The kitchen is the heart of the home, a place to gather, socialize, and cook up delicious family feasts. So it only seems right that the design should be equal parts pretty and practical.
And once you've got the basics down on how to design a kitchen, it's time to get inspired by the expertly created spaces interior designers have put their heart and soul into, giving you ideas on everything from color and layout to unexpected features and nailing specific design styles.
And nowhere proves more inspiring than the Homes & Gardens archives, filled with beautifully designed kitchens from around the globe, marrying stylish designs with modern-day functionality. Whether you're designing a new scheme or simply want to update your existing space, these designer-approved kitchen ideas have something for every style and budget. From decor to lighting, these ideas will help you to create a kitchen design that feels up-to-date yet utterly stylish.
1. Enlarge Windows to Maximize Natural Light
Located in a historic Cornish home, the kitchen redesign focused on lightening and brightening, while still feeling at home in the architecture. 'We enlarged the windows by bringing the sills down to countertop level and knocked through into the adjacent dining room. The color palette leaned into the tone of this cool reflective morning light, which is also picked up in the Verde Luana marble countertop with its milky green veins resembling the movement of a turbulent sea,' says Emily and Joe Reilly of design studio COAL.
2. Emphasize Tall Ceilings with Skylights
Skylights are a great solution to create more natural light, but in many kitchens, they add more than just brightness. 'In this Santa Monica kitchen, the existing architectural barrel ceiling set a striking foundation for the space,' says designer Christine Markatos Lowe. 'By introducing three carefully placed skylights, we further accentuated its graceful curve, drawing the eye upward and celebrating the ceiling’s sculptural form.'
3. Design a Kitchen That Doesn't Look Like a Kitchen
In this Paris Apartment by Humbert & Poyet, the kitchen feels far from a utilitarian space. Visible from the dining room through an arched opening, the room is free from upper cabinets and any visible appliances, leaving the cabinets and island feeling like pieces of furniture in a lived-in room, rather than a standard kitchen, without compromising on functionality.
4. Zone an Open Plan Kitchen with Glass Dividers
Kitchen trends are shifting from open plan to closed concepts, and glass dividers are growing in popularity to zone a kitchen. 'The sliding glass wall divider is a unique feature in this kitchen and spatially created a solution for a couple’s debate between an open floor plan and a closed kitchen and dining room. It also gives separation of space but floods the room with natural light,' explains Sondra Zabroske, of Four Brothers Design + Build.
5. Improve Flow with a Double Island Layout
The open concept of this modern European home in Tennessee meant the kitchen was open on most sides. To mitigate an awkward layout and ensure there was still plenty of storage and surface space, a double island layout was chosen. 'Two kitchen islands help break up the scale and improve flow. One contains the sink, dishwasher, and waste bins, while the other is for seating and gathering. Visually, the pair anchors the room and gives the kitchen a layered, intentional feel,' says designer Lauren Sullivan.
6. Make Islands Work Harder Where Wall Space is Lacking
Multiple islands won't work in every kitchen, but they made up for the lack of space for perimeter cabinets in this 1990s home transformation. 'We decided on a double island because we needed more workable kitchen space and lacked wall space. The double island made the kitchen highly functional, aesthetically beautiful, and great for entertaining,' says Katie Schroder, owner of Atelier Interior Design.
7. Integrate a Dining Table into the Island
Nothing stops you in your tracks quite as quickly as the unique island design in this refined Dublin home, a design that expertly considers multi-function. 'Designed with family life in mind, the kitchen island features integrated seating and smart storage, while the combination of Verde Tipo and Calacatta marble with dark wood creates a striking, tactile centerpiece at the heart of the space,' says designer Ash Wilson.
8. Oversize an Island for Spacious Seating
In this new build home now filled with character, the kitchen needed to serve as the hub of the home, and seating was crucial for the family of eight. 'My clients wanted an island that functioned more like a large table for easy gathering, so we prioritized seating over storage and chose wood to make the island feel a little more casual and add warmth to the otherwise all-white kitchen,' explains designer Alex Adamson.
9. Go Portable with Your Island
This yellow kitchen already feels very traditional thanks to the cabinetry and range hood design. A portable island on castors has been given a more rustic finish with chipped paint left to age naturally, creating a more authentic, lived-in feel.
10. Make Space for Dedicated Stations
Dedicated stations are a sign of a well-designed, custom-looking kitchen, and make day-to-day use far more enjoyable. 'The coffee nook, tucked behind pocket doors, transforms from a seamless facade into a rich, wood-lined retreat,' says Catherine De La Sablonnière, of Atelier Jacobs. 'It’s a space that invites a quiet moment before the day begins, then disappears just as effortlessly.'
11. Treat a Kitchen More Like a Living Room
Living kitchens have been popular for a while now – and they show no sign of disappearing. They embrace the idea of a more lived-in, cozy kitchen, so introducing a sofa like in this scheme or additional cozy textiles makes a huge difference. 'Infuse creativity into the kitchen space, transforming it into a welcoming environment and incorporating diverse seating arrangements for versatility,' suggests designer Julie Anne Burch.
12. Make Space for a Cozy Eat-In Area
As we continue to crave kitchens that work harder, cozy eat-in areas are becoming more sought-after, creating a more intimate space to socialize, dine, and even work at. In this chic olive green townhouse kitchen, an underused corner has been transformed with a round table, bench seating, and a low-hanging pendant.
13. Let Walls Breathe with Open Storage
Well-designed cabinetry in the kitchen of this elegant yet playful family home allowed the walls to serve as a place to put pretty kitchenware and collected decor on display. 'We wanted the kitchen to feel natural and lived-in rather than overly fitted. Open shelving creates a sense of airiness, allows us to display beautiful bowls and crockery, and lets colorful accessories bring personality to the space,' recalls designer Sean Symington.
14. Try a Mix of Storage, Even in Tiny Gaps
Wall space is limited in this kitchen, so every inch has been utilized with a mix of storage styles, from closed cabinetry to open shelving, and even a sliver of shelving down the side of the integrated fridge. It's a tiny area, but it adds shelving to store recipe books, cutting boards, and slim kitchenware.
15. Add Country Kitchen Style with Delft Tiles
Authenticity was key to the kitchen design in this Oxfordshire house with a mix of styles, and a vintage-inspired tile felt like the perfect fit. 'We went with the Delft tiles in a green color way, to tie in with the beautiful grounds and garden of the property. It was important that the house still stayed true to being a countryside escape and not a ‘city’ kitchen,' says designer Amy Dalrymple of Dalrymple Studio.
16. Go Bold with Marble
There's a theme of contemporary chic throughout this London mews remodel, but nowhere does it feel quite as impactful as the marble kitchen. 'The idea was to let marble bring character and depth to what is otherwise a calm, Scandinavian-inspired, pared-back interior. We chose a boldly veined Capraia marble and used it across the island, countertops, and backsplash so it reads coherently across all of the surfaces,' says designer Nancy Gouldstone.
17. Choose Authentic Stone Flooring
Traditional stone kitchen flooring forms a timeless base for this scheme, a more neutral space within a country home reimagined with color. 'I chose stone flooring because it runs seamlessly through from the hallway, which helps the space feel cohesive and grounded. In older houses, continuity like that is important,' explains Henriette von Stockhausen, creative director of VSP Interiors.
18. Opt for Granite Countertops for Style and Durability
Here, a moodier take on a traditional palette pairs seamlessly with granite, proving you don't have to keep every detail light to create an inviting kitchen. 'Granite is one of the most practical choices, and we liked the movement and the soft black tone. It does a great job of grounding the white cabinets and adding dynamic contrast,' says designer Heather Peterson, who transformed the charming home full of unexpected features.
19. Create a Seamless Look with a Countersplash
The wooden kitchen is the heart of this coastal modern country home by Lauren Gilberthorpe Interiors, connecting seamlessly to the living and dining areas beside it. But the kitchen countersplash truly stands out, creating an uninterrupted flow from the counters up the wall, a calmer finish, and elongating the space.
20. Introduce Soapstone for a Twist on Tradition
This 90s home remodel in Atlanta was focused on reintroducing character, showcased in the kitchen, where traditional details pair with dark countertops. 'I chose dark soapstone countertops for this kitchen because I loved how the material balanced the light plaster walls, old beams, and stone,' says designer Sally Wilkinson. 'Soapstone is a practical choice for a busy kitchen; it’s durable, low-maintenance, and develops a beautiful patina over time.'
21. Experiment with a Mixed Material Backsplash
A mixed material kitchen backsplash was chosen for this remodeled Tudor-style home to honor the history and balance the dark stone. 'The existing space had a robust wood wainscot, which created a strong datum around the room. To minimize the depth of the stone, we had the contractor carefully cut the wainscot to recess the backsplash, creating a flush transition. The result is a layered backdrop that grounds the space while adding a sense of scale and proportion,' explains Kevin Kaminski of Kaminski + Pew.
22. Use Brick to Create an Industrial Feel
The owners of this 1920s Colonial home wanted a maximalist-meets-industrial look, demonstrated via the kitchen backsplash. 'Brick is a great choice for a backsplash when you are looking to add an industrial edge. The texture and grit make the kitchen feel as if the brick was discovered and preserved, like in loft buildings. This layer of personality can’t be achieved through tile,' says Sarah Storms of Styled By Storms.
23. Add a Sense of Luxury with a Waterfall Countertop
In a Brooklyn townhouse with Mid-Century style, the kitchen has been given a sense of luxury with a waterfall countertop on the island, elongating that beautiful stone and creating visually appealing lines, visible as you enter the space. Designer Lucy Harris adds: 'While most of the kitchen was pre-existing, we made a few updates to tie it into the rest of the home and highlight the beauty of the countertop and backsplash.'
24. Make a Statement with a Mirrored Kitchen Backsplash
Your kitchen backsplash might be a functional element, but it's also an opportunity to make a design statement. In this space, a mirrored backsplash has been chosen with a slightly patinated finish, helping to bounce light around the room and add a touch of character.
25. Infuse Soft Warmth with Pink Kitchen Cabinets
Pink kitchens are enjoying a revival, and it was a hue interior designer Michelle Gage was keen to introduce to add a soft warmth to the kitchen in this Pennsylvania home. 'We both, without hesitation, knew the kitchen needed to be a beautiful shade of blush pink. From there, the creative vision continued to unfold,' she says of the cabinet color, painted in Benjamin Moore Monticello Rose HC-63.
26. Carry Your Cabinet Color onto Trim and Molding
Green was the natural kitchen color choice for this scheme, which connects to the garden, but the designer took the color beyond just cabinetry. 'We chose the same shade for the trim and molding for visual continuity. It also creates a soft, serene backdrop for the vibrant blue island,' says Melanie Love, owner and principal at Love & Interiors, who was entrusted with this San Francisco remodel.
27. Update the Color in an Existing Kitchen for a Fresh New Look
Update but not replace was the ethos for the kitchen in this cozy home on the Hudson River. 'We swapped out an existing white subway tile backsplash for 4x4 squares in a glowing marigold, carrying them all the way to the ceiling to be referential of the old tiled industrial kitchens of the time,' explains designer Nick Spain, who also repainted the kitchen cabinets in warmer hues inspired by local 19th-century paintings.
28. Use a Textured Paint Finish For Added Interest
There are many ways to add texture to interiors, but in the kitchen of this 1800s London home, the paint finish was the focus. 'We used a textured paint finish on the cabinetry to give it depth and a hand-crafted feel, befitting the Arts & Crafts period of the house. The walls are finished in lime paint, which has a wonderful chalky softness, and the metallic details reflect the light and give the kitchen modernity,' explains designer Suzy Hoodless.
29. Embrace Muddy Earth Tones with a Moss Green Kitchen
When redesigning the kitchen of this Dallas home, the color palette played a crucial role, balancing nature-inspired design with a light atmosphere. 'The client loved the organic depth of the mossy green palette, but it was important that the space didn’t feel too heavy. The house is polished, yet there’s a sense of whimsy woven throughout,' says Annie Bacon of Studio Ashby.
30. Reinvent a Rustic Kitchen with Moody Shades
In tune with general kitchen trends towards creating homely spaces, rustic kitchen ideas are more popular than ever. And while white or cream color schemes are still predominant, moody colors are the most favored right now. Take inspiration from this kitchen and pair moody red hues with natural woods for a balanced scheme.
31. Add Joie De Vivre with a French Country Kitchen
The ethos of modern French country kitchen design is all about evoking a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, without going full rural Provence. Here, interior designer Jessica Summer sets the scene with earthy tones and plenty of texture. ‘The kitchen cabinetry is minimal and contemporary to allow the materials to stand out, but also to balance the traditional features like the antique butcher’s block.'
32. Mix Kitchen Cabinet Colors to Add Contrast
Don't be afraid to mix your kitchen cabinet colors –in this design, white oak cabinetry has been paired with a brighter pink full-length cabinet, creating contrast, warmth, and an unexpected detail. It also ties in with the adjoining pantry, which features the same brighter color palette.
33. Elevate an Island with Sculptural Leg Profiles
Interior designer Emily Vaughan didn't just rely on vibrant hues to create interest in the kitchen of this colorful remodel in Washington DC, instead focusing on how unique details and playful silhouettes can make a feature of a functional feature. 'The kitchen island legs, with their unexpected profile, are actually the detail I get the most comments on in the entire home,' she notes, a detail that creates a more custom, freestanding look.
34. Create a Unique Cabinet Design with Trim
The Shaker kitchen in this Scandi-style lake-side home is a classic look, especially finished in Benjamin Moore's Stone Hearth, but designer Melissa Oholendt, founder of Oho Interiors, wanted to add a 'little extra oomph' to the cabinetry, opting for a subtle beaded trim to elevate the look. The result is a timeless kitchen that feels more custom and considered.
35. Break up a White Scheme with a Statement Range Hood
The range hood truly stands out in this white kitchen, part of a modern farmhouse in Connecticut that embraces contrast in a subtle yet impactful way. 'Large white kitchens are classic, but absent contrast, they can feel contractor-grade,' says Jeanne Hayes of Camden Grace Interiors. 'We custom-made a riveted range hood with contrasting metals to give the room a focal point and break up the monotony of white upper cabinets.'
36. Mix and Match Hardware Styles for Depth of Design
This interior designer's Westport renovation proves mixing hardware styles is a simple way to elevate a kitchen and create a custom look. 'It adds depth and always feels more interesting when there is more than one style on the doors. I often mix two or three – a mix of knobs, pulls, and a specialty piece like a latch or cup pull,' says Steph Schlegelmilch of Studio Seva.
37. Layer Your Lighting, Both in Placement and Design
To add character to this space, located in a new build home, a mix of kitchen lighting styles and finishes was introduced. The layered lighting scheme adds function and ambiance, but the contrast of styles and finishes adds extra personality. 'We embrace mixing various styles and finishes to help create a home that feels effortlessly relaxed and uniquely personal,' says Annabel Hickton, co-founder at Untold Interiors.
38. Reflect Light with Glazed Cabinets
To help bounce light and add a detail authentic to the farmhouse remodel, glazed kitchen cabinets have been introduced. 'We love the look of glazed cabinets because they provide reflectivity and a sense of light and openness in a kitchen. Coordinated or collected dish and glassware can be integrated into the design and bring in additional color, texture, and layering,' explains Keren Richter of White Arrow.
39. Add a Rolling Ladder to Access Tall Storage Stylishly
Kitchen storage that goes all the way to the ceiling sounds good in theory, but how do you access it easily? In this charming green kitchen, a rolling ladder and brass rail have been added to the full-length cabinets, creating an easy way to reach high storage while adding a unique decorative feature.
40. Decorate with Vintage Pieces To Add Charm
All the chicest kitchens feature an element of vintage or antique decor. 'The kitchen is a mix of modern with a nod to a vintage kitchen, with the open dish shelves and the vintage lighting. The wall sconces reinforce the vintage kitchen styling with their antique brass arm fittings and their imperfect ceramic glazed shades,' explains Michelle Vassallo, of MV Architects.
41. Soften Your Kitchen Ideas with Upholstered Counter Stools
It's important to introduce softer textures into your kitchen for a lived-in feel, as well as add comfort to island seating, like in this scheme. 'The island serves as both a functional workspace and an inviting gathering spot, making it ideal for entertaining. The combination of neutral tones, warm wood accents, and elegant brass finishes creates a timeless yet cozy aesthetic,' says Dawn Heuer, of Dawn Heuer Design.
42. Layer up Decor for a Personalized Kitchen
Kitchen trends have shifted from functional to more lived-in, cozy schemes. To achieve this look, layer up decor pieces and make an effort to introduce more decorative details. In this kitchen, it's all about displays of ceramics and greenery. 'Showcase your personal style – whether it’s displaying pottery, a vase of beautiful florals, or a unique basket or tray,' says interior designer Cortney Bishop.
43. Keep Things Cozy with a Perfectly-Sized Runner
If your kitchen feels cold or uninviting, it probably needs some soft furnishings to create a cozier feel. In this design by A. Naber Design, a vintage-inspired runner brings warmer colors and softer textures, instantly making the whole room more welcoming.
44. Embrace Art in Your Kitchen Ideas
No scheme is complete without kitchen art. Framed pieces hung on the walls, smaller designs leaned against the wall on countertops, or shelving adorned with your favorite works is the best way to create a personalized scheme. In this deVOL Kitchen, three framed artworks layered on a shelf draw the eye up, while a miniature piece depicting chili peppers has been hung on a pot rack – the perfect way to add decor to a functional feature.
45. Choose a Fluted Kitchen Sink for Extra Texture
Kitchen sink ideas come in many styles and designs, but in this kitchen, the owners opted for a fluted profile to add texture and tie back to the ribbed glass fronting the upper cabinets. It's a small detail that adds interest to a functional element of the room.
46. Adorn Cabinets with Cup Pulls for a Traditional Look
Kitchen hardware may be small, but its impact is huge on the overall look and finish of your kitchen. To add a more traditional feel to this design, aged brass cup pulls have been used on the drawers and cabinet doors.
47. Elevate Countertops with a Decorative Edge Detail
Small details matter – they're the difference between a kitchen that looks builder-grade and one that looks custom. In this white kitchen, marble countertops have been elevated by a triple bullnose edge, which instantly makes the kitchen feel more expensive.
48. Add Personality with Wallpaper
Kitchen wallpaper instantly becomes the focal point in this colorful Philadelphia apartment, chosen to ring the outside in. 'We first came across de Gournay’s London showroom over 20-years ago, and we have always had our eye on this bold yet livable Amazonia tropic motif. For these clients, we wanted to bring their lush gardens inside, and we knew this was a perfect wallpaper for the space,' explains Melissa Urdang Bodie of Melissa & Miller.
Your kitchen ideas should represent your style and personality while creating a scheme that feels functional for your needs. Whether you embrace unexpected colors, cozy textiles, or classic cabinet styles, there are plenty of expert-approved ideas here to elevate your design.
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