10 Creative Ideas for Kitchens by Design

The best kitchens by design are tailored to the homeowner’s lifestyle and aesthetic. Whether you prefer sleek cabinetry or an eco-friendly layout, these 10 creative ideas will inspire your next culinary masterpiece.

Service windows add character and allow you to display your unique dishware and home decor. Accent walls are also a great way to add color and create a focal point.

1. Create a focal point

A kitchen’s focal point is an important design element that adds personality. It can be a unique hood, stunning island or decorative cabinets.

A backsplash is another way to create a focal point in your kitchens by design. Backsplashes serve a functional purpose by protecting the wall from food and drink splatters, but can also be an opportunity to express your style with bold colors and patterns.

Homeowners can choose from a variety of tile styles, including herringbone, chevron, hexagonal or even penny tiles. Lighting fixtures can also be a focal point.

2. Add a pop of color

Adding bright color to your kitchen is a great way to add personality. It's also a budget-friendly way to update your space. Consider lining the backs of open storage or glass-front cabinets with wallpaper to make a bold statement.

Linens, from dish towels to oven mitts, are another easy place to add color. Look for bright patterns and fun colors that complement your existing color palette.

Even the smallest of accents can make a big difference. For example, a pretty green floral rug can tie your kitchen together.

3. Accent walls

An accent wall is a great way to add personality to your kitchen. It can be anything from a paint color to a patterned wallpaper to wood slats. Just make sure that the material you choose works well with the style of your cabinets and countertops.

Painting an accent wall is a simple, budget-friendly option that can instantly transform a room. Try a bold contrasting color or try a pattern, like herringbone. A brick accent wall is another option that offers a dramatic look. It can also provide an eye-catching contrast to a white kitchen.

4. Open shelves

When styling open shelves, vary the size of items and keep to a cohesive color palette. This allows your style to shine. Adding decorative kitchen items like canisters of flour or coffee is an easy way to tie your shelving into the rest of your home.

To keep your shelving organized, store everyday items down low and less-used items toward the top. This is a great way to keep your home organized and looking beautiful.

5. Add a touch of personality

A kitchen doesn’t just need to be functional, it can also showcase your style and personality. From incorporating accent colors to hanging art, there are plenty of ways to make your kitchen truly yours.

A patterned backsplash is another great way to add personality to your kitchen. Whether you choose a simple tile pattern or something more adventurous, such as this herringbone backsplash from Sustainable Kitchens, it’s sure to stand out.

Keeping items on display such as chopping boards, cookbooks and salt pigs is another way to add personality. This works particularly well in open shelving where these treasured items can be easily spotted and easily grabbed when cooking.

6. Add a backsplash

A backsplash serves a dual purpose: it adds style and protects the wall from moisture, stains and heat. It can even function as an additional storage area, especially if you outfit the space with a recessed storage niche.

One way to make a simple kitchen backsplash look elegant is by arranging the tiles in an interesting pattern. Here, arrow-straight white subway tiles stack in a herringbone formation to elevate the clean lines of this contemporary kitchen. Backsplashes can also introduce another design dimension, as evidenced by this kitchen's slender glass mosaic tiles.

7. Add storage

Whether they're old family heirlooms or something you picked up at the store, decorative accents such as vases, bowls, and coffee mugs help create a kitchen that feels personal. Adding some open shelving to display these items also keeps them within reach for daily use without crowding countertops.

Taking advantage of empty wall space is one of the easiest ways to add more storage to a kitchen. This idea from @whereimwithyou converts an orphan file holder into the perfect spot for baking sheets and cooling racks.

8. Add a bar

When it comes to kitchen design, style is important but so is usability. A kitchen that is efficient and tailored to your needs will feel like an extension of your personality.

Kitchen bars offer a unique opportunity to add color and pattern into your kitchen. Coordinating the colors of your bar stools and lighting fixtures creates a cohesive look that feels natural. A bespoke backsplash is another great way to incorporate style into your bar. Try something bold, like an iridescent tile, to make your bar really pop.

9. Add a backsplash

Kitchen backsplashes are more than just an eye-catching way to protect your walls from cooking splatters—they can also communicate a distinct style. This versatile kitchen idea comes in many different tile patterns, sizes, and materials, making it easy to find a look that matches your personal design preferences.

Try a geometric backsplash to emphasize parallel lines in your space, as seen here. Slender glass tiles in creamy hues create a clean, contemporary look, while herringbone patterns add visual interest. Natural stone brings a more organic element to the space.

10. Add a backsplash

Backsplashes are a functional addition to any home kitchen design, and can help set the tone for your design. For example, a marble tile backsplash adds a classic elegance to any kitchen, while a herringbone pattern is perfect for creating a stylish geometric dynamic.

Adding a backsplash is also an opportunity to introduce textures. Using a mix of matte and glossy tiles creates dimension, while mosaics and other patterned options bring a bold look to your kitchen design. A painted backsplash is another cost-effective option.

Conclusion

In short, these 10 creative kitchen design ideas offer innovative ways to enhance functionality and style. From maximizing storage to incorporating unique materials, each idea brings practicality and flair to any kitchen space. By implementing these concepts, homeowners can transform their kitchens into inviting and efficient hubs for cooking and socializing, tailored to their individual preferences and needs.