Kitchen Ideas & Inspiration

Inspiration

Inspiration. Also known as the heart of the house. You prepare lunches for school, brew coffee in the morning, prepare holiday dinners, and sneak a midnight snack in there. Because kitchens are so important, it's no surprise that we want to do our research to find the best ideas.

Once you decide to remodel your kitchen, you will have a lot of questions to answer. Which styles of kitchens are currently popular? Is stainless steel as durable as wood countertops? What lighting works best over a kitchen island? Are open shelves better than cabinetry? Can I add a breakfast nook? Although it can all seem overwhelming, we can provide answers to all your questions without having to consult an interior designer.

Also, did you know that remodeling your kitchen is one of the best ways to increase the value of your home? For buyers, your kitchen is far more important than your living room or dining room. Take the time to make it your own.

We have compiled a comprehensive guide to kitchen design ideas that covers all of the latest trends (farmhouse kitchens aren't the only thing trending). The best kitchen includes everything from tile backsplashes to storage space to decorating ideas. The following sections contain original photography and stories to help inspire and guide you through the process of creating the perfect modern kitchen.

One final point before we move on: Kitchen design ideas are the focus of this guide. Check out Hunker's Guide to Building Your Dream Kitchen if you're planning a full-scale kitchen remodel:

Kitchen Lighting Ideas

Lighting is a make or break feature in just about any space, but this is especially true in the kitchen. And surprise: There's a lot more to lighting than picking out light fixtures. Whether you're looking to go boho, midcentury, or farmhouse, you need lighting that is functional and bright enough to prepare meals, yet ambient enough to feel peaceful and inviting. You'll also have to consider your kitchen layout and pick an aesthetic before exploring your all of your lighting options. Check out our kitchen lighting guide below to learn more:

Kitchen Island Ideas

No matter how beautiful the rest of your home may be, it's a fact that nine times out of 10, all of your guests will end up gathered around the crown jewel of your kitchen: the island. More than a focal point, you need to think about the functionality of this impromptu dining table. Key decisions include whether you want a freestanding or built-in, what countertop to go with, and how much storage to include (this can be a game changer in a small space). Check out our kitchen island guide below to learn more — we can even help with selecting bar stools.

Kitchen Backsplash Ideas

One of the most defining elements of your cooking area can be the backsplash. From classic, clean white subway tile to a bold herringbone pattern to an unusual pattern, there's no shortage of options, along with a variety of things to consider: budget, durability, and style, among others. With the right backsplash, you can achieve the exact look you want for your kitchen. Learn more below:

Small Kitchen Ideas

Though grand, stately kitchens often receive the most attention, there's beauty to be found in even the tiniest of spaces. Small kitchens must prioritize storage space and layout, but there are plenty of creative ways to accomplish both. The galley kitchen is just one example. Discover how to create a beautiful small kitchen when space is at a premium in our small kitchen guide below:

Kitchen Color Ideas

For the last decade, white kitchens have dominated, but that doesn't mean there aren't (arguably better) color palettes to choose from. You might be surprised at the paint colors you're drawn to, from verdant green to chic black to vibrant yellow to moody blue. Kitchen colour trends for 2020 were quite different from those for 2019. Learn more about choosing the right color for your kitchen in our kitchen color guide below. It's also got a handy gallery to help provide inspiration:

Kitchen Style Ideas

All of the other decisions you make are unified by the kitchen style you choose. The style you choose informs everything else and ties everything together. There are dozens of choices available to homeowners. It is certainly not the only popular option today, even though farmhouse style has been gaining popularity over the past decade. No matter what style of kitchen you choose, whether it's a country one, a minimalist or a modern one, or even a shaker style, it's possible (and important!) to add your own style and personality. Learn more about our kitchen style guide below:

Kitchen Flooring Ideas

Flooring is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to update your home. Classic wood floors are always a great choice in our humble opinion. There are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to flooring. Hardwood, cement, marble, laminate, and ceramic are the most popular options. In each of these categories, there are multiple options to choose from and each has a different level of durability and maintenance requirements. But do not fret! Here is our comprehensive guide:

Kitchen Cabinet Ideas

It is likely that the cabinets in your kitchen will be one of the biggest investments you make. No matter how often you order takeout, your cabinetry will still get a lot of use. When it comes to storage, there are many options, from open shelves to built-ins. Investing in a major piece of furniture means you should feel confident about all of the possibilities, from materials to colors to style to hardware. For those on a tight budget, you can always give those wood cabinets a fresh coat of paint to create a new look without changing anything else. See below for details:

Kitchen Storage & Organization Ideas

Although you will spend a lot of time deciding how the heart of your home will look, don't forget about functionality. This means figuring out how to add enough storage. An unorganized kitchen isn't the kind of place you want to spend a lot of time in. Visit our kitchen storage and organization guide for everything from cabinet concepts to pantry organization tips:

Kitchen Countertop Ideas

Cooking is done on the kitchen countertops. The kitchen is where the kids will help make chocolate chip cookies, where you'll chop veggies for Sunday dinner, and where you'll decorate every birthday cake. Choosing one shouldn't be taken lightly. There are more options than just stainless steel and marble. Metal, engineered, and natural materials affect more than just aesthetics - they also affect your overall cost and maintenance. Here's what you need to know:

Kitchen Appliance Ideas

Adding new appliances to your kitchen shouldn't be an afterthought. Stainless steel appliances can make the same statement as marble countertops or vintage pendant lights. Refrigerators, stoves, and dishwashers are the three main appliances to consider. You should also consider how smaller appliances fit into the overall aesthetic of your kitchen. Coffee makers and espresso machines, for example, have very different vibes. Find out more below: