Open concept kitchen & living room

Alice Dunn Design, LLC

Tamoshanter

Thyme & Place Design LLC

The existing kitchen was in a word, "stuck" between the family room, mudroom and the rest of the house. The client has renovated most of the home but did not know what to do with the kitchen. The space was visually cut off from the family room, had underwhelming storage capabilities, and could not accommodate family gatherings at the table. Access to the recently redesigned backyard was down a step and through the mud room. We began by relocating the access to the yard into the kitchen with a French door. The remaining space was converted into a walk-in pantry accessible from the kitchen. Next, we opened a window to the family room, so the children were visible from the kitchen side. The old peninsula plan was replaced with a beautiful blue painted island with seating for 4. The outdated appliances received a major upgrade with Sub Zero Wolf cooking and food preservation products. The visual beauty of the vaulted ceiling is enhanced by long pendants and oversized crown molding. A hard-working wood tile floor grounds the blue and white colorway. The colors are repeated in a lovely blue and white screened marble tile. White porcelain subway tiles frame the feature. The biggest and possibly the most appreciated change to the space was when we opened the wall from the kitchen into the dining room to connect the disjointed spaces. Now the family has experienced a new appreciation for their home. Rooms which were previously storage areas and now integrated into the family lifestyle. The open space is so conducive to entertaining visitors frequently just "drop in”. In the dining area, we designed custom cabinets complete with a window seat, the perfect spot for additional diners or a perch for the family cat. The tall cabinets store all the china and crystal once stored in a back closet. Now it is always ready to be used. The last repurposed space is now home to a refreshment center. Cocktails and coffee are easily stored and served convenient to the kitchen but out of the main cooking area. How do they feel about their new space? It has changed the way they live and use their home. The remodel has created a new environment to live, work and play at home. They could not be happier.

Super White Quartzite Kitchen Countertops

Paradise Granite LLC

Super White Quartzite countertops + tile backsplash = a winning combination. The quartzite countertops have a marble look but are actually much more durable than marble.

Super White Quartzite Kitchen Countertops

Paradise Granite LLC

Super White Quartzite countertops + tile backsplash = a winning combination. The quartzite countertops have a marble look but are actually much more durable than marble.

Falcon Mews Log Home

Mountain Log Homes of CO, Inc.

Locally harvested Englemann Spruce 12-14" diameter log home, hand-crafted by Shavano Custom Log Works. Available for nightly and weekly rental. https://www.riverridgerentals.com/breckenridge/vacation-rentals/apres-ski-cabin/

Arts & Crafts in Ladysmith

McPherson Cabinetry

This kitchen was designed to be in keeping with Arts & Crafts feel of the rest of the house. Some unique features are the apron and posts on the sit up bar, open shelving on the prep station, and the corner placed range.

Craftsman Beach House

Sligh Cabinets Inc.

Kitchen Island Doubles as Kitchen Table

KraftMaster Renovations

This is a working island as well as a table for the family to gather - made of of Starmark Cabinetry like the rest of the kitchen. Photos by Chris Veith.

30mm Steel Grey Granite Work surfaces

Paramount Stone Specialists

Tamoshanter

Thyme & Place Design LLC

The existing kitchen was in a word, "stuck" between the family room, mudroom and the rest of the house. The client has renovated most of the home but did not know what to do with the kitchen. The space was cut off from the family room, had underwhelming storage capabilities, and could not accommodate family gatherings at the table. Access to recently redesigned backyard was down a step and through the mud room. We began by relocating the entrance to the yard into the kitchen with a French door. The remaining space was converted into a walk in pantry accessible from the kitchen. Next we opened a window to the family room so the children were visible from the kitchen side. The old peninsula plan was replaced with a beautiful blue painted island with seating for 4. The outdated appliances received a major upgrade with Sub Zero Wolf cooking and food preservation products. The visual beauty of the vaulted ceiling is enhanced by long pendants and oversized crown molding. A hard working wood tile floor grounds the blue and white colorway. The colors are repeated in a lovely blue and white screened marble tile. White subway tiles frame the feature. The biggest and possibly the most appreciated change to the space was when we opened the wall into the dining room to connect the disjointed rooms. Now the family has experienced a new appreciation for their home. Rooms which were previously storage areas and now integrated in to the family lifestyle. The open space is so conducive to entertaining visitors frequently just "drop in" In the dining area, we designed custom cabinets complete with a window seat the perfect spot for additional diners or a perch for the family cat. The tall cabinets store all of the china and crystal once stored in a back closet. Now it is always ready to be used. The last found space is now home to a refreshment center. Cocktails and coffee are easily stored and served convenient to the kitchen but out of the main cooking area.

2 Sorrento

Blend Residential Designs

Iowa City Job

Finishing Touch Custom Woodworks, Inc.

Sunny Tuscan Inspired Kitchen with Beautiful Bronze Accents

emma delon

This warm and inviting Tuscan inspired kitchen is located in a lovely little neighborhood in Durham, North Carolina. Here, warm cream cabinets are accented beautifully with Cambria Canterbury Quartz countertops, Jerusalem Gold limestone backsplashes, and bronze accents. The stainless steel appliances and Kohler stainless steel Simplice faucet provide a nice contrast to the dark bronze hardware, tile inserts, and light fixtures. The existing breakfast room light fixture, table, and chairs blend beautifully with the new selections in the room. New hardwood floors, finished to match the existing throughout the house, work fabulously with the warm yellow walls. The careful selection of cabinetry storage inserts and brand new pantry storage units make this kitchen a wonderfully functional space and a great place for both family meals and entertaining. copyright 2012 marilyn peryer photography

Lady and the Damp: Kitchen

Tamara Day Design

Summer Cottage Addition and Renovation in Newport County, RI

SR Fine Home Builders

Kitchen, Pantry, Great Room / Photographer: Robert Brewster Photography / Architect: Matthew McGeorge, McGeorge Architecture Interiors

Laguna Niguel Project

Elliott Floor Covering, Inc.

Junckers Merbau Classic 2 Strip Wood Flooring project in Laguna Niguel.

Interior Painting

Smile-A-Mile Painting

Dream Home Services

Rustic Mountain Retreat

rk MILES, Inc.

Cabinet Brand: Brookhaven II Door Style: Madison Raised Finish Style/Color: Knotty Alder with matte natural/black glaze Countertop Material: Granite Countertop Color/Finish: Silver Pearl/Leathered

Kitchen Remodeling in Westlake Village

Fine Builders Inc.

Kitchen with Stone Tile Splashback and Multi-Coloured 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!