You may already have some ideas of what elements and features you would like your new kitchen to include, but it’s also wise to take some time to peruse decorating magazines and websites like Pinterest and Houzz to discover kitchen design ideas that you may not have considered. Another great source for design inspiration is the homes of your friends and relatives. If there’s something you like about their kitchens, snap a pic the next time you’re visiting.

Once you have finished gathering ideas for your kitchen renovation, review them and then put together a list of what you would like your dream kitchen to include. Having a wish list will be of great assistance when you sit down with our in-house designer to explain what you would like your dream kitchen to incorporate.

The second most important thing our in-house designer will need to know is the budget you have for your new kitchen. It’s possible that your wish list may exceed your budget. By knowing what your budget is upfront, our in-house designer can then present you with options that will allow you to achieve the kitchen you desire while staying on budget.

We don’t expect you to design your dream kitchen that’s what our in-house, professional designers are for, but if you’re comfortable doodling and want to create a simple floor plan of your new kitchen, that would be helpful. It’s just another way to help establish a starting point before you sit down with our in-house designer.

• Are you going to work with your current floor plan, or do you want to take down a wall?
• Do you want your new kitchen to have more storage space? If so, how much more?
• Where do you envision this storage space?
• Do you want your new kitchen to have more counter space? If so, how much more?
• Do you want to replace your appliances? If so, which ones? Are you adding any additional ones?
• If you’re going to have an island, what will it be for? Food preparation? Cooking? Eating? All three?
• Do you want your new kitchen to have an area for casual meals?
• Do you want to have a desk/workspace area in your kitchen?
• What cabinet style do you want? Traditional? Transitional? Contemporary?

• Don’t have a ‘celebration’ deadline (Christmas, a wedding, etc.) for when your kitchen renovation should be finished. It puts a lot of pressure on you. Instead, relax and enjoy the process of seeing your dream kitchen become a reality.
• Don’t ask your friends and family for design advice; it will confuse you. Place your trust in the experience and skill of our in-house designer–you’ll be glad you did.
• Shop for appliances at the same time that you’re shopping for your kitchen. Our in-house designer will require the specs for all of your appliances in order to ensure the recommended clearances and venting requirements for the appliances are incorporated into the final design.
• Be patient. A kitchen renovation is a very involved project. The planning process may feel tedious at times, but it’s the attention to detail that will ensure your dream kitchen, when it’s completed, is everything you envisioned.