Relocating from San Francisco, this young family immediately zeroed in on the wonderful historic homes around downtown Chicago. Most of the properties they saw checked a lot of wish list boxes, but none of them checked every box. The house they landed on had beautiful curb appeal, a dramatic entry with a welcoming porch and front hall, and a really nice yard. Unfortunately, it did not have a kitchen that was well set-up for cooking and entertaining. Reworking the kitchen area was the top priority. The family had met with a few other designers and even had an architect take a crack at the space, but they were not able to come up with a viable solution. Here’s how Senior Designer Diana Burton approached the project… Design Objectives: Respect the home’s vintage feel while bringing the kitchen up to date Open up the kitchen area to create an open space for gathering and entertaining Upgrade appliances to top-of-the-line models Include a large island with seating Include seating for casual family meals in a space that won’t be a replacement for the adjacent formal dining room THE REMODEL Design Challenges: Remove a load-bearing wall and combine smaller rooms to create one big kitchen A powder room in the back corner of the existing kitchen was a huge obstacle to updating the layout Maintain large windows with views of the yard while still providing ample storage Design Solutions: Relocating the powder room to another part of the first floor (a large closet under the stairs) opened up the space dramatically Create space for a larger island by recessing the fridge/freezer and shifting the pantry to a space adjacent to the kitchen A banquette saves space and offers a perfect solution for casual dining The walnut banquette table beautifully complements the fridge/freezer armoire Utilize a gap created by the new fridge location to create a tall shallow cabinet for liquor storage w/ a wine cubby Closing off one doorway into the dining room and using the “between the studs” space for a tall storage cabinet Dish organizing drawers offer handy storage for plates, bowls, and serving dishes right by main sink and dishwasher Cabinetry backing up to the dining room offers ample storage for glassware and functions both as a coffee station and cocktail bar Open shelves flanking the hood add storage without blocking views and daylight A beam was required where the wall was removed. Additional beams added architectural interest and helped integrate the beams into the space Statement lighting adds drama and personality to the space THE RENEWED SPACE This project exemplifies the transformative power of good design. Simply put, good design allows you to live life artfully. The newly remodeled kitchen effortlessly combines functionality and aesthetic appeal, providing a delightful space for cooking and spending quality time together. It’s comfy for regular meals but ultimately outfitted for those special gatherings. Infused with classic finishes and a timeless charm, the kitchen emanates an enduring atmosphere that will never go out of style.

Fresh Vintage Kitchen

Drury Design

Design Objectives: Respect the home’s vintage feel while bringing the kitchen up to date Open up the kitchen area to create an open space for gathering and entertaining Upgrade appliances to top-of-the-line models Include a large island with seating Include seating for casual family meals in a space that won’t be a replacement for the adjacent formal dining room THE REMODEL Design Challenges: Remove a load-bearing wall and combine smaller rooms to create one big kitchen A powder room in the back corner of the existing kitchen was a huge obstacle to updating the layout Maintain large windows with views of the yard while still providing ample storage Design Solutions: Relocating the powder room to another part of the first floor (a large closet under the stairs) opened up the space dramatically Create space for a larger island by recessing the fridge/freezer and shifting the pantry to a space adjacent to the kitchen A banquette saves space and offers a perfect solution for casual dining The walnut banquette table beautifully complements the fridge/freezer armoire Utilize a gap created by the new fridge location to create a tall shallow cabinet for liquor storage w/ a wine cubby Closing off one doorway into the dining room and using the “between the studs” space for a tall storage cabinet Dish organizing drawers offer handy storage for plates, bowls, and serving dishes right by main sink and dishwasher Cabinetry backing up to the dining room offers ample storage for glassware and functions both as a coffee station and cocktail bar Open shelves flanking the hood add storage without blocking views and daylight A beam was required where the wall was removed. Additional beams added architectural interest and helped integrate the beams into the space Statement lighting adds drama and personality to the space THE RENEWED SPACE This project exemplifies the transformative power of good design. Simply put, good design allows you to live life artfully. The newly remodeled kitchen effortlessly combines functionality and aesthetic appeal, providing a delightful space for cooking and spending quality time together. It’s comfy for regular meals but ultimately outfitted for those special gatherings. Infused with classic finishes and a timeless charm, the kitchen emanates an enduring atmosphere that will never go out of style. This photo hones in on the lap drawers on seating side of island.

Classic Farmhouse Kitchen

Bilotta Kitchen & Home

A charming farmhouse received some TLC while still retaining its original appeal, with the kitchen overlooking a new sunken family room offering expansive bucolic views. Low ceilings and two support beams presented a major challenge. The beams got a coffered treatment, and crown molding continues around the entire space to lead the eye upward. The design revolved around a striking 71” La Cornue range in a soft steel blue. “Dove White” cabinetry was chosen for the perimeter, with Benjamin Moore “Iron” for the island and wet bar. Paneled refrigerator and freezer columns are paired with a microwave drawer on one side of the kitchen and a small desk near the family room. Ever-popular marble countertops and a waterfall island supply up-to-date style. A herringbone layout highlights the marble subway tiles. A surprise injection of industrial form is the black “broach”-style handle on the pot-filler faucet. Brass pulls and trim on the seeded glass pendants add an elegant touch. The opposite side of the room features a wet bar with beverage refrigerator. Retro tube and glass shelving in black and brass sit against the antique mirror backsplash. Here the brass pulls have a prismatic surface for extra sparkle.

Kitchen Extension

CARL Architect

Classic Kitchen in New Jersey

WL Kitchen & Home

The island in a different color and various levels and its coffered ceiling gives cohesión and warm to this large kitchen. Mahogany wood and painted cabinets with patina.

Las Sendas Kitchen

Michelle Lecinski

This kitchen was completely transformed into a light and bright inviting entertaining space! The original ceiling beams were kept intact, but every finish was updated. Soaring 12' ceilings were the perfect backdrop for the white stacked glass upper display cabinets. The island was turned and elongated and topped with a stunning Cambria Brittannica quartz! The backsplash is made of rippled glass and gleams with under cabinet lighting. Highlight of polished nickel on the pendants and hardware lend elegance to the space. The appliance package is hard working as well as beautiful.

SAIANS - RESIDENCIA AL BORDE DEL MAR

FreeHand Arquitectura

Rock's House Remodel

Meet West Studio

Eclectic kitchen remodel in a historic home

1920s Ann Arbor Colonial Gets a Refresh

Meadowlark Design+Build

Kitchen remodel designed + built by Meadowlark in Ann Arbor, MI. Paneled appliances, butcher block island, Thermador range, soapstone counters, white subway tile backsplash and walls.

Traditional Shaker, Bishop's Castle

Kenton Jones

Renovations & Restorations: Kitchens

Rover Construction Company

Kitchen

Great Rooms Building Group

Custom Castle

FORNEY + architecture, LLC

McCormick Ranch Residence - Kitchen

H. Ryan Studio

Heather Ryan, Interior Designer H.Ryan Studio - Scottsdale, AZ www.hryanstudio.com

Victorian Kitchen Renovation/Addition in Ridgewood, NJ

Fein Construction LLC

View Fein Constructions kitchen remodeling and kitchen expansion project for your own home remodeling ideas!

L' Armonia tra Vecchio e Nuovo

Liadesign

L' Armonia tra Vecchio e Nuovo

Liadesign

Farmhouse in the City!

PKsurroundings

Shaker styled white and gray cabinetry paired with a flowing patterned quartz countertops and gold hardware make this kitchen sleek yet cozy! The gray island is ship lapped on the sides and back.

A-Certified Luxury Builders-Veritas Fine Homes-Telluride, CO-Custom Home-B

Dream Coast Builders

New York Traditional Kitchen

Rutt Quality Cabinetry

Traditional kitchen designed by Bilotta Kitchens using Rutt cabinetry door style Abbey in Cherry with a custom finish. Photo by Peter Rymwid

Separate Kitchen 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!