Update: my current kitchen remodel
Do you have a favorite kitchen style? Kitchens are my favorite rooms to study and design. Now that my own remodel is finished, I find myself itching to work on another kitchen—imagining a house full of them would be a dream. I truly enjoy the process of kitchen remodeling and design.
Since there aren’t any more kitchens at my house to redo (and I’m not complaining—I’m thrilled with what I have and happy to be finished), I spend time browsing pictures of kitchens to stay inspired. Looking at photos helps me refine ideas and prepares me for the next project, if one ever comes.
Daydreaming about kitchens can be almost as satisfying as actually doing one. As I browse, I notice certain elements recur in the kitchens that catch my eye, and I started thinking about which combinations made those rooms so appealing.
What is it about certain kitchens that I love?
Below I share a selection of kitchens that stood out and six observations about why they work for me. Studying rooms you admire helps clarify your taste and shows how to bring great design into your own home—often without a huge budget if you focus on the right details.
I can scroll through hundreds of kitchen photos before one truly resonates. Over time I’ve realized I’m selective because I respond to specific elements, even when they combine in unique ways. My taste has evolved, but certain design preferences remain constant.
For example, I still love my old kitchen as much as the day I designed it over a decade ago. Back then I planned every detail with magazines and a lot of thought, and the result still feels right. Accessories may change, but the room’s core elements have remained timeless to me. Some updates—like flooring—were deferred by budget, but the overall design has held up.
When I study kitchens I love, I look for commonalities that explain why they work. Observation helps you learn your own style. You don’t need a big budget to get a refined look—knowing which features matter to you makes it possible to prioritize where to spend.
I also play a “takeaway” game: after collecting favorite room photos, I try to identify a single idea or principle I can apply to my own home. Both of my kitchen remodels were not high-end, and they were different in style, yet each reflects the core elements I care about because I studied many examples first.
My previous kitchen remodel
I knew which elements mattered most and which could be updated later, so I achieved a refined look without overspending.
By focusing on the vibe I wanted rather than buying every expensive item, I managed to get a high-end feel at a fraction of the cost.
Soon I might compare my two kitchens more directly: they appear different at first glance, but they share underlying qualities that make me love both.
Sometimes I wonder why I’m drawn to seemingly different kitchens. Why did I love wood counters in one kitchen but prefer a crisp white palette in another? Why can a playful yellow island excite me while a serious, all-white kitchen feels equally timeless? If I think about it, I usually find the shared thread that explains my preferences.
To make sense of my style, I look for elements I can love long-term and consider how to adapt them to the character of a particular house. That approach lets me mix and match while staying true to what I find appealing.
So what are the reasons I love these kitchens?
Here are six takeaways explaining why these kitchens resonate with me.
Six reasons these kitchens appeal to me:
- Simple, classic details — I avoid overly fussy designs.
- Contrast or rich texture — color contrast or varied materials add visual interest.
- Solid counters — stone, wood, or simple black/white/gray surfaces all work.
- Open shelving or glass-front cabinets — they bring light and personality.
- Thoughtful fixtures and hardware — lighting, faucets, and pulls make a big difference.
- Cozy scale — I prefer kitchens that feel smaller and inviting rather than vast and cavernous.
If a kitchen includes most or all of these elements, I’m likely to love it.
Even if these aren’t your priorities, you can use the same process:
Collect six or more kitchens that truly inspire you.
Study them to find the common threads that define your personal style.
How about you?
Do you play these observation games when you look at design photos?