Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW The homeowners came to us looking to update the kitchen in their historic 1897 home. The home had gone through an extensive renovation several years earlier that added a master bedroom suite and updates to the front façade. The kitchen however was not part of that update and a prior 1990’s update had left much to be desired. The client is an avid cook, and it was just not very functional for the family. The original kitchen was very choppy and included a large eat in area that took up more than its fair share of the space. On the wish list was a place where the family could comfortably congregate, that was easy and to cook in, that feels lived in and in check with the rest of the home’s décor. They also wanted a space that was not cluttered and dark – a happy, light and airy room. A small powder room off the space also needed some attention so we set out to include that in the remodel as well. See that arch in the neighboring dining room? The homeowner really wanted to make the opening to the dining room an arch to match, so we incorporated that into the design. Another unfortunate eyesore was the state of the ceiling and soffits. Turns out it was just a series of shortcuts from the prior renovation, and we were surprised and delighted that we were easily able to flatten out almost the entire ceiling with a couple of little reworks. Other changes we made were to add new windows that were appropriate to the new design, which included moving the sink window over slightly to give the work zone more breathing room. We also adjusted the height of the windows in what was previously the eat-in area that were too low for a countertop to work. We tried to keep an old island in the plan since it was a well-loved vintage find, but the tradeoff for the function of the new island was not worth it in the end. We hope the old found a new home, perhaps as a potting table. 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

Kenwood Shingle Style

TEA2 Architects

Dublin Townhouse

The Design Yard Dublin

Classical kitchen with Navy hand painted finish with Silestone quartz work surfaces & mirror splash back.

Pullman Estate Kitchen Renovation

ABLAZE Design Group (ABL)

We are firm believers in form follows function, especially in kitchens. When styling a kitchen try to avoid too much clutter on the surface, so carefully consider jars, canisters and items that tie in other uses. In enclosed kitchen spaces, when you want visual impact, but want to keep things light and airy, consider clear stools and pendant lighting. Every room can benefit from a touch of greenery, so natural herbs are a great way to add some life in a very practical way.

Deer Park Kitchen and Family Room

Bailey Remodeling and Construction LLC

Captivating Classic Home Renovation

Gardner/Fox Associates, Inc

Kitchen Cabinetry by Glenbrook Cabinetry -Snowcap with Mocha Glaze Kitchen Cabinetry Countertop by Renaissance Marble & Granite Inc. - Pietra Del Cordosa Tile Backsplash by Quemere Designs - Ice Cream Crackle Island by Glenbrook Cabinetry - Cherry Stained Acorn Island Countertop by Renaissance Marble & Granite, Inc - Cararra Marble Range - Wolf

South Charlotte, NC Kitchen remodel -Transitional mixed with rustic elements

Leslie Williams Interior Design

Love the variation in this tile from Sonoma tileworks! This client wanted a warm kitchen without any gray. The countertops have a warm veining pattern to go with the brown wood tones and we added some rustic/industrial details to make it feel like the client's mountain cabin.

Kitchen

The Beaubelle Group

Timeless Traditional White Kitchen

Noah & Lilly Kitchen Design

Historic Rosegarden Kitchen and Bath Remodel

A Mind On Design-Debbie Minarik, Interior Designer

COH Waypoint "Linen" and "Stone" Kitchen

User

Multifunctional Kitchen Island

Geneva Cabinet Company, LLC

www.GenevaCabinet.com - This kitchen designed by Joyce A. Zuelke features Plato Woodwork, Inc. cabinetry with the Coventry raised panel full overlay door. The perimeter has a painted finish in Sunlight with a heavy brushed brown glaze. The generous island is done in Country Walnut and shows off a beautiful Grothouse wood countertop. #PlatoWoodwork Cabinetry Bella Tile and Stone - Lake Geneva Backsplash, S. Photography/ Shanna Wolf Photography Lowell Custom Homes Builder

Lake Granbury

Le Belle Maison Interiors Inc.

Desiree Roberts

East Hill Kitchen Remodel

Copper + Oak Design

Avenue Photography

Classic Transitional Kitchen

Studio M Kitchen & Bath

A classic, transitional remodel in Medina, MN! A stunning white kitchen is sure to catch your eye, and even more so with the trending touch of color on the large, blue painted island. Scott Amundson Photography, LLC

1995 Traditional Kitchen

Kristyn Bester Design

Andover, MA

Beaulieu Cabinetry, Inc.

Traditional Kitchen with a Farmhouse Sink 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 Traditional 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!