75 Kitchen Ideas for Every Layout and Style

Make the most of the busiest area in your house with these kitchen ideas.

large pendant island lighting
Photo:

Chad Mellon

The kitchen is one of the most-used rooms in a house. It's where you cook favorite recipes, entertain guests, and serve up late-night snacks. For a room that gets so much traffic, it's essential to have a functional area that also lets your personality shine. Whether you're looking to update a single element of your kitchen like a backsplash or accent wall or you're ready to tackle a complete remodel, we put together a collection of the best kitchen ideas for you to draw inspiration from. From colorful cabinets to creative tile applications, there is something for every style and kitchen floor plan layout.

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Optimize a Small Kitchen

small kitchen

Lincoln Barbour

Maximize a small space by utilizing an open concept to its fullest. This kitchen features two-tone cabinetry and open shelving for storage to visually heighten the room. An island on casters allows for additional surface space and can be moved if needed. The kitchen flows into the dining area with a built-in banquette that features hidden bonus storage.

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Open Kitchen Storage

kitchen with white subway tile with wood and gold open shelves
Stacy Zarin Goldberg

Employ clever kitchen organization to give a sense of structure to open storage. Despite being able to see almost every appliance and dishware, color-coordinating bright pots, pans, and bowls keep glass-front cabinets and floating shelves tidy. White subway tile, stone countertops, and wood surfaces balance charcoal gray cabinets.

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Modern Kitchen

modern kitchen

John Granen

Clad in white, this modern kitchen is sleek and sophisticated. Stainless steel appliances and repeating geometric lines give the space a crisp, clean feel, while warm wood features and leather barstools balance the cool white tones.

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Tiled Range Wall

vaulted ceiling kitchen with patterned wall blue cabinets
David Tsay

Turn a blank wall into a statement-making focal point. This colorful patterned backsplash adds drama and showcases inky blue kitchen cabinets. An island that pairs wood and stone adds a natural element to the open kitchen.

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Mint Green Cabinetry

pull out cutting board

Robert Peterson

Featured on both the walls and cabinetry, mint green is a beautiful way to add a subtle splash of color to your kitchen without stealing the show. Brass hardware adds warmth to the green paint and white backsplash. Install a pull-out cutting board near your favorite spirits to create a flexible bar area where your inner mixologist can come to life.

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Colorful Kitchen Backsplash

blue backsplash

Jeff Herr

Creamy white cabinets and natural wood refresh this light and bright modern kitchen. An ocean-blue backsplash breaks up the neutral colors and provides a focal point that will leave you dreaming of a day at the beach. Midcentury-inspired pendant lighting and wood bar stools add a retro element to the space.

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One-Wall Kitchen Ideas

modern farmhouse kitchen

Joyelle West

The countertop in this kitchen stretches across the entirety of one wall, leaving ample space for the maple-topped island. With original dark wood ceiling beams and rustic wood finishes throughout the shelving, island, and floors, this kitchen features a perfect blend of natural materials. Warm brass finishes on lighting and hardware complete the cozy kitchen.

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Modern Farmhouse Kitchen

white farmhouse open kitchen with black pendant lighting and bar seating
Brie Williams

An inviting atmosphere is essential to any farmhouse kitchen. In this cooking space, which opens to the adjacent dining room, a large island with stool seating beckons friends and family to sit down and stay awhile. Large windows with black trim and rustic wood open shelving reinforce the expansive feel. Black fixtures deliver contrast amid white cabinetry and shiplap walls.

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Perfectly French Kitchen

french kitchen

Brie Williams

Natural elements, including limestone, marble, and pickled poplar on the ceiling, balance elegant appointments, like a hand-forged iron chandelier and custom window treatment in this Parisian-inspired kitchen. Blue cabinets with a gray undertone create a peaceful (and perfectly French) look. Two cushioned stools tuck under the island to stay out of foot traffic and at the ready for seating.

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Counter-to-Ceiling Backsplash

herringbone backsplash

Jim Franco

A white herringbone backsplash allows colors to pop in this neutral kitchen. Installing backsplash tile on an entire wall can make a small kitchen feel bigger. Beautiful blue ceramics stand out on the open shelves, while brass cup pulls continue the traditional kitchen style.

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Dark Kitchen Ideas

black kitchen cabinetry

Edmund Barr

While white kitchens remain classic, color is making a comeback in cooking spaces, and black cabinets are a popular way to create sophisticated contrast. Like garments, black cabinets go with practically everything, complementing a wide variety of natural materials, metallic finishes, and kitchen color palettes.

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Kitchen Island with Seating

kitchen island

Jared Kuzia

Kitchen islands are a place to perfect your cooking skills as well as enjoy the delicious outcome. This black-and-white waterfall-style stone kitchen island beautifully contrasts with white oak base cabinets. A white paneled refrigerator fades into the background, allowing the island to take center stage.

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Transitional Kitchen Design

renovated kitchen with patterned rug
David Land

High-end materials like marble countertops and dark wood flooring infuse this transitional kitchen with elegance, but a splash of pink softens some of the formality. Touches of black mingle for an unexpected color combination. Ample overhead lighting and custom cabinetry make the workspace extra functional.

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Beautiful Balance

101991599

Michael Partenio

An expansive island is this kitchen's showpiece, but it wasn't only chosen for its beauty: This large space was designed for easy food prep and cleanup, with an emphasis on storage and seating. To balance all that functionality, crisp lines and a mix of metallic finishes contribute style and shine to this all-white kitchen.

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Contemporary Entertaining

contemporary kitchen

Stacy Zarin Goldberg

This space has all the modern dream kitchen ideas you need: a sleek vent hood, dramatic matte black accents, and crisp white cabinets. Although black and white is a classic kitchen color combination, it's also clean enough to feel contemporary, especially when paired with no-frills stainless-steel appliances and a stone-topped waterfall island.

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Open and Inviting

open concept kitchen

Joyelle West

This spacious, open-layout kitchen was designed to accommodate cooks and guests alike. The roomy work zone gives the chef elbow room and counter space, while the island and adjacent eating area provide spots for guests to chat. A shiplap ceiling, white cabinets, and touches of color amplify the cozy atmosphere.

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Classic Kitchen Finishes

american kitchen

Werner Straube

Elegant millwork and furniture-like details give this new kitchen the spirit of a historic home. A grand gray island stands at the heart of the space and incorporates a beveled marble countertop. White cabinets lighten slab granite countertops and slate gray backsplash tile.

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Glamorous Kitchen Finishes

glamour kitchen

John Granen

A mix of light and dark finishes combine with shimmering metallic accents for a kitchen design idea that's dripping with glamour. Gold tiles against a white backdrop heighten the drama—as do the shiny silver legs on the island. Rich wood cabinets warm up the shiny finishes.

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Modern Rustic Kitchen

rustic kitchen

Emily J. Followill

A mix of salvaged wood, weathered finishes, and traditional touches create a casually sophisticated kitchen. Two timbers from an old barge were incorporated into the corners of the island for one-of-a-kind detail, and the pair of light fixtures hanging above incorporates a charming patina.

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Kitchen Wallpaper

blue kitchen

Brie Passano

Add color and texture with a kitchen wallpaper. This blue patterned wallpaper gives an all-white kitchen an instant upgrade. Although paint might be more affordable, you can find a wide variety of wallpaper patterns and designs that would be nearly impossible for a do-it-yourselfer to duplicate with paint.

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Tuscan Kitchen

itialian countryside kitchen

Ed Gohlich

Steeped in historical character, this kitchen would fit right into a Tuscan villa. Smart material choices give it a timeworn feel, while the sprawling workspace and high ceilings are suited to modern tastes. Unmatched elements, such as terra-cotta floors and furniture-style cabinetry, look as if they were added over the years, and the neutral kitchen color scheme enhances the timeless character.

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Industrial Kitchen Style

industrial kitchen

John Granen

Inspired by early 20th-century factories, this contemporary kitchen combines steel, stone, and wood for an industrial-chic look that doesn't feel cold. The massive island provides plenty of prep space, plus seating for four.

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Yellow Kitchen Walls

yellow kitchen

Gordon Beall

Classic checkerboard marble floors are incapable of feeling stuffy when paired with sunflower-yellow walls. A vibrant stucco hood creates an eye-catching focal point in this traditional kitchen design, while furniture-style dark-wood cabinetry plays up the antique quality.

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Layered Neutral Kitchen

neutral kitchen

Werner Straube

A distressed black island grounds this French-style kitchen, while creamy shades of white on the perimeter cabinetry and flooring keep the space light and bright. Architectural details, custom millwork, and an intricate chandelier add to the grandeur of this high-ceilinged space.

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Kitchen Peninsula in Chef's Kitchen

peninsula style kitchen

Nathan Kirkman

What's better than having an island in your kitchen? Having an island and a peninsula! This contemporary kitchen features both wood and graphite-colored cabinets, and its dual surfaces provide ample space for cooking and entertaining.

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Mixed Materials

kitchen island with rattan stools
Ali Harper

Woven rattan stools in a large-scale cane pattern contrast with a sleek walnut island in this modern farmhouse kitchen. Quartz countertops and a coordinating range wall echo the look of Calacatta marble.

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Mountain Lodge

mountain kitchen

Audrey Hall

This beautiful kitchen with mountain views is the perfect mix of modern with nods to its western location. A range hood clad in reclaimed wood contrasts clean white cabinetry and warms up light-gray accents on the wall and tile backsplash.

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Paneled Kitchen Appliances

kitchen with dark green cabinets
Werner Straube

While admiring this kitchen dressed in emerald green cabinetry, you might not spot any appliances. This is the magic of paneled appliances—a design choice that allows fridges, ranges, and dishwashers to disappear into their surroundings for a seamless, luxurious look.

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Midcentury Modern Style

midcentury modern kitchen

Emily J Followill

This midcentury modern kitchen features natural materials that warm up black base cabinets gilded with Art Deco knobs. The ceiling features preserved tongue-and-groove wood, and the open shelves are magnolia. Complete with potted plants and ample natural light, this kitchen has a warm and cozy feel while nodding to the past.

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Kitchen Entertaining Hub

rustic big kitchen

Ann VanderWiel Wilde

A sprawling farm table invites family and friends to linger at the center of this spacious country kitchen. White furniture-style cabinets around the perimeter of the kitchen balance the dark slate tile floors and substantial wood ceilings. A modern light fixture above the table brings the look into the 21st century.

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Kitchen Pass-Through

serving hatch

Edmund Barr

Completely removing a wall to create an open-concept kitchen can cost a pretty penny and isn't always feasible structurally. Instead, work with what you already have. Add a pass-through window to open up a small kitchen. Apply a fresh coat of paint and install modern pendant lights for a quick and easy kitchen update.

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Storage for Pots and Pans

rustic-modern kitchen with gray cabinets, floor-to-ceiling subway tile and reclaimed wood dining table
Michael Partenio

If you're running low on space in a small kitchen, find another home for bulky pots and pans to clear up some room in your cabinets and drawers. Easily mount a pot rack to the wall or ceiling and hang your pots and pans for an easy kitchen storage solution.

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Scandinavian Kitchen Style

runner rug in kitchen
Anthony Masterson

Whitewashed wood cabinets lend warmth to this Scandi-inspired space, subbing in for stark white cabinetry. Mixed with the warm tones of the wood floor and a colorful vintage rug, this Scandinavian kitchen is bright, airy, and prepped for guests with a beverage fridge and plenty of prep surfaces.

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Kitchen Island Lighting

large pendant island lighting

Chad Mellon

Oversized kitchen island lighting is an eye-catching way to amp up this hardworking area. These basket-weave pendants hang over marble countertops and an apron-front farmhouse sink. Navy blue paneled cabinets add texture and contrast.

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Small Kitchen Storage

small black and white kitchen with open shelves
Brie Williams

White subway tiles contrast with black countertops and cabinets in this U-shaped kitchen layout. Optimizing space in a tiny kitchen is essential. Hang floating shelves instead of installing full cabinets to create the illusion of more space.

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Wood Kitchen Cabinets

wood toned kitchen
Jay Wilde

An open-concept kitchen plus all the right materials is the perfect recipe for an inviting, warm space. This room features red-leaf maple cabinets balanced by white accents to create a natural, airy gathering space for whipping up a new recipe and entertaining.

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Small Kitchen Organization

magnetic storage for side of fridge
Jason Donnelly

Running low on drawer space? Look for new places to store kitchen essentials. This magnetic rack easily attaches to the side of a refrigerator, allowing you to hang towels, measuring cups, salt and pepper shakers, and more.

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Built-In Bar

home bar in kitchen with beverage fridge and herringbone subway tile

Ryan Bent

You won't have to go far to find something delicious to sip on with a built-in kitchen bar. Hold all your favorite beverages in one place with a mini fridge and built-in wine racks. Display your drinkware on floating shelves and always have a cutting board handy for slicing fresh citrus.

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Floating Kitchen Shelves

floating shelves

Brie Williams

Floating shelves are a practical yet stylish way to fill empty space on kitchen walls. Use them to display your carefully curated collection of coffee mugs, cookbooks, or houseplants.

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Brass Kitchen Accents

brass accented kitchen

Julie Soefer

Make an all-white kitchen shine by trimming it in metallic accents. This space features brass on the hood vent, faucet, pot filler, and barstool legs. The baby blue vinyl seats of the barstools stand out against the otherwise neutral room.

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Local Kitchen Inspiration

white kitchen with exposed wood shelves and patterned backsplash
Peter Molick

Decorate your kitchen with a nod to your locale. This kitchen's geometric green backsplash plays off the foliage showcased outside a wall of windows. Statement lighting and bright white walls open up to a sunroom, letting natural light flood the contemporary kitchen.

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Kitchen Coffee Bar

industrial style hanging shelves for coffee station
Brie Williams

This coffee station doubles as a wet bar and is conveniently located in the kitchen to assist with brewing and mixing needs from sun up to sun down. The kitchen shelves contrast vertical beadboard paneling and warm wood base cabinetry.

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Kitchen Breakfast Nook

breakfast nook with bright blue booth and pink flowers
David Tsay

A custom breakfast nook cozies up to the end of this kitchen countertop. A crystal Sputnik chandelier and lacquered flat kitchen cabinets add a touch of retro glam to this midcentury modern-inspired space.

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Bright Kitchen Cabinet Color

orange kitchen cabinets
James R. Salomon

Give your kitchen a fresh start with a juicy orange hue. This bright shade of orange contrasts dark wood countertops and a shiny white tile backsplash. And contrary to what you might think, orange pairs well with many colors.

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Natural Materials

black marble kitchen backsplash

Adam Albright

The intricate veining of this black marble backsplash is balanced out by the clean lines and warm color of wood cabinets. Matte black hardware ties in well with the drama of the backsplash and coordinates with the modern kitchen countertops.

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Green Kitchen Ideas

green kitchen

Ryan Garvin

Create unexpected contrast in a white kitchen by painting cabinets a rich shade of green. This verdant color scheme gives a nature-inspired feel when paired with rattan barstools and houseplants. Lighter surfaces throughout the space, including gray countertops and a wood island, prevent the room from becoming too dark.

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Classic White Kitchen

white kitchen

Annie Schlechter

White kitchens are anything but boring. They brighten up a space, make it look larger, and allow you to decorate however you want. Try a neutral, monochromatic look for a serene space, or add dashes of bright color to liven up a white kitchen.

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Chalkboard Wall

kitchen with chalkboard sliding barn door

Anthony-Masterson Photography

Chalkboard paint can be used in many rooms throughout the house, but applying it in the kitchen is especially helpful. Use it as a creative outlet for artwork or doodles, or add functionality by jotting down grocery or chore lists.

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French Connection

french american kitchen

Ed Gohlich

Traditional French and contemporary American kitchen styles share little in common. Yet, in this kitchen, the two styles fuse seamlessly. Wood cabinetry with an antique glaze resembles French furniture, and the stone walls and iron details are distinctly French, too. But the kitchen's functionality is fully American with abundant storage in the cabinetry and center island.

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Antique Kitchen Accents

antique kitchen

Emily J Followill

Rustic cabinetry pairs well with sage-green open shelving in this antique-inspired kitchen. Comb the aisles of any flea market or antique store to find one-of-a-kind treasures to enhance the look of a lived-in yet loved kitchen.

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Rustic Farmhouse Kitchen

rustic farmhouse kitchen

Kritsada Panichgul

Rustic wood beams installed along the walls of this farmhouse kitchen provide a worn, lived-in look. Opt for a freestanding table instead of a traditional kitchen island. This can double as a workplace for all your kitchen creations and a gathering place for a sit-down family dinner.

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Matte Black Appliances

Black stove with large hood

Brie Williams

Command attention where it's not usually directed with matte black appliances. This easy-to-clean finish looks sharp with any color scheme and will give your kitchen a dramatic edge.

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DIY Command Center

green cabinet command center
Jason Donnelly

Utilize your cabinets to their fullest potential by making the inside of the cabinet door your go-to spot for resources, recipes, and reminders. Print and hang phone numbers, grocery lists, calendars, and more in a common area where everyone in the house will know where to find them.

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Gray Kitchen Colors

gray kitchen marble backsplash

Emily Followill

Gray is a timeless color that works well in every room in the house, especially the kitchen. This kitchen shows off a beautiful monochromatic look decked in chrome accents and shades of gray. The marble backsplash seamlessly transitions into the countertop while the herringbone accent tile adds interesting character.

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Mixed Materials

kitchen with green cabinets and white textured walls
Brie Passano

Swap out the knobs on your drawers and cabinets for a collection of different styles and colors to refresh your kitchen on a budget. If you want more cohesion, stick with the same finish but switch up the type of pulls.

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Coastal Cooking Space

casual coastal kitchen

Maximillian Kim-Bee

Bring the feeling of a beach vacation to your home with nautical elements. The blue and white hues are the ideal coastal colors. Add rattan barstools and seating to a built-in restaurant-style booth to enjoy a meal together with the family.

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Glass Cabinets

green cabinets

David McCaughan

A brand-new kitchen references long-ago eras with a beadboard backsplash and cabinets painted in handsome green and detailed in white porcelain knobs. Leaded-glass doors on the upper cabinets further the vintage style and provide breezy counterpoints to solid base cabinets.

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Outdoor Connection

yellow kitchen dining room connected to patio

Ed Gohlich

Expansive kitchen windows let in light and fresh air, plus share views of nature. These floor-to-ceiling windows and French doors connect to the home's patio while providing picturesque vantage points.

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Kitchen Cabinet Storage

navy kitchen cabinets with roll out spice shelf
Edmund Barr

Storage and organization are top priorities in kitchens. When you combine the two, everything should have an easy-to-access home. This built-in, roll-out spice shelf maximizes storage with ample room for spices and all your cooking tools.

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Eat-In Kitchen

blue-gray and white kitchen with island
John Granen

An eat-in kitchen allows for casual meals and reduces the need for a formal dining room. This eat-in kitchen features blue-gray cabinets and a mint green island with room for four barstools.

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Dark and Moody Cabinets

brown leather stools in dark kitchen
Nate Sheets

This luxurious kitchen pairs black cabinets, brass fixtures, and a white marble backsplash and countertops. To balance the dark cabinets and flooring, the base of the island is painted stark white, and light wood upgrades the ceiling.

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Two-Tone Cabinetry

modern kitchen navy blue cabinets warm wood tones open shelving
Stacy Goldberg

One of the easiest ways to update just about anything is with a fresh coat of paint. More and more, homeowners are expanding their cabinet palette to include more color. Two-tone cabinets allow you to add color without going all-in, plus it adds contrast to your kitchen.

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Induction Cooktop

induction kitchen stove top with gray cabinets
Michael Partenio

Induction stoves are aesthetically pleasing and a safe and fast way to make your favorite meals. This induction cooktop looks sleek and contemporary against the black quartz countertop and white subway tile backsplash.

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Timeless Traditional Style

kitchen with black bricks and molded ceilings
Andreas Trauttmansdorff

A traditional-style kitchen will withstand the test of time. With old-world influence, this kitchen includes beautiful white cabinets and an elegant range hood with intricate curves and trim. A coffered ceiling adds extra detail in an unexpected place.

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Wood Kitchen Flooring

kitchen with large island and wood floors
Werner Straube

Hardwood floors make a kitchen cozy and welcoming. While true hardwood floors can be difficult to maintain, there are many other options on the market. Consider laminate wood flooring or porcelain planks that look just like wood but provide easier upkeep.

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Butcher-Block Countertops

kitchen

Tria Giovan

Butcher-block countertops and a small apron-front farmhouse sink complement simple white cabinets in this small kitchen. Butcher block adds a natural element to all-white kitchens and is also budget-friendly.

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Brick Kitchen Floor

Kitchen

Kim Cornelison

Kitchen flooring can completely change the look and feel of your workspace. Brick flooring is a surprising contrast to classic elements and modern acrylic chairs in this traditional kitchen.

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Vaulted Kitchen Ceiling

coastal kitchen with blue cabinets

Ray Kachatorian

This modest kitchen boasts big details, including vaulted ceilings with rustic charm. The whitewashed pine lining the walls fuses perfectly with the bright blue cabinetry for a modern twist on coastal cottage style.

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Traditional Country Kitchen

100995971

Anthony Masterson

A blend of Shaker and farmhouse accents, this kitchen brims with cheery country kitchen ideas, including a big farmhouse sink and furniture-style cabinetry. The wall of glass-front cabinets and two big windows over the sink help the kitchen feel airy. Without heavy window treatments, sunlight has no trouble streaming into this kitchen.

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Blue Kitchen Walls

blue kitchen

Alise Obrien

This kitchen's pale blue walls and ornate island are unexpected against white traditional cabinets. A gray range hood and dark floors bring in a modern edge. Seagrass stool seats add texture, while rich chocolate-brown wood floors warm up the cool color palette.

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Focal-Point Range Hood

kitchen backsplash

Werner Straube

Add a bit of drama to your kitchen with a custom range hood. This limestone hood hearkens back in time with hand-carved details and light stone. An ornate tiled backsplash creates a focal point below.

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Timeless Old-World Kitchen

chic kitchen

Ed Gohlich

A true classic never goes out of style, as this très chic old-world kitchen proves. Creamy white cabinetry and oil-rubbed bronze hardware pair with a rich mahogany island and professional-grade appliances to mimic a well-appointed French kitchen. Beautiful woodwork, arched details, and elegant accessories complete the timeless look.

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Kitchen Fireplace

kitchen fireplace

Werner Straube

Thoughtful design enables a kitchen to serve as an entertaining spot and a useful room for everyday use. This wood island offsets the kitchen's white perimeter cabinets and harmonizes with the slate fireplace hearth. Glossy surfaces and upholstered stools finish the upscale look.

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Industrial Accents

factory flair kitchen

Tria Giovan

Industrial-style pendants are right at home with the exposed ductwork in this factory-inspired kitchen. The space features an eye-catching mix of materials, including oak, stainless steel, powder-coated steel, marble, and recycled acrylic.

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Green Kitchen Accents

green kitchen

Edmund Barr

Classic white cabinets and kiwi-green accents are bathed in light from the skylight, windows, and back door in this breezy kitchen. Noticeably absent are upper cabinets, but there's no shortage of kitchen storage: A wall of cabinetry, including floor-to-ceiling pantries with frosted door fronts, provides ample space to stow kitchen essentials.

The Easiest Way to Update Your Kitchen

Regardless of the style of your home, the easiest way to update your kitchen is through accessories and add-ons that will definitely make this essential room even more practical and cozy. You can incorporate some kitchen wall decor designs to match the rest of the house or go for an unexpected vibe with unique open shelves to display your most precious cookbooks, glassware, or vintage dishes. If your budget allows it, create a DIY coffee or bar space to entertain your guests and upgrade the room experience. Kitchen carts are a stylish option to organize or set the tone for the rest of the layout. Lastly, you don’t need to go wild to revamp your kitchen—economical additions such as kitchen towels or kitchen gadgets are useful and functional, not to mention they’ll give a sense of “newness” to one of the most transited areas of the house.

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