Elizabeth Drake of Drake Interiors Limited

A small flood prompted a dramatic kitchen update, extending the island, painting the existing cabinets, new granite countertops and tile backsplash. Photography by Brian Covington

Karen's Kitchens

Hancock Lumber Kitchen Design Showroom

Trendy Trad in Glen Ellyn

TKS Design Group

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW I am still sometimes shocked myself at how much of a difference a kitchen remodel can make in a space, you think I would know by now! This was one of those jobs. The small U-shaped room was a bit cramped, a bit dark and a bit dated. A neighboring sunroom/breakfast room addition was awkwardly used, and most of the time the couple hung out together at the small peninsula. The client wish list included a larger, lighter kitchen with an island that would seat 7 people. They have a large family and wanted to be able to gather and entertain in the space. Right outside is a lovely backyard and patio with a fireplace, so having easy access and flow to that area was also important. Our first move was to eliminate the wall between kitchen and breakfast room, which we anticipated would need a large beam and some structural maneuvering since it was the old exterior wall. However, what we didn’t anticipate was that the stucco exterior of the original home was layered over hollow clay tiles which was impossible to shore up in the typical manner. After much back and forth with our structural team, we were able to develop a plan to shore the wall and install a large steal & wood structural beam with minimal disruption to the original floor plan. That was important because we had already ordered everything customized to fit the plan. We all breathed a collective sigh of relief once that part was completed. Now we could move on to building the kitchen we had all been waiting for. Oh, and let’s not forget that this was all being done amidst COVID 2020. We covered the rough beam with cedar and stained it to coordinate with the floors. It’s actually one of my favorite elements in the space. The homeowners now have a big beautiful island that seats up to 7 people and has a wonderful flow to the outdoor space just like they wanted. The large island provides not only seating but also substantial prep area perfectly situated between the sink and cooktop. In addition to a built-in oven below the large gas cooktop, there is also a steam oven to the left of the sink. The steam oven is great for baking as well for heating daily meals without having to heat up the large oven. The other side of the room houses a substantial pantry, the refrigerator, a small bar area as well as a TV. The homeowner fell in love the with the Aqua quartzite that is on the island, so we married that with a custom mosaic in a similar tone behind the cooktop. Soft white cabinetry, Cambria quartz and Thassos marble subway tile complete the soft traditional look. Gold accents, wood wrapped beams and oak barstools add warmth the room. The little powder room was also included in the project. Some fun wallpaper, a vanity with a pop of color and pretty fixtures and accessories finish off this cute little space. 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

Rays of Light

Aspen Leaf Interiors

For this ski-in, ski-out mountainside property, the intent was to create an architectural masterpiece that was simple, sophisticated, timeless and unique all at the same time. The clients wanted to express their love for Japanese-American craftsmanship, so we incorporated some hints of that motif into the designs. This kitchen design was all about function. The warmth of the walnut cabinetry and flooring and the simplicity of the contemporary cabinet style and open shelving leave room for the gorgeous blue polished quartzite slab focal point used for the oversized island and backsplash. The perimeter countertops are contrasting black textured granite. The high cedar wood ceiling and exposed curved steel beams are dramatic and reveal a roofline nodding to a traditional pagoda design. Striking bronze hanging lights span the space. Vertically grain-matched large drawers provide plenty of storage and the compact pantry’s strategic design fits a coffee maker and Mila appliances.

Fossil Creek Kitchen

Haven Design and Construction

The focal point of this beautiful kitchen is the stunning stainless range hood accented with antique gold strapping. The marble backsplash was the inspiration for the gray and white cabinets and the two islands add drama and function to the space. Quartzite countertops provide durability and compliment the marble backsplash. This transitional kitchen features a coffee center, two sinks, a potfiller, 48" Wolf gas range, 36" Subzero refrigerator column, 24" Subzero freezer column, dishwasher drawers, a warming drawer, convection microwave and a wine refrigerator. It's truly a chef's dream kitchen.

Invermarge

CO Interiors

What transforms an ordinary box into something unique and special? Details! Here is a list of the few highlighted details that might have otherwise been overlooked yet were incorporated for a beautiful layered effect. 1. Exposed door hinges 2. Two different door profiles, shaker and slab 3. Textured glass versus clear glass 4. Framed cabinetry 5. Two different countertop profile edges, straight edge and Bryn edge 6. Quartz slab for backsplash with cut out that mimics the molding detail of the hood. 7. Different paint finishes, high gloss black on hood and satin on remaining cabinetry…the list continues.

Hayes Valley Remodel

jones | haydu

This one level flat was completely gutted by a fire. We completely changed the layout of rooms. The wood feature wall is composed of reused studs that were charred in the fire. At the edges, some of the black charring can still be seen. This project has been featured in Dwell and the San Francisco Chronicle. Photo by Bruce Damonte

Contemporary Kitchen

Robin Rigby Fisher, CMKBD/CAPS/CLIPPS

Water, water everywhere, but not a drop to drink. Although this kitchen had ample cabinets and countertops, none of it was functional. Tall appliances divided what would have been a functional run of counters. The cooktop was placed at the end of a narrow island. The walk-in pantry jutted into the kitchen reducing the walkspace of the only functional countertop to 36”. There was not enough room to work and still have a walking area behind. Dark corners and cabinets with poor storage rounded out the existing kitchen. Removing the walk in pantry opened the kitchen and made the adjoining utility room more functional. The space created by removing the pantry became a functional wall of appliances featuring: • 30” Viking Freezer • 36” Viking Refrigerator • 30” Wolf Microwave • 30” Wolf warming drawer To minimize a three foot ceiling height change, a custom Uberboten was built to create a horizontal band keeping the focus downward. The Uberboten houses recessed cans and three decorative light fixtures to illuminate the worksurface and seating area. The Island is functional from all four sides: • Elevation F: functions as an eating bar for two and as a buffet counter for large parties. Countertop: Ceasarstone Blue Ridge • Elevation G: 30” deep coffee bar with beverage refrigerator. Custom storage for flavored syrups and coffee accoutrements. Access to the water with the pull out Elkay faucet makes filling the espresso machine a cinch! Countertop: Ceasarstone Canyon Red • Elevation H: holds the Franke sink, and a cabinet with popup mixer hardware. Countertop: 4” thick endgrain butcherblock maple countertop • Elevation I: 42” tall and 30” deep cabinets hold a second Wolf oven and a built-in Franke scale Countertop: Ceasarstone in Blue Ridge The Range Elevation (Elevation B) has 27” deep countertops, the trash compactor, recycling, a 48” Wolf range. Opposing counter surfaces flank of the range: • Left: Ceasarstone in Canyon Red • Right: Stainless Steel. • Backsplash: Copper What originally was a dysfunctional desk that collected EVERYTHING, now is an attractive, functional 21” deep pantry that stores linen, food, serving pieces and more. The cabinet doors were made from a Zebra-wood-look-alike melamine, the gain runs both horizontally and vertically for a custom design. The end cabinet is a 12” deep message center with cork-board backing and a small work space. Storage below houses phone books and the Lumitron Graphic Eye that controls the light fixtures. Design Details: • An Icebox computer to the left of the main sink • Undercabinet lighting: Xenon • Plug strip eliminate unsightly outlets in the backsplash • Cabinets: natural maple accented with espresso stained alder.

Shades of Neoclassic

Kitchen Architecture Ltd

This kitchen draws on the textural richness of blue-sky quartzite, soft curves and beautiful Neoclassical detailing, where deep shadows and reflected light are carefully choreographed.

Pumpkin Hill Kitchen

3W design, inc.

From Lemons to Lemonade - A Harvey Remodel

K Two Designs, Inc.

Open concept kitchen with island and peninsula. The stone is quartzite cielo, and the cabinets are from Elmwood. Pella casement windows bring breezes into the kitchen and great room.

Transitional Kitchen

Blue Nile Granite

Granite Granite Inc. | ARC Cabinetry

Blue Nile Granite with Blue Shaker Cabinets!!

Park Circle

Kitchen Cove Design Studio

Pumpkin Hill Kitchen

3W design, inc.

Trendy Trad in Glen Ellyn

TKS Design Group

Dallas Suburb Classic Kitchen- before and after

Carrie Johnson

Kitchen with Stainless Steel Appliances and Blue Benchtop 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!