A rustic kitchen uses modern and simple units, but with a traditional twist.

Island Chic

Willman Interiors / Gina Willman, ASID

Kelli Boyd Photography

Custom Home

Mill & Woods

We had a batch of reclaimed heart pine beams and decking from a textile mill in Lincolnton, NC that had so much character it could not be graded like our other reclaimed heart pine. So we began work on a prefinished color that would do this unique wood justice. Finally, after numerous attempts, we found the perfect color. Now, what do you call a floor with this kind of attitude? After a few beers on a Friday afternoon, the “Old Dirty Goat” was born. Just take a look at this floor and you’ll understand the name.

Mid Century Modern Kitchen - Glen Ellyn, IL

TKS Design Group

Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW This large open concept kitchen and dining space was created by removing a load bearing wall between the old kitchen and a porch area. The new porch was insulated and incorporated into the overall space. The kitchen remodel was part of a whole house remodel so new quarter sawn oak flooring, a vaulted ceiling, windows and skylights were added. A large calcutta marble topped island takes center stage. It houses a 5’ galley workstation - a sink that provides a convenient spot for prepping, serving, entertaining and clean up. A 36” induction cooktop is located directly across from the island for easy access. Two appliance garages on either side of the cooktop house small appliances that are used on a daily basis. Honeycomb tile by Ann Sacks and open shelving along the cooktop wall add an interesting focal point to the room. Antique mirrored glass faces the storage unit housing dry goods and a beverage center. “I chose details for the space that had a bit of a mid-century vibe that would work well with what was originally a 1950s ranch. Along the way a previous owner added a 2nd floor making it more of a Cape Cod style home, a few eclectic details felt appropriate”, adds Klimala. The wall opposite the cooktop houses a full size fridge, freezer, double oven, coffee machine and microwave. “There is a lot of functionality going on along that wall”, adds Klimala. A small pull out countertop below the coffee machine provides a spot for hot items coming out of the ovens. The rooms creamy cabinetry is accented by quartersawn white oak at the island and wrapped ceiling beam. The golden tones are repeated in the antique brass light fixtures. “This is the second kitchen I’ve had the opportunity to design for myself. My taste has gotten a little less traditional over the years, and although I’m still a traditionalist at heart, I had some fun with this kitchen and took some chances. The kitchen is super functional, easy to keep clean and has lots of storage to tuck things away when I’m done using them. The casual dining room is fabulous and is proving to be a great spot to linger after dinner. We love it!” Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Kitchen and Powder Room Remodel

New England Design & Construction

A pop-up electrical outlet lives in this oversize kitchen island to accommodate for the many kitchen appliances used.

Madeira Condo Remodel in Marco Island, FL

41 West

Rockland Additions

Archer & Buchanan Architecture, Ltd.

Photographer: Angle Eye Photography

Padworth Common - Beautiful kitchen in Old Chalk

Ben Heath Interiors

The stunning kitchen features a combination of Ben Heath bespoke and Neptune cabinetry. The kitchen is finished in Neptune's water-based Old Chalk paint with a Blue Grey limestone worktop and a Cognac satino limestone flooring. The tall cabinet housing has an integrated Combi Microwave and a Steamer Oven. The bar stools add a nice texture to the kitchen. Photos by Adam Carter Photography

New York City Loft

Deborah French Designs

photo by Yiorgos Kordakis

Pac Heights Penthouse

Matarozzi Pelsinger Builders

A complete interior remodel of a top floor unit in a stately Pacific Heights building originally constructed in 1925. The remodel included the construction of a new elevated roof deck with a custom spiral staircase and “penthouse” connecting the unit to the outdoor space. The unit has two bedrooms, a den, two baths, a powder room, an updated living and dining area and a new open kitchen. The design highlights the dramatic views to the San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge to the north, the views west to the Pacific Ocean and the City to the south. Finishes include custom stained wood paneling and doors throughout, engineered mahogany flooring with matching mahogany spiral stair treads. The roof deck is finished with a lava stone and ipe deck and paneling, frameless glass guardrails, a gas fire pit, irrigated planters, an artificial turf dog park and a solar heated cedar hot tub. Photos by Mariko Reed Architect: Gregg DeMeza Interior designer: Jennifer Kesteloot

Cabinet Transformation to White

Ackley Cabinet, LLC

Kitchen

User

Kitchen Design; this traditional style kitchen with cherry cabinets and dark granite is a favorite for many. The Contract of the dark cabinetry and tops against the light floors, tile and wall paint really make the craftsmanship of the cabinetry stand out.

Custom Kitchen Design

Details International

Fahlman

Kitchens of Diablo

Elmwood Custom Cabinetry in Princeton door style in Walnut stained Driftwood. Raised panel door. Vecchio leather white marble countertop, Roman Ogee edge, round prep sink by Rohl. Satin Nickel faucet by Rohl. Corner sink on island. Air gap switch for disposal. Brown plugs on island. Fireclay sink.

Sky Condo

Palmerston Design Consultants

justice darragh as seen on apartment therapy

Oak/Mahogany IKEA Kitchen

Semihandmade

Standard LA-area IKEA kitchen with a mix of custom Semihandmade Oak and Mahogany facing.

The importance of lighting

Roots Kitchens Bedrooms Bathrooms

The existing kitchen had ceiling mounted spotlights and the client was keen for the new kitchen to be well lit. We used LED striplights which were discreet but ceiling mounted across some of the beams and under the cabinets to create a good wash of light over the whole space.

Mid-Century Modern Kitchen

Darcy Bean Custom Construction Inc.

Custom built-in storage options like this large pullout pantry with adjustable shelves. Buras Photography

U-shaped 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!