Mitchell Parker Houzz Editorial Staff
Use the kitchens that have been added to the most ideabooks in the last few months to inspire your dream project
White cabinets with white walls and white countertops have reigned supreme in recent years. And while you’ll definitely find some examples of that here, you’ll also find lots of dark, sophisticated colors, soft hues, light- and mid-tone natural wood, and shiny brass fixtures and cabinet hardware.
If there’s one general theme to take away from these 25 kitchens (presented in ascending order of popularity) it’s that there is no theme. People’s preferences for kitchen style and function span a broad spectrum. But few will disagree that there are some knockout ideas in here for kitchen design. Which is your favorite?
A 6-by-6-foot island topped with reclaimed hemlock establishes dominance here, while a splitface stone backsplash carries the natural look further.
Cabinet paint colors: Storm Cloud Gray and Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore
This kitchen is all about reflective surfaces. A large China cabinet with mirrored doors draws the most attention, but the glossy island countertop and large stainless steel range hood also command the eye.
A suspended swing set creates island seating in this San Francisco kitchen, which also stuns with a heavy dose of blonde wood that covers part of the ceiling and island.
If you’re looking for a clean, sophisticated kitchen design, stick to white and dark gray with brass and natural wood accents. Other features that take this space up a notch are the wood border on the island and the handmade glazed white subway tile backsplash.
Cabinet paint colors: Natural White and Ticking by Dulux
An open layout, pendant lights and extended crown molding on white cabinetry make this a humble yet attractive kitchen.
Chandelier and dining table: Pottery Barn; cabinets: Signature Cabinetry; range: Dacor
At first glance, it’s hard to tell if there’s even a kitchen in this stunning great room. The island looks like a buffet table while the white cabinetry effortlessly blends into the wall. A large iron chandelier and slipcovered dining chairs further push the kitchen into the background.
Wall and cabinet paint: White Dove by Benjamin Moore
There’s a lot to like about this kitchen — the beautiful dark wood cabinetry set on white oak floors for one, but also the neat raised island bar and the stone oven wall that looks like a fireplace.
A natural wood ceiling, blue perimeter cabinets and recessed bar stool seating on the painted MDF-wrapped peninsula are just a few key ingredients in the success of this kitchen. The integrated doghouse is what makes it unforgettable.
The world runs on caffeine, and coffee drinkers everywhere would rejoice around a well-stocked station like the one shown here. While a beverage niche isn’t uncommon, this one stands out for its crisp cabinetry, floating shelf and lighted glass-front cabinets.
This kitchen has a lot going for it. The mix of colors and textures comes off perfectly executed, but the brick-like backsplash, white wood ceiling and drawers at the end of the island are particular standouts.
Open concepts can often pose noise problems, especially when a lively living space sits nearby. For maintaining openness while also offering a sound barrier, this windowed room divider is a great solution.
A large island with varying counter heights forms the centerpiece of this beach-style kitchen. But the dramatic pendant lights are what really draws attention.
Paint colors: Chantilly Lace 2121-7 (walls), Paper White OC-55 (trim), Beacon Gray 2128-60 (ceiling), all by Benjamin Moore; lights: Glimmer 9 light, Maxim Lighting
You often see white perimeter cabinets surrounding a dark island, but rarely do you see the reverse. Dark cabinets paired with a massive white island sets this kitchen apart. The rich wood tones and gorgeous pendants are recurring themes in this article.
The overhang on this enormous island (11 by 4 feet) creates enough room for six people to eat comfortably. The glass-front pantry doors and cool gray tones are popular features with Houzzers.
Wall paint: Repose Gray by Sherwin-Williams
No room for a walk-in pantry? How about a walk-down pantry? The British company that worked on this kitchen specializes in creating pantries and wine cellars below ground. Here, a hydraulic trap door opens to reveal a spiral staircase leading down to dry goods and other kitchen essentials.
It’s hard to believe a photo of a range could be so compelling, but this one with its herringbone-patterned marble backsplash and accent board above has garnered thousands of fans.
Going a bit deeper, this project is a great example of function hidden behind style. The elegant finishes and cabinet details distract you from the fact that there are two large drawers beneath the cooktop for pots and pans, a pot filler and two narrow spice rack pullouts flanking the hood.
While the light-filled openness of this kitchen is enough to make anyone swoon, it’s the Moroccan-pattern cement tile floor that really sets this kitchen apart.
Tile: Badajoz, Echo collection, Granada Tile; cabinets: MTD Vanities; cabinet hardware: U-Turn collection in Champagne finish, Atlas; stainless steel appliances: Samsung; farmhouse sink and matte black faucet: Kohler; Lorne rug: Anthropologie; pale gray window shades: Selectblinds.com; wall paint: Simply White by Benjamin Moore; bar stools: Anthropologie; pendants: Arteriors Home
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Sometimes it’s a simple decision that makes all the difference. Here, wide-plank reclaimed-oak boards covering part of the island take what could have been a perfectly OK kitchen to the next level. Gray cabinets, subway tile with dark grout, a waterfall-edge counter and globe pendant lights complete the casual-meets-classic design.
Storage and appliances take up the bulk of space in kitchens. Too much of either and things start to feel crowded. That’s why a walk-in pantry is one of the most coveted amenities when it comes to kitchen design. Here, the homeowners even found room for the microwave, freeing up space and visual design in the main area.
The reclaimed-wood beams and massive island (are you noticing a theme yet?) made this one of the most popular kitchen photos of late. The airy layout, large window and heavy use of linen-white tones also gave it mass appeal.
Character-heavy wood floors set the stage in this Texas kitchen, which features a generous island and casual contemporary furnishings in the dining area. But it’s the thoughtful lighting plan that really makes it shine.
Apart from a few plants and a couple of lemons as props, you’d be hard pressed to find a color here that’s not some shade of black, white or gray — and that’s apparently how a lot of people like their kitchens.
The crisp white cabinetry and walls and marble island countertop create the backdrop, while near-black floors, a dark gray glazed tile backsplash, gray perimeter counters and dark classic bar stools enrich the look.
This custom double pantry — 4 feet wide, 7 feet high and 2 feet deep — with drawers and pullout baskets is the stuff kitchen dreams are made of. Imagine how free and clear your countertops would be with everything tucked so nicely away.
Paint color: Purbeck Stone by Farrow & Ball
The large island (105 by 75 inches) commands attention in this spacious kitchen, which enjoys 12-foot ceilings with dark-stained beams. A mix of white perimeter cabinetry with black island cabinets, black-paneled refrigerator and black custom range hood creates contrast. A backsplash of brick veneer Leuder stone brings just the right amount of raw material to balance the otherwise slick finishes.
Island countertop: Calacatta Colorado marble; perimeter countertop: Cambrian black satin granite; wall paint: Gray Clouds by Sherwin-Williams; island paint: Black Licorice by Behr; ceiling paint: Swirling Water by Behr; range hood: custom, Vent-a-Hood; floors: red oak; backsplash: brick veneer, charcoal Leuder stone, Alliance Materials (Keller, Texas); refrigerator: panel-ready SubZero; stools: Ethan Allen; faucet: Etch, Moen; pendant lights: Yoke 1, available on Houzz
The most popular kitchen photo on Houzz in recent months is full of light and sophistication. Brass fixtures and hardware and dark gray paint on custom Shaker-style base cabinets steal the show. White walls and open shelves and a custom marble backsplash and countertop lend an airy, clean feeling, while a vintage runner rug on a floor of reclaimed heart pine creates warmth.
Base cabinet paint: Down Pipe by Farrow & Ball; wall and upper cabinet paint: Decorator’s White by Benjamin Moore; cabinet pulls in satin brass: Lew’s Hardware; faucet: East Linear in satin brass, Newport Brass; sink: Rohl; range: BlueStar; sconces: Schoolhouse Electric