Want to discover beautiful kitchen ideas to inspire your new kitchen design? You’ve come to the right place. You can discover millions of kitchen designs and ideas; from kitchen islands and storage units, to all sorts of kitchen lighting ideas, such as pendant lighting or under cabinet lighting. Whether you want inspiration for all-in-one fitted kitchen designs, some small kitchen ideas or maybe just some tips for improving your kitchen decor, there are tons of photos to inspire you for your next kitchen project on Houzz.
What kind of kitchen design should I go for?
With so many kitchen ideas and photos to look at you might be a bit overwhelmed when it comes to picking your own kitchen design. If you are updating your kitchen you know what a big and important decision it is to get the design right – the kitchen can be the hub and heart of the home, and it’s unlikely that you would invest in renovating your kitchen again in a few years. But fear not, focusing first on the important elements like layout, cabinet style, worktops and appliances will help you to bring together your dream kitchen design. Additional elements like kitchen lighting, cupboard storage and decor can come after in the kitchen planning process. A kitchen designer or fitter can help you to decide the layout of your kitchen in terms of where to place your kitchen units, appliances and island (if you’re having one), but if you prefer to handle this yourself you can focus on where you want your key elements of your kitchen to be – the oven, hob, sink and fridge. Of course you might be constricted by space, but try to envisage the easiest and most efficient layout based on how you usually like to cook and prepare your food. If you’re fed up of always having to carry dirty pans and pots across the room to the sink, place the sink closer to your oven and hob. Once you have the core elements sorted, consider extra layout considerations, such as where your bins will be stored, where the cutlery draw should be and where small kitchen appliances can be installed.
Should I include a kitchen island?
Kitchen island ideas are abundant these days; it seems most kitchen designs include a kitchen island, if not multiple islands. However, if the layout doesn’t work, especially if you have a small kitchen, then there’s no necessity to add in a kitchen island. You can add a breakfast bar or counter to your existing kitchen units, or stick with a good old-fashioned dining table if you don’t need the extra work surfaces. That said, if you do have the room, take a look at some kitchen island ideas to see if the designs inspire you for your kitchen. There are a huge variety of island designs to cater to different needs – you can have sinks, ovens, hobs, wine storage and all sorts of drawers and organisers built-in, you can have separate bars and counters that extend from your island, or you could go for a kitchen island on wheels to make your kitchen layout more versatile.
How do I choose my kitchen units and cabinets?
When picking out kitchen units and cupboard styles for a fitted kitchen, you’ll first want to consider the more practical questions – how many units do you need? How many cupboards and drawers do you need? Do you need extra kitchen storage built into your units? It’s always best to overestimate how much kitchen storage you’ll need as we all tend to have a habit of filling up whatever current space we have to the maximum. Next you can consider kitchen cabinet style and colour. Shaker style cabinets and raised and recessed panel cabinets offer a more traditional kitchen cabinet look, while flat panel cabinet doors tend to lend more to the modern and contemporary style. However, going for raised or recessed panel work in a striking colour such as dark blue, green or black can still work with contemporary kitchen ideas. White kitchens can give a sleek and clean feel, but remember you may have to do a bit more cleaning of those cupboard doors if you want everything to stay shiny and fresh. Of course, grey kitchens are the neutral colour choice du jour and can be paired with pale and rich shades alike if you want your fitted kitchen cupboards to contrast with your worktop, splashback, floor, or all of the above. Exposed shelving and storage is also popular for eclectic, Scandi and industrial-inspired looks, so you could opt for glass-fronted cabinets or no wall-mounted cabinets at all. Remember that this will require more restraint in what you can store and more effort in keeping it looking presentable compared to what is stored away hastily behind cupboard doors. The kitchen cupboard handles are also another element to decide upon – do you want traditional round knobs, modern metal bars, country kitchen cup handles or maybe to go ultra sleek with a completely handleless kitchen?
What kitchen storage ideas should I consider?
If you want to keep your kitchen well-stocked and well-equipped but don’t want it spilling over with clutter, then you’ll need to rely on good kitchen storage. Apart from the usual fitted kitchen cupboards and drawer space, there are many other ways of keeping your kitchen tidy. Whilst a large kitchen pantry is the dream of most homeowners, it can’t always be a reality. However, there are now lots of pull out compartments and drawers with trays and shelving that can act as mini kitchen pantries, and you can install handy cupboard organisers that fit onto the inside of the door to make the most of your cupboard space. You can also look at corner drawers and cupboards that open up to reveal lots of extra storage. Rails or small shelves along your kitchen walls or splashback can help with hanging utensils or pans, or storing small items like herbs and spices in an usually empty space. Buy extra kitchen storage products for your home on Houzz
Are there small kitchen ideas for small spaces?
If you’re working with a galley kitchen, a one-wall kitchen in an open plan space or just a pretty small kitchen, there are some small kitchen ideas that can help you get the most out of your cooking and dining area. If you find that you don’t utilise the back of your cupboards (maybe they become the graveyard for out-of-date tin cans), you could decide to go with shallower kitchen units to free up some extra floor space in front of your cabinets. As mentioned, open shelving or glass-fronted cabinets are a popular trend and they should make the space feel more open and less boxed-in. However, if you have the capacity for it, cupboards and kitchen units that maximise the floor-to-ceiling space you have will mean you can use all of that for valuable kitchen storage. Wall or ceiling racks could be a useful solution for hanging pans and pots if you’ve run out of cupboards in which to store them. Kitchen ideas and accessories such as baskets, trolleys and storage jars are both aesthetically pleasing and practical as they give you extra storage space. Kitchen appliances like a fridge or dishwasher can be tucked away in built-in units in fitted kitchens so they blend into your layout and don’t make the space look crowded. Discover all the small kitchen ideas you could need by taking a look at photos of compact kitchens.
What sort of kitchen lighting should I go for?
In the kitchen you need to have practical lighting – no one wants to chop, cut and cook in a dingy room. Kitchen ceiling lights are probably the best way to go, but should you opt for recessed spotlights or traditional hanging ceiling lights? While spotlight LED kitchen lighting will give you excellent light, they may not fit with a design that’s not contemporary. Traditional chandelier lights could work for other kitchen styles, and of course, kitchen pendant lighting comes in all sorts of styles, colours and designs. While the popular choice is to go with one or two pendant lights over your kitchen island, you could also opt for a single pendant light over your dining space, or a few spaced out across your kitchen. Of course, if you want good lighting for your worktops, under-cabinet lighting is the way forward. Speak to your kitchen supplier about having this pre-installed, or there are a number of easy-install options you can fit yourself or with the help of a lighting expert or electrician. In the market for your kitchen lighting today? Once you’ve found some inspiring kitchen lighting ideas here, take a look at our kitchen lighting products to find the new lights for your kitchen project.
Check out these popular kitchen pages below:
- Kitchen/diner ideas
- Modern kitchens
- Kitchenette designs
- Kitchen tile ideas
- Cream kitchens
As an expert and enthusiast, I have access to a vast amount of information on various topics, including kitchen design. I can provide you with insights and expertise on kitchen ideas, designs, layouts, lighting, storage, and more.
Kitchen Design Ideas: When it comes to kitchen design, there are countless ideas and inspirations available. You can explore millions of kitchen designs and ideas, ranging from kitchen islands and storage units to different kitchen lighting options such as pendant lighting or under cabinet lighting. Whether you're looking for all-in-one fitted kitchen designs, small kitchen ideas, or tips for improving your kitchen decor, platforms like Houzz offer a wide range of photos to inspire your next kitchen project.
Important Elements of Kitchen Design: To create your dream kitchen design, it's essential to focus on important elements such as layout, cabinet style, worktops, and appliances. The layout of your kitchen, including the placement of kitchen units, appliances, and islands (if applicable), plays a crucial role. Consider how you usually cook and prepare your food to determine the most efficient layout. For example, if you often carry dirty pans and pots to the sink, it's best to place the sink closer to your oven and hob. Additionally, think about extra layout considerations like storage for bins, cutlery drawers, and small kitchen appliances.
Kitchen Islands: While kitchen islands are popular in many kitchen designs, they are not a necessity, especially if you have limited space. If the layout doesn't work for a kitchen island, you can consider alternatives like adding a breakfast bar or counter to your existing kitchen units. Kitchen islands come in a variety of designs and can include features such as sinks, ovens, hobs, wine storage, drawers, and organizers. There are also kitchen islands on wheels that offer flexibility in terms of layout.
Choosing Kitchen Units and Cabinets: When selecting kitchen units and cupboard styles for a fitted kitchen, consider practical questions such as the number of units, cupboards, and drawers you need. It's generally best to overestimate the amount of kitchen storage you'll need. Kitchen cabinet style and color are also important considerations. Traditional cabinet styles like Shaker or raised and recessed panel cabinets offer a classic look, while flat panel cabinet doors tend to suit modern and contemporary styles. The choice of color, whether it's a striking color or a neutral shade like white or grey, depends on your preferences and the overall kitchen design.
Kitchen Storage Ideas: Apart from fitted kitchen cupboards and drawers, there are various ways to keep your kitchen well-stocked and organized. Consider installing pull-out compartments, drawers with trays and shelving, and cupboard organizers that maximize the use of space. Corner drawers and cupboards can provide additional storage options. Rails or small shelves along the kitchen walls or splashback can be used to hang utensils or store small items like herbs and spices. Additionally, there are plenty of kitchen storage products available that can help keep your kitchen tidy.
Small Kitchen Ideas: If you have a small kitchen, there are several design ideas to maximize space. Shallower kitchen units can free up floor space in front of the cabinets. Open shelving or glass-fronted cabinets can create a more open and spacious feel. Consider utilizing the floor-to-ceiling space by installing cupboards and kitchen units that make the most of vertical storage. Wall or ceiling racks can be useful for hanging pans and pots. Accessories like baskets, trolleys, and storage jars provide additional storage space without cluttering the kitchen.
Kitchen Lighting: Practical lighting is essential in the kitchen. Kitchen ceiling lights, such as recessed spotlights or hanging ceiling lights, provide good overall illumination. Pendant lighting is a popular choice, particularly over kitchen islands or dining spaces. Under-cabinet lighting is also important for illuminating worktops. Speak to your kitchen supplier about pre-installed lighting options or consider easy-install options that you can fit yourself or with the help of a lighting expert or electrician.
Remember, these are just some of the concepts covered in this article. If you have any specific questions or need further information on any of these topics, feel free to ask!
