The central T-shape island is a workhorse for preparation, yet provides a cozy spot where a line of leather-backed barstools encourage conversation. The darkly stained finish provides contrast and anchors the space to separate it from other kitchen elements. The black metal light fixture, veining of the natural quartzite countertops, and accessories provide elegant contrast to the neutral theme through pattern, contrast and pops of color.

California Casual White Oaks Kitchen

Studio Haven Interiors

This kitchen was updated to reflect a light and airy mixed wood and paint, family eat-in style island. Inset cabinets paired with quart countertops and herringbone natural stone backsplash.

Chandler Remodel Project

Alisha Taylor Interiors

This modern Chandler Remodel project features a completely transformed kitchen with navy blue acting as neutral and wooden accents.

Peak Performance

JayJeffers

Matthew Millman

Modern Rustic Charm

Coyle Construction Company

stained island, white kitchen

Auburn Farmhouse

Natalie Bachli Interior Design

Secret Hollow Residence

LS3P Living

Kitchen | Custom home Studio of LS3P ASSOCIATES LTD. | Photo by Inspiro8 Studio.

Sink Bump Out with Spindles, an Arched Toe, and Beaded Center Panels

Denise Quade Design

Bumping out the sink base 3" and adding spindles and the arched valance at the toe space make the sink stand out. To the right, we have paneled dishwasher drawers and to the left, we have the double trash pullout. Bead board center panels in white painted cabinets add to the charm of the lake front home.

Kitchen - After

Realty Restoration, LLC

Christopher Davison, AIA

North Shore

Middlefork Development LLC

Middlefork was retained to update and revitalize this North Shore home to a family of six. The primary goal of this project was to update and expand the home's small, eat-in kitchen. The existing space was gutted and a 1,500-square-foot addition was built to house a gourmet kitchen, connected breakfast room, fireside seating, butler's pantry, and a small office. The family desired nice, timeless spaces that were also durable and family-friendly. As such, great consideration was given to the interior finishes. The 10' kitchen island, for instance, is a solid slab of white velvet quartzite, selected for its ability to withstand mustard, ketchup and finger-paint. There are shorter, walnut extensions off either end of the island that support the children's involvement in meal preparation and crafts. Low-maintenance Atlantic Blue Stone was selected for the perimeter counters. The scope of this phase grew to include re-trimming the front façade and entry to emphasize the Georgian detailing of the home. In addition, the balance of the first floor was gutted; existing plumbing and electrical systems were updated; all windows were replaced; two powder rooms were updated; a low-voltage distribution system for HDTV and audio was added; and, the interior of the home was re-trimmed. Two new patios were also added, providing outdoor areas for entertaining, dining and cooking. Tom Harris, Hedrich Blessing

Warm Transitional Kitchen - SC

Kitcheneering

The aesthetics of the kitchen were critical because it is centrally located in the great room of which it is a part. The challenge was to integrate the kitchen into the larger space while making sure it didn't dominate it. We accomplished this by using a restrained color palette of cream, gold, gray-green and gray-blue with touches of deeper chocolate brown. The same colors repeat in the quartzite counters, arabesque stone mosaic back splash and stacked slate accent wall (also used in the fireplace in the living area). The uppermost cabinets feature glass doors and lighting to showcase a collection of crystal inherited from the client's grandmother. This feature is beautiful but also makes good use of cabinets too tall to reach conveniently. The glass doors add sparkle and the cabinet height enhances vertical lines of the space and draws the eye toward the vaulted ceiling. Photo by Lane Barden

Traditional - Old World

Hawthorne Kitchens

Art Turner

Modern Kitchen with Charisma - Winfield, IL

TKS Design Group

Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW Collaborations are typically so fruitful and this one was no different. The homeowners started by hiring an architect to develop a vision and plan for transforming their very traditional brick home into a contemporary family home full of modern updates. The Kitchen Studio of Glen Ellyn was hired to provide kitchen design expertise and to bring the vision to life. The bamboo cabinetry and white Ceasarstone countertops provide contrast that pops while the white oak floors and limestone tile bring warmth to the space. A large island houses a Galley Sink which provides a multi-functional work surface fantastic for summer entertaining. And speaking of summer entertaining, a new Nana Wall system — a large glass wall system that creates a large exterior opening and can literally be opened and closed with one finger – brings the outdoor in and creates a very unique flavor to the space. Matching bamboo cabinetry and panels were also installed in the adjoining family room, along with aluminum doors with frosted glass and a repeat of the limestone at the newly designed fireplace. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Carlos Vergara For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Brasada Ranch Lot 192

Cascade Builders & Associates Inc.

Chandler Photography

Period Kitchen Renovation in Historic Montrose Neighborhood, South Orange, NJ

Clawson Architects, LLC

Blue custom cabinetry designed to fashion a period Butler's Pantry serves as a Beverage and entertainment bar with concealed beverage refrigerator on the left and ice maker on the right. White marble counters with polished nickel bar faucet complete the look.

Upper West Side Classic Six

Weil Friedman Architects

Integrated appliances serve to unify a relatively small kitchen. To the left of the built-in refrigerator is an appliance garage housing a small microwave oven. The minimal slide out range hood helps maintain a furniture-like aesthetic in this very visible kitchen.

Traditional

Robert Paige Cabinetry LLC

Photography by William Quarles Designed and built by Robert Paige Cabinetry

John & Jan's Kitchen

Dream Kitchens

John & Jan's kitchen was a small white kitchen that filled about a third of the screen you are looking at. This didn't work for them with the amount of children and grandchildren running around. We named their island the last supper island for the sheer length of it!

White and Black Kitchen Renovation St. Louis Missouri

Karr Bick Kitchen and Bath

Denash Photography, Designed by Jenny Rausch Kitchen view of angled corner granite undermount sink. Wood paneled refrigerator, wood flooring, island wood countertop, perimeter granite countertop, inset cabinetry, and decorative accents.

Butler

LMK Interiors LLC

High Res Media

Kitchen with Stone Tile Splashback and Panelled Appliances 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!