Identify the reasons and goals for your new kitchen. This will help you decide how extensive you want this project to be and how much you would like to spend.

• How long do you plan on staying in your home?
• Do you want to improve use of space and traffic?
• Are you making your kitchen the center of your family activities?

The answers to these issues are the first step to establishing your budget.

Selecting your style

Select a decorating style or theme for your room. This will ensure that the cabinet design, products, colors and patterns you select will support the general decorating theme. Think of your lifestyle, the general decor of your home, and your furniture. Select the cabinet style and color that best fits the personality of your home.

Make the space functional

1. Design an efficient work triangle around three main kitchen work stations:
   --Sink, Range and Refrigerator

2. Address each workstation as a unique area. Take into consideration how you'll use each area. For example, if you enjoy baking, allow plenty of counter space for rolling out dough and storing ingredients.

3. A good counter space rule of thumb is 12" to 15" landing area around the range, refrigerator and microwave. 24" to 38" on either side of the sink. An island in the center of the kitchen can offer plenty of uninterrupted space all the work areas can share.

4. Try to route traffic around or away from the workstations to avoid congestion. Keep in mind that it is possible to add space from another area like a dining room or closet. Make your kitchen as functional as possible.

Make it stunning!

Once you have defined your decorating theme you can add visual interest to your kitchen with the use of our moldings, accessories, and specialty cabinets.  This is where your design professional can help you take your kitchen from nice to stunning.