Sometimes an island just doesn't work within the space. The peninsula design feels as though it has been a little forgotten over the last few years. With people preferring to just do an 'L' shape design. Hopefully, this inspires more people that a clever designed peninsula, sometimes offers more benefits than just an 'L' shape or an island. With introductions of the open cubby holes for book storage to soft dress the non-cooking side, you can really have some fun with a peninsula. Photography by Philip Cooper

Cheshire Home Ground Floor

Cream & Black Interior Design

Chris Snook

Kentfield Home

Petersen Design Associates, LLC

Transitional Kitchen

Modern Mountain View Home - Whistler

ADA - arata hatanaka design atelier

New Build Homes - Beech Gardens, Halifax

GREENSTONE DESIGN LTD

contemporary kitchen with stunning views, using the mirror splashback to take in the views when your back is to the room...

Chi

Individual Design & Construction

Mid Century Modern Kitchen - Floating Shelves, Venetian Plaster Wall

Hanomoco Design

Handmade Kitchen in Crouch End, London

WILLIAMS RIDOUT

Open-plan living made simple with a deep blue colour scheme running throughout this rear extension in Crouch End, London. Traditionally styled with contemporary features, this handmade kitchen is hand painted with our specialist finish and boasts curved ends on both sides, dovetailed oak drawers and a mirrored splashback.

Dark Grey Kitchen

Richmond Kitchens

IMPRESSIVE ANTIQUE MIRROR SPLASHBACK But the biggest 'wow' factor in this Kitchen is undoubtedly the dazzling Antique Mirror Glass Splashback, with its distinctive distressed vintage look. It's no short of spectacular and certainly works as a strong focal point. The reflective layer is the perfect tie between the contemporary and the vintage look. Moreover, the splashback has been toughened for extra safety because it has been positioned next to a heat source. Mrs T Photography

An Island Statement

The Myers Touch

In collaboration with the client’s architect, AR Design the layout of the kitchen was already in place. However, upon meeting the client it was clear she wanted a ‘wow’ island, symmetry in design and plenty of functional storage. As well as a contemporary, family-friendly space it was also important the space that still respected the heritage of the house. The original walls of the property had many angled walls and featured some tight spaces, so careful consideration of SieMatic's cabinetry choices was given to ensure maximum functionality in those spaces. After much consideration, The Myers Touch specified SieMatic’s SC10 Cabinetry in a Provence Oak Laminate finish which was placed in a framed-style at the rear wall. The same cabinetry was specified for under the island to create contrast with the new and original material features in the space. In order for the family to keep the kitchen uncluttered, careful planning of internal storage systems was considered in the form of using SieMatic’s internal Drawer boxes and their MultiMatic internal storage system which were used to store smaller items such as spices and sauces, as well whilst providing space for slide-out drawers and storage baskets. To ensure an elegant yet ‘wow’ factor central island, The Myers Touch combined contrasting textures by using 30mm Silestone Eternal Calacatta natural stone, polished worktops with ‘waterfall island’ edges and a Corian solid surface back panel. The distinctive geometric patterned Corian panel in Cameo White looks particularly spectacular at night when the owner's turn on the architectural-toned lighting under the island. Appliances chosen for the island included a sophisticated Elica Illusion extractor hood so it could be totally integrated in the new architectural space without visual distraction, a Siemens iQ500 Induction Hob with touch-slide control and a Caple Under-counter Wine cabinet. To maximise every inch of the new space, and to ensure the owners had a place for everything, The Myers Touch also used additional cabinetry and storage options in the island such as extra deep drawers to store saucepans, cutlery, and everyday crockery. The eye-catching Antique-bronze mirrored splashback not only helps to provide the illusion of extra space, but reinforces family ‘togetherness’ as it reflects and links the rear of the kitchen ‘snug’ area where family members can sit and relax or work when not in the main kitchen extension area. The original toned brickwork and 18th Century steel windows in the original part of the extension also helps to tell the story about the older part of the house which now juxtaposes to the new, contemporary kitchen living extension. A handy door was also included in the extension which leads to the garage on the main road for family convenience and over-flow storage. Photography by Paul Craig (Reproduction of image by request only - joy@bakerpr.co.uk)

The Mock Tudor House

Simpson & Voyle

Murano Grande - Miami Beach

FVA26 Design & Build

Kitchen

Simply_Space De-cluttering, Organising & Staging

Open plan kitchen with large island.

Palm Springs Modern

Distinctive Flooring

Trend-led sophistication

Trends Kitchens

Rear Extension, Marble Hill Close, Twickenham

50 Degrees North Architects

Overview Slick, rear facing extension with internal space planning throughout the ground floor enhancing existing and creating new spaces The Brief Transform a mid-terrace Edwardian home into a light, inspiring and practical family space with neat lines and simple elevations to complement a family garden space. Using as much glass as possible to the rear and incorporating new contemporary kitchen and back of house spaces we transformed the house from a dark and celular series of spaces to a WOW factor, flexible home. Our Solution We started by removing the elements that didnt work for the family, taking out walls and the rear ground floor elevation. We then looked to support the walls above with a new steel superstructure keeping the new space open plan. We wanted the route from the entrance lobby, where friends and relatives congregate, to the rear family space to be open and light with an obvious route to the new space. The back of house space (utility, laundry and WC/storage) was positioned in the centre of the plan leaving us to develop an open plan space with light flooding in. We opted for a simple and crisp aesthetic with light colours and materials and excellent finishing by the build team. The client has furnished the space to a high standard giving this house a brilliant look and feel that has enhanced the value and created a flexible space the family can live in for years to come.

Bauformat Projects

Pacific Source Oahu

Arlington, Virginia - Modern - Kitchen and Bathroom

Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath

Arlington, Virginia Modern Kitchen and Bathroom #JenniferGilmer http://www.gilmerkitchens.com/

Elegance and homely kitchen

Spencer Marchand

Neolith worktops really add that 'WOW' factor and being only 12mm thick, exaggerate that floating feeling from the handleless base units. With the bronze mirror running across the back wall, it makes the room feel wide than it is, which is crucial when in a narrow space. Photography by Philip Cooper

Kitchen with Solid Surface Benchtops and Mirror Splashback 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!