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So many good ideas and solutions.

The kitchen is probably the most used room in your house (and if it's not, we're about to change that with these irresistible remodeling ideas!), so you want it to be a space you enjoy spending time in. And aside from functioning appliances, a kitchen design you'll love for years to come is of utmost importance. So whether you're renovating or simply looking for some inspiration to make yours more efficient, we're sharing 85 kitchen design ideas that will help you optimize your own—and the best lessons to take from them. From country casual to sleek and modern—and literally everything in between–we've got all the kitchen remodel inspiration you could ever need. Gorgeous countertops, unique backsplashes, and statement lighting, we're coming for you. And if you're looking for kitchen layout advice, keep scrolling to the end for a breakdown of the 5 best kitchen layouts and shapes.

🏡Love looking at designer spaces for inspo? Us, too. Let's obsess over them together.

Just because your kitchen doesn't get a ton of natural light doesn't mean it can't have a sunny disposition. The cheerful yellow wallpaper in Shavonda Gardner's kitchen proves it. Featuring unlacquered copper pots, soapstone counters that quickly patina, and a simple central dining table instead of a kitchen island, the kitchen's lived-in atmosphere instantly makes anyone who enters feel right at home.

If the space is small, play around with fun wallpaper. Something with a little sheen will make the room gleam... even if you haven't gotten to the dishes in, uh, a while. Sheila Bridges also opted for a complementary fabric on these accent chairs to enhance the blues throughout and tucked them in a low-traffic corner for convenience.

Designer Kristin Fine gave her classic farmhouse a modern twist with glossy zellige tiles on the walls, Calacatta marble from ABC Stone on the counters, and vintage opaline pendants, black flush mounts, and vintage stools reupholstered in a mossy Pierre Frey fabric. The exposed beams maintain the countryside roots of the home and the pale green tones honor the forest views outside.

This kitchen was designed around the homeowners's inherited ceramic collection. She told designer Andy Beers of Ore Studios that she wanted the blue midcentury serve ware and tableware to anchor the entire space, so they mixed in open cubbies and added splashes of red for a vibrant yet straightforward color palette.

If your kitchen wall is lined with windows, consider adding a pretty treatment that doesn't totally block the light, like cafe curtains, and make sure your lower cabinets can take care of most of the storage needs. This way, you can forgo lining the wall with uppers. Instead, install one strategic column. Heidi Caillier customized the open shelves for cookbooks, plates, drinkware, and even artwork.

Designer Nicole Dohmen of Atelier ND only set one rule when embarking on this kitchen remodel: “No more pink!” The rest of the home is dominated by rosy hues, so to prevent it from taking over the kitchen while still ensuring flow with the surrounding rooms, so went with earthy tones on the cabinets. Violet still makes an appearance in the Calacatta marble counter and backsplash zellige tiles, and a dusty blush tone veils the ceiling.

Hang cafe curtains for a sweet, playful feel and a touch of privacy without totally blocking light, and then use a matching wallpaper or fabric to line glass-enclosed cabinets for cohesion and hidden storage. Kevin Isbell brought the blue and cream print on his to life by painting the floors a fun, checked pattern.

Super-sleek yet also cozy, this kitchen designed by Studio DIAA blends farmhouse elements, like rustic wooden stools and blond shiplap ceilings, with more industrial materials for a balanced whole. The skylight along with the task pendant allows for optimal light while cooking.

This kitchen by Romanek Design Studio proves that balance is everything. The dark, moody tile walls, sleek backsplash, and stainless steel appliances assert an undeniably glam aesthetic while the wood and brass tones ground the space and give it that classic California warmth. The bohemian runner also adds just enough color and fun.

Designed by Nanette Brown, this striking kitchen is covered in glossy black subway tiles. Not only does that make all the surfaces super easy to clean, but it also helps bounce light and creates a cozy mood to really make the most of the small galley kitchen.

Cover your hood in the same material as your backsplash to make it look sleek and clean. Here, interior designer Heidi Caillier camouflaged a bulky appliance with zellige tiles.

Nickey Kehoe opted for a cream and pale yellow color scheme to lean into the warmth of the wood counters and terracotta floor tiles in this small pool house kitchen. The diamond cutouts in the cabinets add another punch of soothing symmetry.

Since not all pantry goods and appliances can fit in the main part of this kitchen in a great room designed by Brigitte Pearce, she decided to optimize a closet so that it's easily accessible from the cooking zone but also hidden from view in the lounge area. Textured glass pocket doors and bright red cabinets create a stylish surprise.

When you run out of cabinet space, just repurpose a dresser or armoire to house all of your plates, glasses, and serveware. Francophile Stephen Schubel gave his modest California cottage the royal treatment with antique gilded pieces and an Edwardian plaster cabinet.

Stained glass is both good looking and clever. Reath Design blocked a view of the driveway and enhanced street-level privacy by replacing glass panes with colorfully painted ones. This is a great option when you want to introduce color and obstruct a view without blocking all the natural light.

This misty green in a kitchen by Gary McBournie feels beachy, but it's also classic. Neutral décor, like a sisal rug, fresh marble counters, and oceanic artwork, strikes the balance between casual and formal in an open kitchen, too. That contrast is the key to making a tiny space feel dynamic.

If you love shiny stainless steel and edgy mirrored surfaces, take the metallic look to the next level with a gold mirrored island. In this kitchen designed by Dries Otten, the island brings some glamour to the playful elements throughout, like the single pendant light, swirls of pink marble, and cobalt blue loft railing above.

This swirly wallpaper proves that making adventurous design decisions can pay off. In this kitchen designed by Rita Konig, the wallpaper in question is Antoinette Poisson's Jaipur. We love it even more paired with the rich purple-veined marble and painted cabinets. To protect it from water damage, Konig added an invisible glass over the wallpaper between the counter and cabinets.

Designed by Matthew Ferrarini, this kitchen is bursting with ingenious small-space solutions. He used folding wood pocket doors to conceal the entire counter and cabinet area against the wall. This would be a major game-changer in a studio apartment.

This Eric Olsen kitchen has serious tile game. If you live by the coast but want something moodier or you simply love blue, take not from the rich navy, gray, and cobalt tones throughout.

An extra sink in this California kitchen by Reath Design doubles as a place to arrange flowers, thanks to a spacious worktop corner nestled into a bright corner. The designers created extra storage below the sink for tools and other essentials by hanging pleated curtains from rods. The skirt, exposed bricks, terra cotta tiles, and pendant lamp all bring a country feel to the mode modern marble.

Now this is how you light up a room. In this Parisian apartment by Studio Razavi, the dramatically large, undulating pendant opens everything up in one sweep. A fun magenta carafe adds a pop of color to the industrial kitchen.

Architecture and ornamental wall detailing make this kitchen whimsical— and just a touch dramatic. The lavender swirls of paint on a buttercream backdrop complement the elaborate blue chandelier, too. Then the classic, neutral cabinets and island ground the space.

No room for a greenhouse or garden in your home? Start a mini plant collection in the kitchen instead. This way, you can exercise your green thumb and liven up the room (bonus: plant herbs for a truly useful indoor garden). In this kitchen designed by Hecker Guthrie, the glass cabinets add interest without making it feel cluttered.

Lacquer, marble, tiles, oh my! This fabulously over-the-top kitchen designed by Michelle Nussbaumer isn't afraid to have fun. For a similar look, choose a backsplash that corresponds with the kitchen island and then use tile on the floors.

A pale green blends seamlessly between the kitchen and dining area of this "jungalow," by Justina Blakeney, especially when paired with the Moroccan clay tile backsplash and ombre dining bar stools in the living room.

Rather than seeing the exposed pipe in this kitchen as a design flaw, Studio DB saw an opportunity for a fun pop of red. Now it looks like an edgy, industrial, unique, and colorful accent that anchors the kitchen and puts the stylish breakfast nook in the spotlight.

Subway tile isn't your only backsplash option. Danielle Colding used a glass backsplash for a shinier, more modern and cosmopolitan touch in this city apartment. It goes perfectly with the lacquered cabinets.

Hang cloth curtains in front of your bottom shelves to hide storage essentials instead of opting for classic cabinets—like in this boldly-colored kitchen architect Viola Simoncioni created for her own home. It feels decidedly more retro and adds some movement.

When space is limited, you have to find creative ways to add a little fancy flair. Here, interior designer Danielle Colding added a powder blue accent wall and a sculpture but kept everything else glistening and white. The Chanel tray on the counter for serving also doubles as decor.

An inky, marine blue will ground a kitchen in an open space and feel more formal than a light color without being as moody and as dark as black. We also love the idea of painting the interior cabinets a color that corresponds with an accent piece in the room, like this orange cabinet designed by Arent & Pyke to match the carpet.

As seen in this Malibu kitchen by Romanek Design Studio, a serving window makes spaces feel more open and air but they also make life easier. Even better, they typically connect the kitchen to a backyard or deck space and promote indoor/outdoor living, so they're especially popular if you live somewhere warm and love to host al fresco dinners.

For this Los Angeles kitchen, Jenn Feldman Designs chose a tonal grout to blend in with the navy tile, which is set in a refreshingly unexpected chevron pattern. It feels unexpected and interesting but fits in well since it matches the lower cabinets.

Have fun with open shelving, stacking plates and adding items that bring personality to the room as a whole. Try framed photos, candlesticks, and art. The retro red appliances are also definitely worth investing in if you love color and nostalgia.

In this kitchen designed by Corey Damen Jenkins, the wood tones, brown marble swirls, and beige bar stools warm up the crisp white staples while the metallic accents add some glam. Jenkins says the granite "was a bit of a sell. I told the clients to look at it as art. Of course, now it's their favorite thing."

Go glam with a high-gloss deep red reminiscent of wine. The robust, full color adds so much depth and glamour. Proof? This kitchen by Nick Olsen, where geometric tiles pump things up to the next level.

The light wood tones and metallic pendant warm up the otherwise cool space in this kitchen designed by Hecker Guthrie. This space also proves that a bistro round bistro table situated over the island makes a classic kitchen layout so much more interesting. And it's even fresher when you paint your bar stools a buoyant shade of mint green hue and hang a copper pendant light overhead.

We're really digging the alternating black and gray stained wood cabinets in this deVOL kitchen. The varied tones (plus texture) adds interest to a neutral space. The sandy beige walls keep things neutral but warms thing a little more than a crisp white or super light gray. The shearling chair cover warms up, too, and the interior window creates flow and spreads the light.

Designed by Matthew Quinn, this kitchen island was customized with a dog bed to accomodate the family's best friend.

This coral pink kitchen is like being on vacation all year long. With rattan and bamboo staples and a fresh coat of cheerful pink paint, it's quirky, upbeat, and unique without being too over-the-top. If your home is somewhere warm or tropical, follow suite.

There's nothing quite like metallic to make your interiors pop. Opt for a brushed gold finish on the kitchen cabinets and introduce more down to earth materials like jute to make sure it isn't too flashy, like in this Arent & Pyke-designed kitchen.

This retro-inspired deVOL kitchen is a beautiful blend of classic English design with contemporary functionality. The glass cabinet customized to fit right into the corner and looks beautiful with the baby pink paint and Kelly green backsplash. And of course, that wood-burning fireplace drives home the charm.

When there's not much you can do with a cramped space without making it feel even smaller, add a rug. It'll warm it up, and add color and pattern without overwhelming your kitchen. Interior designer Michelle Nussbaumer also chose a warm color palette and packs plenty of texture-rich materials into the small space.

There's a lot to love about this kitchen designed by Arent & Pyke, but we're particularly impressed by the careful, asymmetrical balance happening here. The hood leans to the right of the room, as do the bar stools, which is subtlety reflected in the cream lumbar pillow camouflaging into the sofa. Meanwhile, the linear floating shelf in line with the hood as well as the light fixture, island counter, and sofa form a soothing sense of symmetry.

If you prefer the look of unpainted wood but also like to play with colors, consider dyeing your wood cabinets a unique color. In this deVOL kitchen, the aubergine island and lower corner cabinet is super unexpected. We're also loving all the exposed beams and casual floor tiling.

Can't decide between glass display cabinets and solid cabinets? Try this happy medium. The metal grates allow for partial visibility and add a shiny touch.

Lighting provides the perfect opportunity to play with design, and scale in the kitchen. Arent & Pyke clustered a pair of long, narrow cylindrical pendants to offset the formality of this kitchen instead of going with a classic pendant light over the island.

Contemporary kitchen or dreamy Victorian bistro? Everything in this deVOL kitchen contributes to the narrative of European nostalgia, from the olive green Smeg refrigerator camouflaging against the House of Hackney wallpaper to the wrought iron window boxes fastened to the skylight niches. We're in love.

The narrow shape of the a galley kitchen tends to present some spacial challenges. In this one designed by Catherine Kwong, the designer opened things up by ditching upper cabinets in favor of a floating shelf. Opting for sconces instead of a flush mount or pendant helps make the ceilings feel a little higher, too.

Leanne Ford is the queen of revamping beat up and outdated things. Case in point? This rustic kitchen island. The tin bucket also looks upscale filled with a gorgeous bouquet of roses, as do the walls, thanks to a fresh coat of paint—in Ford's favorite color.

Concrete floors brings an understated edge to this kitchen designed by Studio DB. While classic hardwood panels or fun colorful tiles would also work well in this family home, the sleek grittiness of concrete is a welcome surprise.

This country chic kitchen by deVOL is so full of life. The light yellow-painted beams fill it with a sunny energy while the hanging plants and framed plant print make it feel fresh and easygoing, as do the laidback terra cotta floor tiles.

Use open shelving to add to the utilitarian feel that's still stylish. In this kitchen, Romanek Design Studio opted for a shelving unit that didn't require any renovations and complements the formal black marble surfaces as well as the more casual tile floors.

Stained glass, but make it 21st century. If you live in a space that has quirky interior windows (fun fact that I learned at the Tenement Museum: Many old apartment buildings have them because they were built to increase air circulation as a preventative measure against tuberculosis), here's how to make them look intentional and incredibly stylish. In his Brooklyn apartment, Crosby Studios designer Harry Nuriev now gets to look through a rose-colored window every day. He used cut-to-size plexiglass from a shop on Canal street, according to Architectural Digest.

There's nothing sexier than matte black when it comes to kitchen paint colors. Except, that is, when you cover the bottom of the overhead cabinets with a gold mirrored material.

Try a bold tile to bridge the transition between a darker and lighter colors. We're obsessed with the blue encaustic tile in this kitchen by Steve Pallrand, especially when warmed up by classic wood cabinets and a little plant collection.

Instead of opting for a narrow runner in the kitchen, bring in a round jute rug to warm things up. This shape will work especially well in an open kitchen without a rectangular island breaking up the space.

When it comes to a backsplash, let your imagination run wild. This eclectic turquoise deVOL kitchen gets a surge of graphic style from the artful backsplash. The retro appliances and farmhouse dining table maintain the homey feel.

If you're kitchen is blessed with tons of counter room for cooking and you want to try something different with the leftover space, fill it with a dining table instead. Choose something with similar proportions, like a large rustic dining table, to achieve a similar layout but with a new twist. We're also into the hide area rug under the table in this kitchen designed by Leanne Ford—it's a the perfect dose of warmth.

Why hide your favorite glassware behind closed cabinets when they can be displayed out in the open, doubling as decor? The magenta wine glasses in this deVOL Kitchens townhouse accentuate the statement sofa.

A folded effect over the edge of the multi-hued island in this Arent & Pyke kitchen feels fresh and fun while keeping the room understated. The circle motif repeats in the pendant light and as a unique custom handle pull on the cabinets.

In this bright kitchen , the spring green painted hardwood floors feel like a warm welcome. The framed print, linen curtains, and striped ares rug carry that sentiment throughout the space. Another important takeaway? A bar cart is probably the finishing touch you didn't know you need in a narrow kitchen without an island.

Aside from being calming and aesthetically pleasing, having plenty of natural light makes the kitchen a lot easier to work in. When starting from scratch, think about your layout strategically so the spaces where you do the most work are closest to the windows, like the sink placement in this kitchen designed by Arent & Pyke. Then, then add task lighting under the cabinets far away from overhead and natural light.

This space designed by Hecker Guthrie is a happy medium between an open floor plan and a closed/ split floor plan thanks to the interior glass doors framing the dining room. The dramatic effect is amplified by the light fixture over the dining table, which also helps transition the kitchen to the rest of the space.

Burnt orange cabinets are unexpected, but add a rustic touch to a kitchen. To add to the effect, hand-forged iron lanterns were hung, but painted white inside to reflect more light onto the island. Copy this slim kitchen island if your space is small since it gets the job done without looking out of scale.

Why settle for one color when you could have two? Just make sure you choose two complimentary colors so nothing clashes, like the muted mint green and dusty rose pink in this deVOL kitchen. The wood elements and traditional design balance things out nicely, too.

The decorative brass grilles and accents around the stovetop, plus the white pendant lights give this renovated kitchen by Summer Thornton a French brasserie feel. Storage baskets under the kitchen island table dress things down just a touch.

Designed by Velinda Hellen of Emily Henderson Design, this kitchen uses every square each strategically. Since it's tiny, every nook and cranny matters, from the storage basket above the sink to the wall hooks on the side of the cabinet and two-tier floating shelves.

Don't be afraid to go marble crazy, from the backsplashes to the countertops and even the floors. The slabs of barely gray honed Carrara marble covering the kitchen of Maxwell Ryan's Hamptons home make for a clean, airy look.

An orange checkerboard floor brightens up this mostly white kitchen by Gary McBournie, while the contrasting blue door adds a quirky touch. Translation: Loosen up and opt for bold colors.

Barstools with a back are objectively more comfortable for posting up at the kitchen island. They're also a safer option for kiddos at the kitchen counter, a consideration Barrie Benson surely made in this family home.

These creamy light brown walls in a gorgeous deVOL kitchen make for the perfect backdrop. The deep blue-gray kitchen island mixed with cool marble surfaces and brass hardware is such a beautifully surprising combination with the strong, earthy walls. Swapping out hardware is an easy way to liven up an all-white kitchen. Choose brass to add a bit of elegance.

A dropped floor makes a rustic kitchen feel even larger and special. The exposed wood beams in the ceiling of this kitchen by Jane Hawkins Hoke give it that farmhouse vibe while the fresh coat of paint and pristine condition assure a contemporary, clean atmosphere.

Take blue and white to the next level with a vibrant burst of cobalt, like in this dreamy kitchen by Mark D. Sikes. It makes a statement but still feels classic and is simply perfect for a coastal beach house (or just someone who wishes they lived a little closer to the ocean).

Though most of us don't love the look of old heating furnaces in the kitchen, there's not a great alternative. Draw the eye upward with a hanging structure as done here in this deVOL kitchen. Whether you display wind chimes or hang your linens here, it'll come in handy beyond it's aesthetic value.

A glazed backsplash and weathered oak island feel sleek and sexy in this kitchen by Jon de la Cruz . Plus, the hanging rack is functional and stylish. If you love the monochrome look but want a little more soul, take note.

Crafted from walnut, imbuia, and anigre, the nearly 11-foot-long island in this kitchen by Richard Anuszkiewicz was inspired by English antiques. Elegance to the max.

The contrast between the rustic stonework and streamlined stainless steel appliances give this French-inspired kitchen by Inga L. Rehmann a serious wow factor. To maximize entertaining space, downsize an island and add a trestle table with stools.

You don't have to re-do your whole kitchen to make a statement. This kitchen by Frances Merrill has existing countertops and white range, but the cabinets were painted and hexagonal terracotta floor tiles were added, as well as open shelves.

A green gingham ceiling and pea-green cabinets by designer Gideon Mendelso give an otherwise classic kitchen some cool points.

For an oversized island, like in this Charleston kitchen by Jill sharp Weeks, you need statement lighting of the same scale and proportion .These iron pendants add drama and necessary light without being too over-the-top.

This kitchen designed by Amber Interiors is California dream. With a floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall door that leads outside, you can enjoy the fresh air at all times. Plus, the light sheers blowing in the wind add an ethereal vibe. Pro tip: Customize glass cabinetry that stretches up to the feeling so it'll feel even more open.

The subtle color in this kitchen bring a coziness to the space, but don't distract from its traditional style. And we need to talk about that insanely cool rolling ladder. Plus, it'll keep things organized.

A chalkboard wall, like in this kitchen by Erin Martin and Kim Dempster, is the most fun way to show off your weekend brunch menu. (Plus, now you don't have to worry about your kids drawing on the walls).

Galley Kitchen: This is as about straightforward as it gets, with two parallel rows of counters, appliances, and storage built-ins along two opposite walls. Galley kitchens tend to be especially popular in small spaces since they work well with standard sizing and also only require two rows with a narrow aisle for standing room.

Straight Kitchen: Straight kitchens are common in small spaces and open floor plan living environments. Unlike the galley, all of the appliances, storage elements, and countertops occupy a single wall while the other wall is optimized with decor or strategic storage. Or, if the room isn't enclosed, it opens right up into a larger space. One of the best ways to separate the kitchen area from the living space in this context is to add a piece of furniture, like a small island, that doubles the counter room and visually sections off each area.

L-Shape Kitchen: This kitchen layout also takes up two walls. The sink, dishwasher, and refrigerator are along one wall or row while the stove is in line with the island or on the corner wall, forming an L-shape. It's a great go-to for busy cooks who do a lot of meal prep and appreciate an easy cleanup job.

U-Shape Kitchen: Just like the above, it's exactly what it sounds like. The appliances and surface spaces form a U-shape, usually framing the parameter of the room. Typically, the sink and dishwasher will be side by side, and then on the corner wall, you'll have your stove and other appliances, like a refrigerator, and one of the counter spaces can even curl off the wall to create a casual breakfast bar. It can help streamline complex cooking, and if the room is big enough, an island can be added in the center.

Open Kitchen: An open kitchen can also be referred to as the great room, but it really just speaks to the types of kitchens that are open to the living room family room, dining room, and/ or breakfast nook. The shared space allows for more time spent together and is especially good for families.

Island Kitchen: An island can enhance a kitchen of various layouts, whether you add one to a straight kitchen, L-shaped, U-shaped, or open kitchen. They can even actually work nicely in galley kitchens if it's wide enough to fit one. Functionally, they can add extra counter space for cooking and casual dining, they can be outfitted to accommodate appliances or extra sinks, and they allow you to pack in extra storage.