Interior designing ideas for kitchen

85 Kitchen Design Ideas - Remodeling Ideas for Interior Design

1

Make It Feel Extra Homey

Katie Newburn

Just because your kitchen doesn't get a ton of natural light doesn't mean it can't have a sunny disposition. The cheerful yellow wallpaper in Shavonda Gardner's kitchen proves it. Featuring unlacquered copper pots, soapstone counters that quickly patina, and a simple central dining table instead of a kitchen island, the kitchen's lived-in atmosphere instantly makes anyone who enters feel right at home.

2

Place Extra Chairs in Low-Traffic Corners

Annie Schlechter

If the space is small, play around with fun wallpaper. Something with a little sheen will make the room gleam... even if you haven't gotten to the dishes in, uh, a while. Sheila Bridges also opted for a complementary fabric on these accent chairs to enhance the blues throughout and tucked them in a low-traffic corner for convenience.

3

Use Statement Fabric for Seating

Nicole Franzen

Designer Kristin Fine gave her classic farmhouse a modern twist with glossy zellige tiles on the walls, Calacatta marble from ABC Stone on the counters, and vintage opaline pendants, black flush mounts, and vintage stools reupholstered in a mossy Pierre Frey fabric. The exposed beams maintain the countryside roots of the home and the pale green tones honor the forest views outside.

4

Start With One Accent Piece

Haris Kenjar

This kitchen was designed around the homeowners's inherited ceramic collection. She told designer Andy Beers of Ore Studios that she wanted the blue midcentury serve ware and tableware to anchor the entire space, so they mixed in open cubbies and added splashes of red for a vibrant yet straightforward color palette.

5

Remodel Cabinet Uppers to Optimize Storage

Heidi Caillier Design

If your kitchen wall is lined with windows, consider adding a pretty treatment that doesn't totally block the light, like cafe curtains, and make sure your lower cabinets can take care of most of the storage needs. This way, you can forgo lining the wall with uppers. Instead, install one strategic column. Heidi Caillier customized the open shelves for cookbooks, plates, drinkware, and even artwork.

6

Consider the Whole Home

Thijs de Leeuw/Space Content/Living Inside

Designer Nicole Dohmen of Atelier ND only set one rule when embarking on this kitchen remodel: “No more pink!” The rest of the home is dominated by rosy hues, so to prevent it from taking over the kitchen while still ensuring flow with the surrounding rooms, so went with earthy tones on the cabinets. Violet still makes an appearance in the Calacatta marble counter and backsplash zellige tiles, and a dusty blush tone veils the ceiling.

7

Paint Faux Floor Tiles

Read McKendree

Hang cafe curtains for a sweet, playful feel and a touch of privacy without totally blocking light, and then use a matching wallpaper or fabric to line glass-enclosed cabinets for cohesion and hidden storage. Kevin Isbell brought the blue and cream print on his to life by painting the floors a fun, checked pattern.

8

Take Inspiration from Professional Kitchens

Studio Diaa

Super-sleek yet also cozy, this kitchen designed by Studio DIAA blends farmhouse elements, like rustic wooden stools and blond shiplap ceilings, with more industrial materials for a balanced whole. The skylight along with the task pendant allows for optimal light while cooking.

9

Lean Into Eclecticism

Romanek Design Studio

This kitchen by Romanek Design Studio proves that balance is everything. The dark, moody tile walls, sleek backsplash, and stainless steel appliances assert an undeniably glam aesthetic while the wood and brass tones ground the space and give it that classic California warmth. The bohemian runner also adds just enough color and fun.

10

Bounce Light With Dramatic Black Tiles

Chris Mottalini

Designed by Nanette Brown, this striking kitchen is covered in glossy black subway tiles. Not only does that make all the surfaces super easy to clean, but it also helps bounce light and creates a cozy mood to really make the most of the small galley kitchen.

11

Hide Your Hood With Tiles

Heidi Caillier

Cover your hood in the same material as your backsplash to make it look sleek and clean. Here, interior designer Heidi Caillier camouflaged a bulky appliance with zellige tiles.

12

Cheer Things Up With Happy Paint Colors

Amy Neunsinger

Nickey Kehoe opted for a cream and pale yellow color scheme to lean into the warmth of the wood counters and terracotta floor tiles in this small pool house kitchen. The diamond cutouts in the cabinets add another punch of soothing symmetry.

13

Make a Mini Hidden Pantry

George Ross

Since not all pantry goods and appliances can fit in the main part of this kitchen in a great room designed by Brigitte Pearce, she decided to optimize a closet so that it's easily accessible from the cooking zone but also hidden from view in the lounge area. Textured glass pocket doors and bright red cabinets create a stylish surprise.

14

Repurpose Storage Unites

Luca Trovato

When you run out of cabinet space, just repurpose a dresser or armoire to house all of your plates, glasses, and serveware. Francophile Stephen Schubel gave his modest California cottage the royal treatment with antique gilded pieces and an Edwardian plaster cabinet.

15

Hide Ugly Views With Stained Glass

LAURE JOLIET

Stained glass is both good looking and clever. Reath Design blocked a view of the driveway and enhanced street-level privacy by replacing glass panes with colorfully painted ones. This is a great option when you want to introduce color and obstruct a view without blocking all the natural light.

16

Hang On Theme Artwork

Julian Wass

This misty green in a kitchen by Gary McBournie feels beachy, but it's also classic. Neutral décor, like a sisal rug, fresh marble counters, and oceanic artwork, strikes the balance between casual and formal in an open kitchen, too. That contrast is the key to making a tiny space feel dynamic.

17

Mirror Your Surfaces

Dries Otten

If you love shiny stainless steel and edgy mirrored surfaces, take the metallic look to the next level with a gold mirrored island. In this kitchen designed by Dries Otten, the island brings some glamour to the playful elements throughout, like the single pendant light, swirls of pink marble, and cobalt blue loft railing above.

18

Choose an Adventurous Wallpaper

James Merrell

This swirly wallpaper proves that making adventurous design decisions can pay off. In this kitchen designed by Rita Konig, the wallpaper in question is Antoinette Poisson's Jaipur. We love it even more paired with the rich purple-veined marble and painted cabinets. To protect it from water damage, Konig added an invisible glass over the wallpaper between the counter and cabinets.

19

Tuck Away Extra Appliances

MICHAEL PERSICO

Designed by Matthew Ferrarini, this kitchen is bursting with ingenious small-space solutions. He used folding wood pocket doors to conceal the entire counter and cabinet area against the wall. This would be a major game-changer in a studio apartment.

20

Mix Different Tones of One Color

KARYN R MILLET

This Eric Olsen kitchen has serious tile game. If you live by the coast but want something moodier or you simply love blue, take not from the rich navy, gray, and cobalt tones throughout.

21

Add an Extra Sink

Reath Design

An extra sink in this California kitchen by Reath Design doubles as a place to arrange flowers, thanks to a spacious worktop corner nestled into a bright corner. The designers created extra storage below the sink for tools and other essentials by hanging pleated curtains from rods. The skirt, exposed bricks, terra cotta tiles, and pendant lamp all bring a country feel to the mode modern marble.

22

Never Underestimate the Accents

STEPHAN JULLIARD

Now this is how you light up a room. In this Parisian apartment by Studio Razavi, the dramatically large, undulating pendant opens everything up in one sweep. A fun magenta carafe adds a pop of color to the industrial kitchen.

23

Paint the Ceiling

Dominique Vorillon

Architecture and ornamental wall detailing make this kitchen whimsical—and just a touch dramatic. The lavender swirls of paint on a buttercream backdrop complement the elaborate blue chandelier, too. Then the classic, neutral cabinets and island ground the space.

24

Add Greenery or an Herb Garden

Hecker Guthrie

No room for a greenhouse or garden in your home? Start a mini plant collection in the kitchen instead. This way, you can exercise your green thumb and liven up the room (bonus: plant herbs for a truly useful indoor garden). In this kitchen designed by Hecker Guthrie, the glass cabinets add interest without making it feel cluttered.

25

Lean Into Your Fancy Side

DOUGLAS FRIEDMAN

Lacquer, marble, tiles, oh my! This fabulously over-the-top kitchen designed by Michelle Nussbaumer isn't afraid to have fun. For a similar look, choose a backsplash that corresponds with the kitchen island and then use tile on the floors.

26

Blend It All Together

David Tsay

A pale green blends seamlessly between the kitchen and dining area of this "jungalow," by Justina Blakeney, especially when paired with the Moroccan clay tile backsplash and ombre dining bar stools in the living room.

27

Embrace Existing Quirks

PHOTO: Matthew Williams; DESIGN: Studio DB

Rather than seeing the exposed pipe in this kitchen as a design flaw, Studio DB saw an opportunity for a fun pop of red. Now it looks like an edgy, industrial, unique, and colorful accent that anchors the kitchen and puts the stylish breakfast nook in the spotlight.

28

Try a Glass Backsplash

Danielle Colding

Subway tile isn't your only backsplash option. Danielle Colding used a glass backsplash for a shinier, more modern and cosmopolitan touch in this city apartment. It goes perfectly with the lacquered cabinets.

29

Forgo Closed Cabinets

MARCO BERTOLINI

Hang cloth curtains in front of your bottom shelves to hide storage essentials instead of opting for classic cabinets—like in this boldly-colored kitchen architect Viola Simoncioni created for her own home. It feels decidedly more retro and adds some movement.

30

Try an Accent Wall

Danielle Colding

When space is limited, you have to find creative ways to add a little fancy flair. Here, interior designer Danielle Colding added a powder blue accent wall and a sculpture but kept everything else glistening and white. The Chanel tray on the counter for serving also doubles as decor.

31

Paint Your Interior Cabinets

Arent & Pyke

An inky, marine blue will ground a kitchen in an open space and feel more formal than a light color without being as moody and as dark as black. We also love the idea of painting the interior cabinets a color that corresponds with an accent piece in the room, like this orange cabinet designed by Arent & Pyke to match the carpet.

32

Add a Serving Window

Romanek Design Studio

As seen in this Malibu kitchen by Romanek Design Studio, a serving window makes spaces feel more open and air but they also make life easier. Even better, they typically connect the kitchen to a backyard or deck space and promote indoor/outdoor living, so they're especially popular if you live somewhere warm and love to host al fresco dinners.

33

Rethink the Tile Pattern

Jenn Feldman Design

For this Los Angeles kitchen, Jenn Feldman Designs chose a tonal grout to blend in with the navy tile, which is set in a refreshingly unexpected chevron pattern. It feels unexpected and interesting but fits in well since it matches the lower cabinets.

34

Go Big With Open Shelves

Eric Ray Davidson

Have fun with open shelving, stacking plates and adding items that bring personality to the room as a whole. Try framed photos, candlesticks, and art. The retro red appliances are also definitely worth investing in if you love color and nostalgia.

35

Splurge on Stone Materials

Werner Straube

In this kitchen designed by Corey Damen Jenkins, the wood tones, brown marble swirls, and beige bar stools warm up the crisp white staples while the metallic accents add some glam. Jenkins says the granite "was a bit of a sell. I told the clients to look at it as art. Of course, now it's their favorite thing."

36

Lacquer Your Cabinets

Francesco Lagnese

Go glam with a high-gloss deep red reminiscent of wine. The robust, full color adds so much depth and glamour. Proof? This kitchen by Nick Olsen, where geometric tiles pump things up to the next level.

37

Add an Island Extensione

Hecker Guthrie

The light wood tones and metallic pendant warm up the otherwise cool space in this kitchen designed by Hecker Guthrie. This space also proves that a bistro round bistro table situated over the island makes a classic kitchen layout so much more interesting. And it's even fresher when you paint your bar stools a buoyant shade of mint green hue and hang a copper pendant light overhead.

38

Alternate Finishes

deVOL Kitchens

We're really digging the alternating black and gray stained wood cabinets in this deVOL kitchen. The varied tones (plus texture) adds interest to a neutral space. The sandy beige walls keep things neutral but warms thing a little more than a crisp white or super light gray. The shearling chair cover warms up, too, and the interior window creates flow and spreads the light.

39

Accomodate the Pets

DAVID A. LAND

Designed by Matthew Quinn, this kitchen island was customized with a dog bed to accomodate the family's best friend.

40

Use Your Surroundings as Inspo

Nicole Franzen

This coral pink kitchen is like being on vacation all year long. With rattan and bamboo staples and a fresh coat of cheerful pink paint, it's quirky, upbeat, and unique without being too over-the-top. If your home is somewhere warm or tropical, follow suite.

41

Dress Up With Gold

Arent & Pyke

There's nothing quite like metallic to make your interiors pop. Opt for a brushed gold finish on the kitchen cabinets and introduce more down to earth materials like jute to make sure it isn't too flashy, like in this Arent & Pyke-designed kitchen.

42

Go Retro

deVOL Kitchens

This retro-inspired deVOL kitchen is a beautiful blend of classic English design with contemporary functionality. The glass cabinet customized to fit right into the corner and looks beautiful with the baby pink paint and Kelly green backsplash. And of course, that wood-burning fireplace drives home the charm.

43

Invest In Appliances

DOUGLAS FRIEDMAN

When there's not much you can do with a cramped space without making it feel even smaller, add a rug. It'll warm it up, and add color and pattern without overwhelming your kitchen. Interior designer Michelle Nussbaumer also chose a warm color palette and packs plenty of texture-rich materials into the small space.

44

Be Thoughtful of Spacial Relation

Arent & Pyke

There's a lot to love about this kitchen designed by Arent & Pyke, but we're particularly impressed by the careful, asymmetrical balance happening here. The hood leans to the right of the room, as do the bar stools, which is subtlety reflected in the cream lumbar pillow camouflaging into the sofa. Meanwhile, the linear floating shelf in line with the hood as well as the light fixture, island counter, and sofa form a soothing sense of symmetry.

45

Use a Unique Stain

deVOL Kitchens

If you prefer the look of unpainted wood but also like to play with colors, consider dyeing your wood cabinets a unique color. In this deVOL kitchen, the aubergine island and lower corner cabinet is super unexpected. We're also loving all the exposed beams and casual floor tiling.

46

Use Metal Grates

David A Land

Can't decide between glass display cabinets and solid cabinets? Try this happy medium. The metal grates allow for partial visibility and add a shiny touch.

47

Take Design Risks With Lighting

PHOTO: Anson Smart; DESIGN: Arent & Pyke

Lighting provides the perfect opportunity to play with design, and scale in the kitchen. Arent & Pyke clustered a pair of long, narrow cylindrical pendants to offset the formality of this kitchen instead of going with a classic pendant light over the island.

48

Set the Scene

deVOL Kitchens

Contemporary kitchen or dreamy Victorian bistro? Everything in this deVOL kitchen contributes to the narrative of European nostalgia, from the olive green Smeg refrigerator camouflaging against the House of Hackney wallpaper to the wrought iron window boxes fastened to the skylight niches. We're in love.

49

Forgo Overhead Cabinets

Catherine Kwong

The narrow shape of the a galley kitchen tends to present some spacial challenges. In this one designed by Catherine Kwong, the designer opened things up by ditching upper cabinets in favor of a floating shelf. Opting for sconces instead of a flush mount or pendant helps make the ceilings feel a little higher, too.

50

Repurpose Old Items

PHOTO: Reid Rolls

Leanne Ford is the queen of revamping beat up and outdated things. Case in point? This rustic kitchen island. The tin bucket also looks upscale filled with a gorgeous bouquet of roses, as do the walls, thanks to a fresh coat of paint—in Ford's favorite color.

51

Bring in a Subtle Egde

PHOTO: Preston Schlebusch; DESIGN: Studio DB

Concrete floors brings an understated edge to this kitchen designed by Studio DB. While classic hardwood panels or fun colorful tiles would also work well in this family home, the sleek grittiness of concrete is a welcome surprise.

52

Hang Plants

deVOL Kitchens

This country chic kitchen by deVOL is so full of life. The light yellow-painted beams fill it with a sunny energy while the hanging plants and framed plant print make it feel fresh and easygoing, as do the laidback terra cotta floor tiles.

53

Use Creative Shelving

Romanek Design Studio

Use open shelving to add to the utilitarian feel that's still stylish. In this kitchen, Romanek Design Studio opted for a shelving unit that didn't require any renovations and complements the formal black marble surfaces as well as the more casual tile floors.

54

Play Up Architectural Quirks

Mikhail Loskutov

Stained glass, but make it 21st century. If you live in a space that has quirky interior windows (fun fact that I learned at the Tenement Museum: Many old apartment buildings have them because they were built to increase air circulation as a preventative measure against tuberculosis), here's how to make them look intentional and incredibly stylish. In his Brooklyn apartment, Crosby Studios designer Harry Nuriev now gets to look through a rose-colored window every day. He used cut-to-size plexiglass from a shop on Canal street, according to Architectural Digest.

55

Make It Moody

Fantastic Frank

There's nothing sexier than matte black when it comes to kitchen paint colors. Except, that is, when you cover the bottom of the overhead cabinets with a gold mirrored material.

56

Use Tile as a Transition

Lisa Romerein

Try a bold tile to bridge the transition between a darker and lighter colors. We're obsessed with the blue encaustic tile in this kitchen by Steve Pallrand, especially when warmed up by classic wood cabinets and a little plant collection.

57

Lay a Round Rug

Nicole Franzen

Instead of opting for a narrow runner in the kitchen, bring in a round jute rug to warm things up. This shape will work especially well in an open kitchen without a rectangular island breaking up the space.

58

Have Fun With Backsplash

deVOL Kitchens

When it comes to a backsplash, let your imagination run wild. This eclectic turquoise deVOL kitchen gets a surge of graphic style from the artful backsplash. The retro appliances and farmhouse dining table maintain the homey feel.

59

Forget the Kitchen Island

PHOTO: Reid Rolls; DESIGN: Leanne Ford Interiors

If you're kitchen is blessed with tons of counter room for cooking and you want to try something different with the leftover space, fill it with a dining table instead. Choose something with similar proportions, like a large rustic dining table, to achieve a similar layout but with a new twist. We're also into the hide area rug under the table in this kitchen designed by Leanne Ford—it's a the perfect dose of warmth.

60

Make Glassware Pop

deVOL Kitchens

Why hide your favorite glassware behind closed cabinets when they can be displayed out in the open, doubling as decor? The magenta wine glasses in this deVOL Kitchens townhouse accentuate the statement sofa.

61

Spice Up the Island

Arent & Pyke

A folded effect over the edge of the multi-hued island in this Arent & Pyke kitchen feels fresh and fun while keeping the room understated. The circle motif repeats in the pendant light and as a unique custom handle pull on the cabinets.

62

Paint the Floors

Savage Gibson

In this bright kitchen , the spring green painted hardwood floors feel like a warm welcome. The framed print, linen curtains, and striped ares rug carry that sentiment throughout the space. Another important takeaway? A bar cart is probably the finishing touch you didn't know you need in a narrow kitchen without an island.

63

Let the Light Pour In

PHOTO: Felix Forest; DESIGN: Arent & Pyke

Aside from being calming and aesthetically pleasing, having plenty of natural light makes the kitchen a lot easier to work in. When starting from scratch, think about your layout strategically so the spaces where you do the most work are closest to the windows, like the sink placement in this kitchen designed by Arent & Pyke. Then, then add task lighting under the cabinets far away from overhead and natural light.

64

Open It Up With Interior Glass

Hecker Guthrie

This space designed by Hecker Guthrie is a happy medium between an open floor plan and a closed/ split floor plan thanks to the interior glass doors framing the dining room. The dramatic effect is amplified by the light fixture over the dining table, which also helps transition the kitchen to the rest of the space.

65

Try Something Unexpected

David Duncan Livingston

Burnt orange cabinets are unexpected, but add a rustic touch to a kitchen. To add to the effect, hand-forged iron lanterns were hung, but painted white inside to reflect more light onto the island. Copy this slim kitchen island if your space is small since it gets the job done without looking out of scale.

66

Paint It Two Tones

deVOL Kitchens

Why settle for one color when you could have two? Just make sure you choose two complimentary colors so nothing clashes, like the muted mint green and dusty rose pink in this deVOL kitchen. The wood elements and traditional design balance things out nicely, too.

67

Try A French Brasserie Look

Bjorn Wallender

The decorative brass grilles and accents around the stovetop, plus the white pendant lights give this renovated kitchen by Summer Thornton a French brasserie feel. Storage baskets under the kitchen island table dress things down just a touch.

68

Use All Available Space

Sara Tramp

Designed by Velinda Hellen of Emily Henderson Design, this kitchen uses every square each strategically. Since it's tiny, every nook and cranny matters, from the storage basket above the sink to the wall hooks on the side of the cabinet and two-tier floating shelves.

69

Make Marble The Main Attraction

Björn Wallander

Don't be afraid to go marble crazy, from the backsplashes to the countertops and even the floors. The slabs of barely gray honed Carrara marble covering the kitchen of Maxwell Ryan's Hamptons home make for a clean, airy look.

70

Create A Party On Your Floor

House Beautiful

An orange checkerboard floor brightens up this mostly white kitchen by Gary McBournie, while the contrasting blue door adds a quirky touch. Translation: Loosen up and opt for bold colors.

71

Think Practically With Seating

Ngoc Minh Ngo

Barstools with a back are objectively more comfortable for posting up at the kitchen island. They're also a safer option for kiddos at the kitchen counter, a consideration Barrie Benson surely made in this family home.

72

Accent With Brass

deVOL Kitchens

These creamy light brown walls in a gorgeous deVOL kitchen make for the perfect backdrop. The deep blue-gray kitchen island mixed with cool marble surfaces and brass hardware is such a beautifully surprising combination with the strong, earthy walls. Swapping out hardware is an easy way to liven up an all-white kitchen. Choose brass to add a bit of elegance.

73

Drop Your Floor

Annie Schlechter

A dropped floor makes a rustic kitchen feel even larger and special. The exposed wood beams in the ceiling of this kitchen by Jane Hawkins Hoke give it that farmhouse vibe while the fresh coat of paint and pristine condition assure a contemporary, clean atmosphere.

74

Pick A Bold Color

Amy Neunsinger

Take blue and white to the next level with a vibrant burst of cobalt, like in this dreamy kitchen by Mark D. Sikes. It makes a statement but still feels classic and is simply perfect for a coastal beach house (or just someone who wishes they lived a little closer to the ocean).

75

Draw the Eye Up

deVOL Kitchens

Though most of us don't love the look of old heating furnaces in the kitchen, there's not a great alternative. Draw the eye upward with a hanging structure as done here in this deVOL kitchen. Whether you display wind chimes or hang your linens here, it'll come in handy beyond it's aesthetic value.

76

Make It Monochrome

Jonny Valiant

A glazed backsplash and weathered oak island feel sleek and sexy in this kitchen by Jon de la Cruz. Plus, the hanging rack is functional and stylish. If you love the monochrome look but want a little more soul, take note.

77

Get a Wood Island to Ground the Room

Jennifer Hughes

Crafted from walnut, imbuia, and anigre, the nearly 11-foot-long island in this kitchen by Richard Anuszkiewicz was inspired by English antiques. Elegance to the max.

78

Contrast Textures to Make it Feel Historic

Lisa Romerein

The contrast between the rustic stonework and streamlined stainless steel appliances give this French-inspired kitchen by Inga L. Rehmann a serious wow factor. To maximize entertaining space, downsize an island and add a trestle table with stools.

79

Make Purposeful Updates

Victoria Pearson

You don't have to re-do your whole kitchen to make a statement. This kitchen by Frances Merrill has existing countertops and white range, but the cabinets were painted and hexagonal terracotta floor tiles were added, as well as open shelves.

80

Try A Statement Ceiling

Eric Piasecki

A green gingham ceiling and pea-green cabinets by designer Gideon Mendelso give an otherwise classic kitchen some cool points.

81

Choose Dramatic Lighting

Björn Wallander

For an oversized island, like in this Charleston kitchen by Jill sharp Weeks, you need statement lighting of the same scale and proportion .These iron pendants add drama and necessary light without being too over-the-top.

82

Make It Indoor/Outdoor

This kitchen designed by Amber Interiors is California dream. With a floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall door that leads outside, you can enjoy the fresh air at all times. Plus, the light sheers blowing in the wind add an ethereal vibe. Pro tip: Customize glass cabinetry that stretches up to the feeling so it'll feel even more open.

83

Use Taller Kitchen Storage

Eric Piasecki

The subtle color in this kitchen bring a coziness to the space, but don't distract from its traditional style. And we need to talk about that insanely cool rolling ladder. Plus, it'll keep things organized.

84

Create A Chalkboard Bar

Alec Hemer

A chalkboard wall, like in this kitchen by Erin Martin and Kim Dempster, is the most fun way to show off your weekend brunch menu. (Plus, now you don't have to worry about your kids drawing on the walls).

85

What are the 5 main types of kitchen layouts?

House Beautiful

Galley Kitchen: This is as about straightforward as it gets, with two parallel rows of counters, appliances, and storage built-ins along two opposite walls. Galley kitchens tend to be especially popular in small spaces since they work well with standard sizing and also only require two rows with a narrow aisle for standing room.

Straight Kitchen: Straight kitchens are common in small spaces and open floor plan living environments. Unlike the galley, all of the appliances, storage elements, and countertops occupy a single wall while the other wall is optimized with decor or strategic storage. Or, if the room isn't enclosed, it opens right up into a larger space. One of the best ways to separate the kitchen area from the living space in this context is to add a piece of furniture, like a small island, that doubles the counter room and visually sections off each area.

L-Shape Kitchen: This kitchen layout also takes up two walls. The sink, dishwasher, and refrigerator are along one wall or row while the stove is in line with the island or on the corner wall, forming an L-shape. It's a great go-to for busy cooks who do a lot of meal prep and appreciate an easy cleanup job.

U-Shape Kitchen: Just like the above, it's exactly what it sounds like. The appliances and surface spaces form a U-shape, usually framing the parameter of the room. Typically, the sink and dishwasher will be side by side, and then on the corner wall, you'll have your stove and other appliances, like a refrigerator, and one of the counter spaces can even curl off the wall to create a casual breakfast bar. It can help streamline complex cooking, and if the room is big enough, an island can be added in the center.

Open Kitchen: An open kitchen can also be referred to as the great room, but it really just speaks to the types of kitchens that are open to the living room family room, dining room, and/ or breakfast nook. The shared space allows for more time spent together and is especially good for families.

Island Kitchen: An island can enhance a kitchen of various layouts, whether you add one to a straight kitchen, L-shaped, U-shaped, or open kitchen. They can even actually work nicely in galley kitchens if it's wide enough to fit one. Functionally, they can add extra counter space for cooking and casual dining, they can be outfitted to accommodate appliances or extra sinks, and they allow you to pack in extra storage.

Hadley Mendelsohn Senior Editor Hadley Mendelsohn is House Beautiful's senior design editor and the co-host and executive producer of the podcast Dark House.

75 Best Kitchen Ideas - Kitchen Decor and Design Photos

Tara Donne, Tessa Neustadt

Chances are you spend a ton of time in your kitchen, and it's where a lot of memories are made: preparing meals with your partner, entertaining your closest friends, gathering around the counter with your kids. For those reasons, it's important to craft a space that brings you joy — not only because of your great style choices, but because the setup is functional and practical. Even the smallest kitchen upgrade — think new wall decor, light fixtures or peel-and-stick backsplashes — can mean a big change.

If you’re looking to gather inspiration for your next kitchen design project, browse this roundup of well-designed interiors — showcasing a mix of modern kitchen ideas, retro design trends and charming country kitchens. We've thought of everything, whether you love to follow the latest decorating trends, prefer timeless kitchen decor that'll never go out of style or want creative ideas on a budget.

You’ll find chic paint colors that elevate interiors in an instant, bold backsplashes that create visual interest and creative kitchen cabinet organization ideas. We’ve also included a number of small kitchen decorating pointers for apartment dwellers trying to make the most of a tiny space. Plus, there are inspiring concepts for kitchen islands with seating, lighting for kitchen islands as well as trendy kitchen counter ideas.

No matter your personal design style, start scrolling through these kitchen remodel images to find the inspiration you need to craft the cooking space of your dreams.

Derek Swalwell

1 of 75

Brighten Your Cooking Space

Use a sunny shade to inject personality into an otherwise simple kitchen. Fresh white cabinets are paired with bright yellow subway tiles, which have been installed vertically for added interest. To complete the look, add matching pendant lights, dishware and planters.

SHOP FRUIT BOWL

Lindsay Salazar

2 of 75

Gallery Wall

Fill a blank kitchen wall with your favorite artwork. From modern silver to antique gold finishes, mix and match frames to create visual appeal. A gallery wall is a great way to personalize a space, and you can admire it every time you do the dishes.

SHOP FRAMES

Tessa Neustadt

3 of 75

Creating Contrast

This modern kitchen finds the perfect balance of light and dark, from the bright white cabinets to the deep gray island cabinets. The black and white patterned backsplash pulls the whole space together.

SHOP BACKSPLASH

Bless'er House

4 of 75

Brass Kitchen Faucet

There's something about a brass kitchen faucet that elevates an interior. Pair it with complementary knobs and an aged brass pendant light to achieve a cohesive look.

SHOP FAUCET

Tara Donne

5 of 75

Blue Backsplash

Reinvent your kitchen just by swapping out the backsplash. This beautiful baby blue and white pattern pairs well with the crisp white cabinets and sleek open shelving.

SHOP BLUE BACKSPLASH

Annie Schlechter

6 of 75

Country Kitchen

From the lantern-style pendant to the distressed wood kitchen island, this bright kitchen has country chic written all over it. Complete your decor with wood serving boards, glass jars and vintage buckets.

SHOP PENDANT

Stoffer Photography

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Go Green

The kitchen is an ideal spot to experiment with bold color. Mix up the monochrome by adding texture and varying shades. “Our eye adjusts to the range, and it all feels right,” says interior designer Jean Stoffer of her West Michigan kitchen. “The lavish use of green is a design statement that I expect to age gracefully.”

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Annie Schlechter

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Raw Wood Accents

Create a warm, rustic-inspired interior with reclaimed wood shelving. The open shelves put dishware on display, and look great doing it. To add another layer to the interior, white subway tiles are installed with black grout for contrast.

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Amber Ulmer

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Decorate with Greenery

Bring your kitchen to life with houseplants that double as decor. You can even grow herbs like basil or cilantro to make cooking a breeze.

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Haylei Smith

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Let Large Appliances Shine

“The retro-inspired Smeg refrigerator creates a nostalgic feel in conjunction with the antique Blue Willow dishware and the original shiplap walls,” says designer Lance Thomas of Thomas Guy Interiors. “I love how simply placing dishware overflow on the top of the fridge makes the fridge seem right at home.”

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Per Magnus PerssonGetty Images

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Checkerboard Flooring

These classic checkerboard floors never go out of style. Give the retro-inspired floor design a more modern look by pairing it with a a clean interior full of crisp whites.

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Amy Neunsinger

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Old Meets New

The weathered wood beneath the farmhouse sink is actually made from another piece of furniture. “I asked a friend to help me cut up my favorite old table to turn it into the cabinet front,” says designer Leanne Ford. “This well-loved repurposed piece added the right amount of soul to the kitchen.”

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©Kylie Fitts

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Keep It Classic White

A neutral kitchen doesn’t have to feel bland. Take a cue from the home of Shelby Girard, Havenly's VP, Creative & Design, and weave in natural stone, such as marble or quartzite, along with pops of wood, brass and textured accessories like a rug or window treatments. “I like to bring in decorative elements that make the kitchen feel more than just utilitarian and like a true living space. It has a classic-meets-California-cool style,” says Girard.

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©Kylie Fitts

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Make a Statement with Bold Cabinets

If you’re all for thinking outside the box, have fun with the color of your cabinetry. “Modern, luxe and even boho aesthetics can benefit from a pop of color,” says Shelby Girard, VP, Creative & Design, at Havenly. “But think timeless here rather than trendy, with blues, greens and blacks being tried-and-true hues for personality-packed impact.”

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Audrey Hall

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Add a Breakfast Nook

Even in a small kitchen, a gathering spot near a window creates a cozy indoor-outdoor feel. “The corner orientation of the banquettes produces a view inward, toward the soul of the house, and outward, toward the river and kids playing in the yard,” says designer Alan Tanksley.

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Molly Culver

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Low-Maintenance Tile

Incorporating durable, affordable materials wherever possible is a no-brainer for interior designer Mary Patton: “For this Houston kitchen, we went with a user-friendly porcelain tile that looks like marble. It’s cost-friendly and cleans up easily.”

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John Bessler

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Experiment with High-Gloss Accents

Benjamin Moore’s Almost Black, which appears on the island and matches the tile backsplash, creates a focal point in this spacious kitchen. “The high gloss of the tile adds dimension and radiance and contrasts well with the lower sheen on the walls and ceiling to bring in another layer of contrast,” says Andrea Magno, the brand’s director of color marketing and development.

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©Kylie Fitts Photography LLC

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Hang Adjustable Pendants

Quirky wicker pendants fit nicely above the compact wood island in the kitchen of Shelby Girard, Havenly's VP, Creative & Design. “They can be positioned in a number of ways or extended straight out,” says Heather Goerzen of Havenly’s Creative & Design team. “I love the unexpected bend in the poles.”

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Mike Van Tassell

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Multi-Textured Backsplash

Crafting a space around neutral colors calls for texture. This kitchen by designer Beth Diana Smith has more than just white cabinets. “A textured backsplash was added and framed out the window; the back of the waterfall peninsula was made black; and adding beautiful walnut counter stools provided more texture and shape,” Smith says.

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Stacy Bass Photography

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Designate Cubbies for Decor

Not all cabinets have to be utilitarian. Above, designer Allison Caccoma reserved an upper area for flowers, decorative vessels and other objects of interest. “Kitchens are full of cabinetry and millwork, so a touch of accessorizing softens the room,” she says.

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Meghan Beierle-O'Brien

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Showcase Ceramics

In this space by Kitchen Design Group’s Caren Rideau, the cabinets highlight the homeowner’s ceramics collection that complement tiles from Portugal, which are inset into the marble backsplash.

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Dustin Peck

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Mix Wood Tones

This inviting Charlotte, NC, kitchen boasts a pecky cypress wood ceiling. “My clients, a young, modern family, wanted a kitchen that felt like a living space,” says designer Gray Walker. “The island with a Louis XVI leg makes it feel more like an antique, and the corner banquette has a clean, modern upholstered back and seat with French legs. ”

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Alyssa Rosenheck; Design: Mel Bean + Bailey Austin

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Banquette Seating

Top designers swear by banquette seating to create a cozy kitchen. Boost its visual interest with an assortment of throw pillows and high shelves, which can be used to display a collection.

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Rustic White Interiors

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Pops of Blue

From the watery blue backsplash to the teal rug and floating shelves, there's so much to love about designer Erika Ward's bright kitchen.

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David A. Land

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Cozy Corner

Built-in seating is a no-fail option to make the most of a kitchen nook. Add patterned throw pillows as a finishing touch.

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Bold Seating

Instantly transform your room with chairs (or stools!) in a vibrant hue. You can match them to your favorite kitchen accessories, as seen here.

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Helen Norman

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Charming Wood Details

For a rustic look, elevate a white kitchen with wood accents in varied shades. Introduce a few brass details, like a pair of pendants, to complete the design scheme.

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Robin Stubbert

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Chalkboard Panel

Bring personality to your space — and delight the kids in your family — by adding a chalkboard panel to the side of your refrigerator. It's a great spot to jot down your weekly grocery list.

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Open Wall Display

Open shelves present the opportunity to show off your styling skills. Fill them with everything you love for organizing and preparing meals—think glass canisters, white platters, and more.

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Eric Piasecki

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Timeless Neutrals

"Add warmth to a kitchen with a versatile paint color like Benjamin Moore's Sag Harbor Gray, which takes on a different tone as lighting changes in your home throughout the day," says interior designer Kevin Dumais.

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80 interior photos, renovation ideas