Our client wanted the “wow” factor!! She wanted a kitchen with clean lines and a bespoke island to be the focal point of the space but simple enough that she could add her own artistic stamp. Our client, being an interior designer, had a keen eye for style and design, and we decided to “go for it!” and give her a design that nobody else would. We like to ask our clients “how brave they are” as we find that our designs are very distinctive when we are allowed freedom to use our imagination. We proposed merging the existing kitchen, utility, w/c and dining space to create an open plan kitchen, dining and living snug. Although opening up this space, it was still quite a tight area for the requested island. We therefore designed an island to be formed with full open boxes at low level to carry the island and allow light to flow to the other side of the kitchen and prevent a claustrophobic feel. The low level open boxes were going to require some strength to hold the Dekton topped upper half of the island and we also needed to run electrics to the hob, lighting and power points. We formed these boxes from the same panelling as the rest of the kitchen and had to fabricate steel strengthening straps that would be hidden within the structure alongside the electrical supply. Overall this open plan kitchen and living space with matching cabinetry in the snug is a stylish transformation. Though not a very large space and with the dark cabinetry, the smoked glass splash back, the light countertops and open boxes give this kitchen a light and free feeling.

Gulfront Home - Kiva Dunes, Alabama

CDC Woodworking

Greg Riegler

Maple Wood with Expresso Wood Tone Stained Finish Kitchen Cabinets

Sandell Cabinets Inc.

Chancery Lane - Luxury Apartments

Black Interiors

Luxury apartment show home in London showcasing an open plan German kitchen.

White and Light Oak Handleless Kitchen, Teddington

Richmond Kitchens

Here is a Kitchen which has skilfully combined different materials and innovative technology ideas to create a space filled with contemporary excitement, sophistication and outstanding versatility. An amazing U-Shaped Kitchen where the word 'streamline' reaches a whole new level. A Kitchen that is daring, individual and inspiring, where every detail has been nurtured and every possibility considered and counted for. Photo by Paula Trovalusci

Beaumaris

Let's Talk Kitchens & Interiors

Tim Turner Photography

Wood-Mode's Specialized Pantry

Cabinets & Designs

Imagine the possibilities with Wood-Mode.

Rodd Point Kitchen - Open plan or modern day living?

Minosa | Design Life Better

This house was designed for sale, so it had to tick many boxes, the spaces where narrow and long so connection was important in the overall design process. . The kitchen is no different. Connection of materials was important - Timber Veneer, 2pac Polyurethane in two colours, Pietra Grey Marble, Tinted mirror & Corian benchtops work wonderfully together to create a sophisticated palette of materials & texture. Interior Design by MInosa Photography by Nicole England

Wooster Road

Sue Murphy Interiors

Ultra cool pool bar and kitchen created in a swimming pool building as an entertainment space for parties.

316 Vanstone Street

rocky & ivan

Photo Credits: Rocky & Ivan Photographic Division

Квартира в Лыткарино

Arch-Gallery

Shenton Park Residence

Retreat Design

Silvertone Photography

Mid and Slate Grey Concrete Kitchen Diner

Kutchenhaus Altrincham

Beautiful kitchen diner in grey and slate concrete doors with pendant extractor, smokey mirror splashback, integrated coffee machine, Quooker boiling tap, hidden flip sockets in the island and a gorgeous and very functional raised corner seating area.

Rushton Spencer

ArtHouse Creative Interiors

Kentfield Home

Petersen Design Associates, LLC

Crisp & Clean White Kitchen in NYC

Bilotta Kitchen & Home

This clean, contemporary, white kitchen, in a New York City penthouse, was designed by Bilotta's Goran Savic and Regina Bilotta in collaboration with Jennifer Post of Jennifer Post Design. The cabinetry is Bilotta’s contemporary line, Artcraft. A flat panel door in a high-gloss white lacquer finish, the base cabinet hardware is a channel system while the tall cabinets have long brushed stainless pulls. All of the appliances are Miele, either concealed behind white lacquer panels or featured in their “Brilliant White” finish to keep the clean, integrated design. On the island, the Gaggenau cooktop sits flush with the crisp white Corian countertop; on the parallel wall the sink is integrated right into the Corian top. The mirrored backsplash gives the illusion of a more spacious kitchen – after all, large, eat-in kitchens are at a premium in Manhattan apartments! At the same time it offers view of the cityscape on the opposite side of the apartment. Designer: Bilotta Designer, Goran Savic and Regina Bilotta with Jennifer Post of Jennifer Post Design Photo Credit:Peter Krupenye

Hague Blue, Shaker Kitchen

Sculleries of Stockbridge

Sean Beagley - photographyandfloorplans.co.uk

Geoff Sumner Photography

North Warrandyte House

Alexandra Buchanan Architecture

A contemporary bushland house on the Yarra River, designed for a young family that love the connection to the outdoors & entertaining This Warrandyte site occupies a prime location on a stunning bushland perch above the Yarra River. Covered in trees, with restricted access and falling steeply to the river it was not without its challenges however, including Environmental and Bushfire Overlays (BAL29). The views, orientation, topography and context have very much generated the form and materiality of the house as the dual wings of the house slide with the landscape to articulate privacy for neighbouring properties whilst also maximising views, daylight and access to external entertaining spaces. Twin butterfly roofs lift the eaves to catch daylight from every direction and enhance the sense of space and connection to outdoors whilst a glazed circulation slot creates a dramatic but efficient connection between the two forms. A generous roof terrace with external fireplace and arbour allow for contemporary outdoor entertaining whilst allowing the natural terrain of the site to fall below, relatively untouched. Photography by Marvelle Photography

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!