted to utilize the limited cabinetry space to optimize all the spices she likes to cook with. So we came up with a concept that not only maximizes her space, but also close to the stove top.

Feeling Blue?

Cabinet Artistry

Feeling Blue? Beaded, flush inset cabinetry in a blue paint/black glaze finish, shaker doors & drawer fronts, leather finish granite, stainless steel appliances & porcelain tile backsplashes

Colorado High Country

PB Kitchen Design

At first glance this rustic kitchen looks so authentic, one would think it was constructed 100 years ago. Situated in the Rocky Mountains, this second home is the gathering place for family ski vacations and is the definition of luxury among the beautiful yet rough terrain. A hand-forged hood boldly stands in the middle of the room, commanding attention even through the sturdy log beams both above and to the sides of the work/gathering space. The view just might get jealous of this kitchen! Project specs: Custom cabinets by Premier Custom-Built, constructed out of quartered oak. Sub Zero refrigerator and Wolf 48” range. Pendants and hood by Dragon Forge in Colorado. (Photography, Kimberly Gavin)

Portland Hills Transitional

Designer's Edge Kitchen & Bath

This home in the Portland hills was stuck in the 70's with cedar paneling and almond laminate cabinets with oak details. (See Before photos) The space had wonderful potential with a high vaulted ceiling that was covered by a low ceiling in the kitchen and dining room. Walls closed in the kitchen. The remodel began with removal of the ceiling and the wall between the kitchen and the dining room. Hardwood flooring was extended into the kitchen. Shaker cabinets with contemporary hardware, modern pendants and clean-lined backsplash tile make this kitchen fit the transitional style the owners wanted. Now, the light and backdrop of beautiful trees are enjoyed from every room.

Vintage Kitchen Remodel

TKS Design Group

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW The homeowners came to us looking to update the kitchen in their historic 1897 home. The home had gone through an extensive renovation several years earlier that added a master bedroom suite and updates to the front façade. The kitchen however was not part of that update and a prior 1990’s update had left much to be desired. The client is an avid cook, and it was just not very functional for the family. The original kitchen was very choppy and included a large eat in area that took up more than its fair share of the space. On the wish list was a place where the family could comfortably congregate, that was easy and to cook in, that feels lived in and in check with the rest of the home’s décor. They also wanted a space that was not cluttered and dark – a happy, light and airy room. A small powder room off the space also needed some attention so we set out to include that in the remodel as well. See that arch in the neighboring dining room? The homeowner really wanted to make the opening to the dining room an arch to match, so we incorporated that into the design. Another unfortunate eyesore was the state of the ceiling and soffits. Turns out it was just a series of shortcuts from the prior renovation, and we were surprised and delighted that we were easily able to flatten out almost the entire ceiling with a couple of little reworks. Other changes we made were to add new windows that were appropriate to the new design, which included moving the sink window over slightly to give the work zone more breathing room. We also adjusted the height of the windows in what was previously the eat-in area that were too low for a countertop to work. We tried to keep an old island in the plan since it was a well-loved vintage find, but the tradeoff for the function of the new island was not worth it in the end. We hope the old found a new home, perhaps as a potting table. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Wicked White Quartzite Kitchen

Boston Counters

Perimeter counters and island in Wicked White quartzite.

Universal Design features are integrated into the kitchen.

FabCab

Location: Port Townsend, Washington. Photography by Dale Lang

Cape Cod Refresh

Marvista Design + Build

The ambitious reconfiguration of the first floor brought forth a remarkable transformation, shaping a space that seamlessly blends convenience and modern aesthetics. Walls were expertly repurposed to carve out a generous, open kitchen adorned with a sprawling island, becoming the vibrant heart of the home. This culinary haven, complete with ample seating, serves as a gathering point for cherished moments. Adjacent stands a walk-in pantry and a thoughtfully integrated laundry room, offering practicality without compromising elegance. Abundant shelving adorns the walls and island, creating a sanctuary for books and treasured items, while cleverly concealed storage solutions ensure a clutter-free environment. An expanded powder bath with the addition of a shower and tub is now conveniently connected to the guest room with a hallway entrance as well for easy access. This reimagined layout not only maximizes functionality but also breathes new life into the home, fostering an inviting and harmonious living space for both relaxation and entertainment.

Wil Rose - Whole Home Remodel

Anderson & Rodgers Construction

Buffalo Grove Transitional Kitchen and Bar Remodel

Patrick A. Finn, Ltd

California Coastal

Lindross Remodeling

West 71st Street Addition & Whole House

Schloegel Design Remodel

The contrasting finishes in the space bring a lively atmosphere together for the family to enjoy. The kitchen features mixed materials and soft white painted perimeter cabinetry. The island is an Alder wood with Lapis paint and dry brushed brown glaze. The island top is planked cherry wood, perfect for prep and island seating. The permitter counter is quartz with blue glass stones. A few fun touches such as chicken wire in the upper cabinets customize the kitchen.

Custom Barn Conversion

Ailtire Studio llc

storage on either side of cooking for spices and oils. All your cooking needs readily available.

Scandi-MODERN

Barbara Purdy - Purdy & Associates Design

Forest Hills Mid-Century Remodel

The Kingston Group - Remodeling Specialists

Emerson

Clearcut Construction, Inc.

Modern farmhouse kitchen with tons of natural light and a great open concept.

Kitchen with Porcelain Splashback and 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!