Expansive Kitchen with Light Wood Cabinets Ideas and Designs

Photography by Paul Dyer
Expansive contemporary l-shaped kitchen in San Francisco with a submerged sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, marble worktops, white splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, marble flooring, an island, white worktops and beige floors.

Contemporary Ranch Residence

Nathan Winchester Designs

Inspiration for an expansive contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Houston with a double-bowl sink, glass-front cabinets, multi-coloured splashback, stainless steel appliances, light wood cabinets, mosaic tiled splashback, composite countertops, slate flooring, no island and multi-coloured floors.

Madrone Ridge

Ann Lowengart Interiors

Ann Lowengart Interiors collaborated with Field Architecture and Dowbuilt on this dramatic Sonoma residence featuring three copper-clad pavilions connected by glass breezeways. The copper and red cedar siding echo the red bark of the Madrone trees, blending the built world with the natural world of the ridge-top compound. Retractable walls and limestone floors that extend outside to limestone pavers merge the interiors with the landscape. To complement the modernist architecture and the client's contemporary art collection, we selected and installed modern and artisanal furnishings in organic textures and an earthy color palette.

King Street

Kelly Ferm Inc.

Tuscan Style kitchen designed around a grand red range.
This is an example of an expansive mediterranean l-shaped kitchen/diner in Los Angeles with a belfast sink, recessed-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, marble worktops, multi-coloured splashback, cement tile splashback, coloured appliances, travertine flooring, an island, beige floors, white worktops and a wood ceiling.

Toronto Loft Conversion Suite 2

Fuse Flooring

Natural light streams into this white, beige and silver space. The beige kitchen ties the vibrant brick into the loft's white and grey palette.
Design ideas for an expansive contemporary l-shaped kitchen/diner in Toronto with a submerged sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, engineered stone countertops, brown splashback, stone tiled splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood flooring and an island.

Forest Retreat

Fratantoni Luxury Estates Design/Build/Remodeling

This luxurious cabin was designed by Fratantoni Interior Designers and built by Fratantoni Luxury Estates. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram for more inspiring photos.

Living & Dining Room Lighting

Elume Distinctive Lighting

When you have a feature island, chandeliers can act as a great statement piece above it. Kuzco Monza pendants perfectly hover over this elegant kitchen island.

Simple Stature

Ashley Campbell Interior Design

Gorgeous exhibition kitchen with hidden butler pantry
This is an example of an expansive modern l-shaped open plan kitchen in Denver with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz worktops, white splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood flooring, multiple islands, beige floors and white worktops.

Shooting Star 72, Teton Village, Wyoming

KAM Designs

Mountain Modern Kitchen featuring a built-in Sub-Zero Refrigerator.
Design ideas for an expansive rustic l-shaped open plan kitchen with a built-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz worktops, beige splashback, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood flooring, an island, brown floors and beige worktops.

Beachside Bliss

White Design

Expansive l-shaped kitchen/diner in San Diego with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, engineered stone countertops, beige splashback, glass tiled splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain flooring, an island, grey floors and beige worktops.

Columbine Kitchen

Sander and Sons Kitchen and Bath

This is an example of an expansive contemporary l-shaped open plan kitchen in Denver with a submerged sink, glass-front cabinets, light wood cabinets, engineered stone countertops, grey splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood flooring and an island.

Port Royal Spec Home

BCB Homes, Inc.

Naples Kenny
Expansive world-inspired kitchen/diner in Miami with a submerged sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, integrated appliances, medium hardwood flooring and multiple islands.

Sleek and Inviting Modern Luxury

Six Walls Interior Design

Weymarnphoto.com
Expansive modern kitchen in Denver with flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, engineered stone countertops, grey splashback, glass tiled splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood flooring, an island, brown floors and white worktops.

Scandi-Industrial Kitchen – Pasadena

Go Home Builders Inc

Welcome to a stunning Scandi-Industrial-designed kitchen nestled in the heart of South Pasadena. This kitchen effortlessly combines the sleek minimalism of Scandinavian design with the rugged, raw aesthetic of industrial elements, resulting in a truly captivating space. As you enter, you are immediately drawn to the exquisite blend of oak and gray cabinets that adorn the walls. The natural grain of the oak adds warmth and texture, while the gray cabinets contribute a modern touch to the space. These cabinets offer ample storage and are carefully designed to maintain the clean lines and functionality typical of Scandinavian design. In the center of the kitchen stands a commanding dark gray island, bringing a bold contrast to the surrounding elements. Its rich hue adds depth and sophistication, becoming a focal point that draws the eye. The island offers additional countertop space and storage, as well as a gathering place for family and friends. Adorning the countertops is stunning dark gray quartz, a material known for its durability and striking beauty. The sleek and polished surface adds a touch of elegance, while its dark color complements the surrounding elements, creating a cohesive and visually appealing aesthetic. If you look up you’ll be surprised to see, a white tongue and groove ceiling. Exudes charm and adds a sense of airiness to the space. This classic Scandinavian design element brings a touch of tradition, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere that perfectly complements the industrial elements. One wall of the kitchen features a captivating Platinum/ Peacock/ Seafoam wallpaper, serving as a focal point and injecting personality into the space. The wallpaper’s design, adds visual interest and enhances the overall ambiance. Beneath your feet, you’ll find beautiful hardwood flooring that seamlessly ties the space together. The warm tones and natural grain of the wood add a sense of warmth and organic beauty, further enhancing the Scandi-Industrial atmosphere. A custom bi-fold door, thoughtfully crafted, offers flexibility and the option to create an open, flowing space or a private, secluded one. This innovative feature exemplifies the functionality and versatility that Scandi-Industrial design embraces, allowing for effortless transitions between different areas of the kitchen and beyond. To add a touch of luxury, brass finishes are strategically incorporated throughout the kitchen. The hardware on the cabinets and drawers gleams with a warm, golden hue, while pendant lights and faucets showcase the same lustrous finish. These brass accents bring a sense of refinement and elegance, elevating the overall aesthetic. The lighting fixtures in the Scandi-Industrial kitchen are both functional and decorative. Suspended pendant lights hang over the island, casting a warm and intimate glow. A hexagon light fixture hangs over the dining area and complements the hexagon backsplash. Under-cabinet LED lights illuminate the countertops, enhancing visibility and adding a touch of contemporary sophistication, Cove lighting enhances the architectural features of the room and makes a room appear warm and romantic with its subtle glow. To complete the look, natural elements are strategically incorporated throughout the kitchen. Fully wood-customized windows, doors, floating shelves, and walls painted with Kilz One Horn White, enhance the overall ambiance and create a calming environment. In summary, this Scandi-Industrial kitchen in South Pasadena seamlessly blends Scandinavian minimalism with industrial ruggedness, resulting in a harmonious and visually striking space. It is a true testament to the marriage of form and function, where simplicity, natural elements, and clean lines come together to create an inviting and effortlessly stylish kitchen.

Addison Reserve

Premium Kitchens

WARM PLATINUM OAK VENEER PAIRED WITH MANDORLA MATTE LACQUER DOORS IN MODERN SHAKER STYLE. COUNTER IN CRISTALLO QUARTZITE. MIELE APPLIANCES
Expansive contemporary l-shaped open plan kitchen in Miami with a submerged sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz worktops, beige splashback, integrated appliances, travertine flooring, an island, beige floors and beige worktops.

Malibu Beachfront Contemporary

JRP Design & Remodel

Our clients are seasoned home renovators. Their Malibu oceanside property was the second project JRP had undertaken for them. After years of renting and the age of the home, it was becoming prevalent the waterfront beach house, needed a facelift. Our clients expressed their desire for a clean and contemporary aesthetic with the need for more functionality. After a thorough design process, a new spatial plan was essential to meet the couple’s request. This included developing a larger master suite, a grander kitchen with seating at an island, natural light, and a warm, comfortable feel to blend with the coastal setting. Demolition revealed an unfortunate surprise on the second level of the home: Settlement and subpar construction had allowed the hillside to slide and cover structural framing members causing dangerous living conditions. Our design team was now faced with the challenge of creating a fix for the sagging hillside. After thorough evaluation of site conditions and careful planning, a new 10’ high retaining wall was contrived to be strategically placed into the hillside to prevent any future movements. With the wall design and build completed — additional square footage allowed for a new laundry room, a walk-in closet at the master suite. Once small and tucked away, the kitchen now boasts a golden warmth of natural maple cabinetry complimented by a striking center island complete with white quartz countertops and stunning waterfall edge details. The open floor plan encourages entertaining with an organic flow between the kitchen, dining, and living rooms. New skylights flood the space with natural light, creating a tranquil seaside ambiance. New custom maple flooring and ceiling paneling finish out the first floor. Downstairs, the ocean facing Master Suite is luminous with breathtaking views and an enviable bathroom oasis. The master bath is modern and serene, woodgrain tile flooring and stunning onyx mosaic tile channel the golden sandy Malibu beaches. The minimalist bathroom includes a generous walk-in closet, his & her sinks, a spacious steam shower, and a luxurious soaking tub. Defined by an airy and spacious floor plan, clean lines, natural light, and endless ocean views, this home is the perfect rendition of a contemporary coastal sanctuary. PROJECT DETAILS: • Style: Contemporary • Colors: White, Beige, Yellow Hues • Countertops: White Ceasarstone Quartz • Cabinets: Bellmont Natural finish maple; Shaker style • Hardware/Plumbing Fixture Finish: Polished Chrome • Lighting Fixtures: Pendent lighting in Master bedroom, all else recessed • Flooring: Hardwood - Natural Maple Tile – Ann Sacks, Porcelain in Yellow Birch • Tile/Backsplash: Glass mosaic in kitchen • Other Details: Bellevue Stand Alone Tub Photographer: Andrew, Open House VC

New York Finger Lakes

MossCreek

This is an example of an expansive rustic open plan kitchen in New York with raised-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, dark hardwood flooring and an island.

Keowee Manor

Gabriel Builders Inc.

Lovely kitchen and dining room with custom cabinets, island, doorways, and hood. Ideal for large family. Windows over sink are steel and provide a very open view of lake. Marble countertops.

Scarsdale home

Lucy Harris Studio

Key decor elements include: Pendants: Grain pendants by Brendan Ravenhill Studio Stools: Beetle counter chair by Gubi from Design Public Group Large brass bowl: Michael Verheyden Marble Cannister: Michael Verheyden Art: Untitled (1010) by Bo Joseph from Sears Peyton Gallery

High Ceiling Kitchen

Fratantoni Interior Designers

Custom metal kitchen hood surrounded by beautiful cream backsplash tile. Accompanied by a custom made detailed island and custom wood & marble countertop.

Expansive Kitchen with Light Wood Cabinets Ideas and Designs

Want to discover beautiful Expansive kitchen ideas to inspire your new kitchen design? You’ve come to the right place. You can discover millions of Expansive kitchen designs and ideas; from kitchen islands and storage units, to all sorts of kitchen lighting ideas, such as pendant lighting or under cabinet lighting. Whether you want inspiration for all-in-one fitted kitchen designs, some small kitchen ideas or maybe just some tips for improving your kitchen decor, there are tons of photos to inspire you for your next kitchen project on Houzz.

What kind of kitchen design should I go for?

With so many kitchen ideas and photos to look at you might be a bit overwhelmed when it comes to picking your own kitchen design. If you are updating your kitchen you know what a big and important decision it is to get the design right – the kitchen can be the hub and heart of the home, and it’s unlikely that you would invest in renovating your kitchen again in a few years. But fear not, focusing first on the important elements like layout, cabinet style, worktops and appliances will help you to bring together your dream kitchen design. Additional elements like kitchen lighting, cupboard storage and decor can come after in the kitchen planning process. A kitchen designer or fitter can help you to decide the layout of your kitchen in terms of where to place your kitchen units, appliances and island (if you’re having one), but if you prefer to handle this yourself you can focus on where you want your key elements of your kitchen to be – the oven, hob, sink and fridge. Of course you might be constricted by space, but try to envisage the easiest and most efficient layout based on how you usually like to cook and prepare your food. If you’re fed up of always having to carry dirty pans and pots across the room to the sink, place the sink closer to your oven and hob. Once you have the core elements sorted, consider extra layout considerations, such as where your bins will be stored, where the cutlery draw should be and where small kitchen appliances can be installed.

Should I include a kitchen island?

Kitchen island ideas are abundant these days; it seems most kitchen designs include a kitchen island, if not multiple islands. However, if the layout doesn’t work, especially if you have a small kitchen, then there’s no necessity to add in a kitchen island. You can add a breakfast bar or counter to your existing kitchen units, or stick with a good old-fashioned dining table if you don’t need the extra work surfaces. That said, if you do have the room, take a look at some kitchen island ideas to see if the designs inspire you for your kitchen. There are a huge variety of island designs to cater to different needs – you can have sinks, ovens, hobs, wine storage and all sorts of drawers and organisers built-in, you can have separate bars and counters that extend from your island, or you could go for a kitchen island on wheels to make your kitchen layout more versatile.

How do I choose my kitchen units and cabinets?

When picking out kitchen units and cupboard styles for a fitted kitchen, you’ll first want to consider the more practical questions – how many units do you need? How many cupboards and drawers do you need? Do you need extra kitchen storage built into your units? It’s always best to overestimate how much kitchen storage you’ll need as we all tend to have a habit of filling up whatever current space we have to the maximum. Next you can consider kitchen cabinet style and colour. Shaker style cabinets and raised and recessed panel cabinets offer a more traditional kitchen cabinet look, while flat panel cabinet doors tend to lend more to the modern and contemporary style. However, going for raised or recessed panel work in a striking colour such as dark blue, green or black can still work with contemporary kitchen ideas. White kitchens can give a sleek and clean feel, but remember you may have to do a bit more cleaning of those cupboard doors if you want everything to stay shiny and fresh. Of course, grey kitchens are the neutral colour choice du jour and can be paired with pale and rich shades alike if you want your fitted kitchen cupboards to contrast with your worktop, splashback, floor, or all of the above. Exposed shelving and storage is also popular for eclectic, Scandi and industrial-inspired looks, so you could opt for glass-fronted cabinets or no wall-mounted cabinets at all. Remember that this will require more restraint in what you can store and more effort in keeping it looking presentable compared to what is stored away hastily behind cupboard doors. The kitchen cupboard handles are also another element to decide upon – do you want traditional round knobs, modern metal bars, country kitchen cup handles or maybe to go ultra sleek with a completely handleless kitchen?

What kitchen storage ideas should I consider?

If you want to keep your kitchen well-stocked and well-equipped but don’t want it spilling over with clutter, then you’ll need to rely on good kitchen storage. Apart from the usual fitted kitchen cupboards and drawer space, there are many other ways of keeping your kitchen tidy. Whilst a large kitchen pantry is the dream of most homeowners, it can’t always be a reality. However, there are now lots of pull out compartments and drawers with trays and shelving that can act as mini kitchen pantries, and you can install handy cupboard organisers that fit onto the inside of the door to make the most of your cupboard space. You can also look at corner drawers and cupboards that open up to reveal lots of extra storage. Rails or small shelves along your kitchen walls or splashback can help with hanging utensils or pans, or storing small items like herbs and spices in an usually empty space. Buy extra kitchen storage products for your home on Houzz

Are there small kitchen ideas for small spaces?

If you’re working with a galley kitchen, a one-wall kitchen in an open plan space or just a pretty small kitchen, there are some small kitchen ideas that can help you get the most out of your cooking and dining area. If you find that you don’t utilise the back of your cupboards (maybe they become the graveyard for out-of-date tin cans), you could decide to go with shallower kitchen units to free up some extra floor space in front of your cabinets. As mentioned, open shelving or glass-fronted cabinets are a popular trend and they should make the space feel more open and less boxed-in. However, if you have the capacity for it, cupboards and kitchen units that maximise the floor-to-ceiling space you have will mean you can use all of that for valuable kitchen storage. Wall or ceiling racks could be a useful solution for hanging pans and pots if you’ve run out of cupboards in which to store them. Kitchen ideas and accessories such as baskets, trolleys and storage jars are both aesthetically pleasing and practical as they give you extra storage space. Kitchen appliances like a fridge or dishwasher can be tucked away in built-in units in fitted kitchens so they blend into your layout and don’t make the space look crowded. Discover all the small kitchen ideas you could need by taking a look at photos of compact kitchens.

What sort of kitchen lighting should I go for?

In the kitchen you need to have practical lighting – no one wants to chop, cut and cook in a dingy room. Kitchen ceiling lights are probably the best way to go, but should you opt for recessed spotlights or traditional hanging ceiling lights? While spotlight LED kitchen lighting will give you excellent light, they may not fit with a design that’s not contemporary. Traditional chandelier lights could work for other kitchen styles, and of course, kitchen pendant lighting comes in all sorts of styles, colours and designs. While the popular choice is to go with one or two pendant lights over your kitchen island, you could also opt for a single pendant light over your dining space, or a few spaced out across your kitchen. Of course, if you want good lighting for your worktops, under-cabinet lighting is the way forward. Speak to your kitchen supplier about having this pre-installed, or there are a number of easy-install options you can fit yourself or with the help of a lighting expert or electrician. In the market for your kitchen lighting today? Once you’ve found some inspiring kitchen lighting ideas here, take a look at our kitchen lighting products to find the new lights for your kitchen project.

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