Built in 1949, this Edina home had a strong horizontal presence on the site, but through subsequent renovations the overall massing was lacking clarity and refinement and the entry was diminutive and uninviting. The roof and siding materials were aging, and important interior spaces were cramped and closed in. The house needed better light, better connection internally and out, and exterior updates to clarify and enhance the strengths of the home. The primary design evolved out of a celebration of the existing horizontality of the home and a recognition that a bigger home was not needed. By layering materiality and color, a new identity was created. A new cedar entry canopy slips out from under the previous roof line, extending further towards the street. This added warmth at the entry is echoed along the facade, creating a graceful rhythm and texture. The previous additions were re-clad with a darker material palette in order to anchor and unify the ends of the home. As the grade slopes down towards the back yard, horizontal bands are exposed, revealing the layering top to bottom. Combined, these few shifts in color and materiality allowed for a complete transformation of the home. The interior is reflective of the material and color palette used outside. The main living spaces are opened up and connected while strengthening the original symmetry of the more formal linear alignment of rooms. A whole new kitchen relocates the center of the home and makes more fluid the daily life of this young family. The house is fully transformed inside and out, all without adding more square feet. Project Team: Ben Awes, AIA, Principal-in-Charge Nate Dodge

Second Story Addition: Charming Bryant Home

Blue Sound Construction, Inc.

Kitchen newly remodeled, with mudroom: part of a full house remodel and second story addition in the Bryant neighborhood of Seattle. Builder: Blue Sound Construction, Inc. Architect: SHKS Architects Photo: Miranda Estes

Nantucket Town

Gather Home LLC

Transitional Kitchen

Leicht by Vogue Kitchens - Contemporary Open Plan Smart Kitchen

Vogue Kitchens

As part of a rear extension with glass panel doors leading directly to the garden, Ealing-based Vogue Kitchens was commissioned to design a kitchen that would comprise part of a large open plan ground floor area with the kitchen and dining room leading to a further open plan living space. The space benefits from a vast amount of light coming from the glass doors and also from a rectangular ceiling lantern incorporated in the space between the property and the extension. To contrast with the vibrance of the pure white walls and ceilings, the clients were keen to find a kitchen that featured a dark, dramatic and unusual finish. They also required a neat and uncluttered design as the kitchen zone was to be used for cooking and informal socialising while the formal dining area is only a few steps away. They wanted an easy to clean kitchen with plenty of storage, and smart cooking appliances that would make entertaining easier. Because the ceiling depth was different between the architecture of the original property and the extension itself and the design of the kitchen island would bisect both areas, extraction was also a main consideration. For the tall kitchen furniture and for the island, Sharan Johal creative director at Vogue suggested premium range Leicht Minera matt lacquer handleless door fronts in Kiruna colourway, which has an anti-fingerprint shimmering metallic two tone oxydised finish. These match with carbon grey laminate edging on the cabinetry and plinths for a seamless effect. The tall units were designed to fit floor to ceiling and feature dry food storage and housings for two Siemens HomeConnect Wi-Fi enabled ovens plus a warming drawer. A Siemens integrated larder fridge and tall freezer were transferred from the client’s previous kitchen, which was also designed and supplied by Vogue. To continue the back run of cabinetry and to differentiate the space to allow for freestanding and decorative kitchen items, base units were suggested with pull-out drawers underneath to store pans, plates and bowls. The three side-by-side overhead wall units all feature Servo Drive opening systems for one-touch access and easy closing and are designed to accommodate glasses, cups and crockery with under-cabinet lighting that can be activated by voice control via a home hub. The ultra-slim 12mm countertop work surface by Neolith is in Iron Grey colourway, with a satin finish to complement the cabinetry. This Neolith worksurface continues through to the three metre kitchen island, which has an 80mm raised Ash wood cantilever breakfast bar attached to it in black oil finish by Spekva that also includes an overhang at one end. This informal seating area features the client’s own timber and metal-framed bar stools. Together with handleless cupboards under the worksurface, the island features a 60cm Siemens integrated dishwasher and a food preparation space to one end with a Blanco undermount stainless steel sink and Quooker Flex Boiling Water tap. Integrated at an equal distance from the centre of the island, and situated directly in front of the ovens is an 80cm Siemens induction hob with an air venting system, which negates the need for overhead extraction.

My Houzz: Modernized Tudor-Inspired Family Home in Chicago

Rachel Loewen Photography

Kaylor Russell - Modern Kitchen Remodel

Kitchen & Bath Galleries of Chapel Hill

Smithtown Artisan Home

Aspect Design Build

Legno e Natura | 110 MQ

Large open kitchen with luxury details. Waterfall island top as well as a wood chopping block. Open shelving coordinates with the wood flooring. Fixtures and hardware add warmth and a contemporary feeling in golden brass. Light grey cabinetry.

Transitional Glam

JRP Design & Remodel

Joe and Denise purchased a large Tudor style home that never truly fit their needs. While interviewing contractors to replace the roof and stucco on their home, it prompted them to consider a complete remodel. With two young daughters and pets in the home, our clients were convinced they needed an open concept to entertain and enjoy family and friends together. The couple also desired a blend of traditional and contemporary styles with sophisticated finishes for the project. JRP embarked on a new floor plan design for both stories of the home. The top floor would include a complete rearrangement of the master suite allowing for separate vanities, spacious master shower, soaking tub, and bigger walk-in closet. On the main floor, walls separating the kitchen and formal dining room would come down. Steel beams and new SQFT was added to open the spaces up to one another. Central to the open-concept layout is a breathtaking great room with an expansive 6-panel bi-folding door creating a seamless view to the gorgeous hills. It became an entirely new space with structural changes, additional living space, and all-new finishes, inside and out to embody our clients’ dream home. PROJECT DETAILS: • Style: Transitional • Colors: Gray & White • Countertops: Quartzite • Cabinets: DeWils Frameless Shaker, White & Slate Gray *fully integrated dishwasher & fridge blend seamlessly with cabinetry as if they aren’t even there • Hardware/Plumbing Fixture Finish: Chrome • Lighting Fixtures: unique and bold lighting fixtures throughout every room in the house (pendant lighting, chandeliers, sconces, etc) • Flooring: White Oak (Titanium wash) • Tile/Backsplash: Calacatta Borghini Marble - Circle Mosaic Tiles • Photographer: Andrew (Open House VC)

5 Point Verona

Delpino Custom Homes

Elsternwick Apartment

Jasmine McClelland Design

Interior Design at it's best!

User

Zesta Kitchens

Navy is a Neutral Ranch Remodel & Addition

KBG Design

Chic Contemporary Milton Harbor

Studio Dearborn

An empty-nester couple was scaling down from a large house in Rye into a waterfront condo With spectacular harbor views, the condo needed a full redo including the removal of walls to open up the living spaces. Cabinetry by Studio Dearborn/Schrocks of Walnut Creek in custom gray stain, Range hood, Futuro Futuro. Quartzmaster engineered quartz countertops; Photos, Tim Lenz.

Ocean Beach San Diego Remodel

Design Intervention

After photo of guest house kitchenette F8 Photography

Traditional Kitchen

Elissa's Kitchen & Bath Design

Bel-Air

Lion Builder Construction Inc

Remodeled by Lion Builder construction Design By Veneer Designs

Open Plan Kitchen with Light Hardwood Floors 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!