Variety of Kitchen Designs

Quaint and Quirky

Incorporate vintage finds to give your kitchen that homey feel. Bring in bright colors by painting either old (or new) wooden chairs in an array of pretty hues.

Zen Kitchen

Red is a color most often seen in dining rooms. But these kitchen cabinets sport nine coats of high-gloss red exterior paint, which mimics Asian lacquer treatments and echoes the house’s Zen restraint. The bright hue also energizes the room and sets the stage for convivial gatherings.

Practical Fashion

Perfect for the gourmet chef and the entertainer, this kitchen's island doubles as a work space and a buffet or bar.

Custom Island

Craft your own kitchen island with inspiration from antique pieces like this custom island made of a wooden shiplap back and bracket feet from limed oak. White marbleized subway tiles create this clever backsplash.

Play With Pattern

Instead of choosing veined countertops or busy wallpaper, try pattern in an unexpected place. Two oversize drum shades in a crewel-like print do wonders to spice up an otherwise neutral kitchen.

Creative Kitchen

A sheer ivory-colored finish applied to the horizontal cypress paneling gives a light and airy feel to this kitchen. The open storage is both a means of displaying cookware and an example of creative shelf design. The open shelving is great for showcasing serving pieces and pottery, and guests love them because they can easily find needed items.

Classic Kitchen

Neutral walls act as a backdrop for wooden window casings and custom cabinetry. A built-in cupboard with glass doors and open shelving provides storage and display space for dinnerware. Windows fitted with modest, striped Roman shades allow natural light to flood the space.

Contemporary Kitchen

In this kitchen, the tone is set by granite counters and sleek stainless steel appliances. The custom-designed cabinets -- stained dark cherry to match the red hues in the granite -- include pullout corner and pantry systems. The island has a chopping-block table that can be wheeled out and used as a cart.

A Drink Within Reach

A sink, icemaker, and wine cooler make entertaining easy at this wet bar.

Merged Spaces

In this home, one large, airy space contains the kitchen, dining room, and sitting area. The arched doorway and exposed beams are features that make this space appealing.

Check Mate

There isn't much wall space in a kitchen full of cabinets. So if you want a colorful room, you'll have to look to the cabinets as the source. A bold color such as aqua creates a strong visual impact. This stylish kitchen is also practical for a large family. The lower cabinets contain pull-out drawers that make items easily accessible for everyone.

A Chef's Haven

This Southern Living Idea House kitchen features cabinetry with an antique cream-colored glaze. Appearing to be a large cabinet, the refrigerator is disguised by panels. The area features quartz stone countertops, while an ample island occupies the center and makes food preparation a pleasure. Outfitted with heart-pine ceiling beams and sage walls like the nearby breakfast room, this kitchen is any homeowner's dream.

Collector's Kitchen

This kitchen's cathedral window welcomes natural light and makes a bold architectural statement. An antique bin from an old general store and European chocolate molds give the kitchen a sense of age. Waxed wood finishes underscore the look.

Salvaged Wood

In this old-world kitchen, salvaged wood flooring inspires the entire space (and is an eco-friendly choice). Leftovers from the flooring were used to create the dining table, and pecky cypress kitchen cabinets complement the warm wood throughout.

Balance and Contrast

A sturdy, sage-green island contrasts with warm ivory walls and cabinetry in this light-filled kitchen. A stainless range occupies a tiled alcove with an arched hood, while dark marble counters provide a unifying work surface. Rustic barstools, antiqued light fixtures, and rough-hewn ceiling beams contribute additional texture.

Well-Seasoned Style

Whether planning meals for just themselves or many guests, these homeowners enjoy a kitchen that's as inviting and bright as a spring garden. The large island and plentiful granite countertops provide convenient work surfaces while anchoring the kitchen.

Family Kitchen

This hardworking kitchen is equipped for a big family or lots of guests, and the cottage's open floor plan allows hosts to participate in the party. A cooktop with a nonstick grill and self-ventilation system and a combination oven and drop-down-door microwave make preparing dinner a breeze. Two under-mount sinks (featuring goosenecked faucets) complete the kitchen.

torage Strategy

In this kitchen, architect Michael Connell used standard overhead cabinets -- typically 12 inches deep -- below the counter in some areas instead of standard floor cabinets, which are usually 24 inches deep. This allowed him to fit in a dining peninsula and a shallow storage area without taking space away from circulation and seating. Storage needs dictated a row of cabinets stretching between the living room and the kitchen. Connell put glass doors on both sides of the cabinets, allowing the space to remain visually open.

Cook's Center

The gas range has an alcove of its own surrounded by cultured stone. Narrow, built-in shelves on either side of the range are perfect for storing spices.

Country Kitchen

Distressed, furniture-style cabinetry in hues of cocoa and cream creates a casual atmosphere. The matte finish of the deep brown honed-granite countertops reinforces the aged appearance. Cabinets suspended over the island showcase a collection of colorful dishes. Glass doors and sides allow light to pass through, softening the visual impact of the cabinetry.

Shared Space

The family room and kitchen share a hipped roof, with an exposed beaded board ceiling and rafters. This type of treatment creates a relaxed setting and continues the louvered cabinets' tropical feel.

Classics Count

With classic marble countertops and antique blue accents, this coastal kitchen has a sleek, modern take on traditional nautical decor.

Farmhouse Influence

The sliding barn door allows this “modern farmhouse” kitchen to be hidden for formal dinner parties and serves as a place to hang holiday greeting cards.

Modern Marvels

Streamlined drawer pulls and sleek cabinets emphasize the shape of this small, galley-style kitchen.

Cabin Fever

This cabin kitchen uses warm wood tones and simple design to create a cozy space. An heirloom-style black china hutch is the focal point, and a funky pendant lamp emphasizes the mountain flair.

Green With Envy

The green color of the cabinets absorbs light in this open, white kitchen – white on white would have been too much.

A Kitchen That Cooks

This space combines modern, energy-efficient appliances with accents of a traditional farm kitchen, such as exposed shelves and rustic pine ceiling beams. The wheat-colored subway-tiled backsplash contributes to the classic feel, even as it contrasts with the contemporary stainless steel appliances and the South African granite countertops.

Function First

This kitchen is begging for family dinners. Aside from being beautiful and bright, it boasts clever and convenient amenities like accessible outlets. (There is one on each leg of the island.) The island appears mobile, but it is actually stationery. The freestanding legs make the kitchen look more spacious, while the rolling butcher block offers more counterspace when necessary.

Colorful Kitchen

In tight spaces, make smart use of wall space with slim plate racks instead of overhead cabinets. Opt for track lighting in lieu of bulky mounted fixtures, and leave small windows uncovered to let in light.

Small Spaces

Add a little, gain a lot. That's the lesson one couple learned when they made a small addition to the cramped galley kitchen in their home. Curves in the range hood and shelf-support brackets add softness to the geometric cabinets, tiles, and appliances. Open shelves keep cooking staples within easy reach.