Learn how-to navigate the kitchen design process with our step-by-step guide.
If you have been dreaming about a new kitchen, but have no idea where to begin, this guide is for you! It will give you professional insights and advice, clarifying each step of the process.
We’re here to help you plan your project, ensuring you will get the most from your investment—the first time and within budget. Let us guide you through the kitchen design process one step at a time.
Steps to Designing Your Dream Kitchen
Step 1: Evaluate Your Space and Lifestyle
Start by asking yourself some questions about your existing kitchen and how you want to use the remodeled space. Be sure to ask your family what they think too. Make a prioritized list of your needs and wants. The answers will influence decisions about budget, design, layout, products, and more.
- What are your main goals?
- What do you like/dislike about your current kitchen?
- How much cooking and baking do you do?
- How many people usually cook at the same time?
- What appliances do you want?
- Do you like to entertain?
Step 2: Look for Inspiration
It’s time to dream and find the look you love. Have fun! Inspiration can be found everywhere. Browse Houzz, website portfolios, magazines, showrooms, home shows, even your friends’ and family's homes to find layouts, colors, and products that excite you. Gather this information on an electronic device or make a vision board. Your favorite images will help the pros offer suggestions for real life solutions that will fit your needs and budget.
Step 3: Set Your Budget Range
Determining your remodeling budget requires serious thought. You need to decide how much you can realistically invest in your new kitchen and how you will pay for it. This is one of the most important decisions of the process.
What will your kitchen cost? Ultimately, you decide by the scope of your project and the products you select. A professional design-build firm will keep your priorities in the forefront and get the most value for your budget.
Step 4: Choose a Kitchen Style
It's time to take the inspiration and ideas you collected in step two and turn them into a design plan. Most kitchen designs fall into categories from modern to traditional, but don't worry about labels. Simply focus on your personal style and the things you like. A design professional can help you see the overall vision and create a cohesive space that complements your style.
Step 5: Kitchen Floor Plan
This step is all about finding the most efficient layout for the way you cook and use the room. Here are a few popular layout considerations, each with different budget implications:
- PERFECT TRIANGLE - Designers recommend grouping common elements–such as the sink, range and refrigerator–in a work triangle. The goal is to minimize the number of steps between the elements and not impede traffic flow through the room.
- OPEN KITCHEN DESIGN - Integrated kitchen-living designs have become increasingly popular. The absence of dividing walls makes the home feel larger, brings more light into the space, and makes entertaining easier.
- KITCHEN ISLAND - An island is one of the most popular elements people request in a kitchen remodel. It can enhance a kitchen’s style and function by adding prep space, storage and seating, but is a kitchen island right for your home? Here are some things to consider.

To help you envision your new finished space, designers can create 2D and 3D pictures of your project. They have the experience to anticipate what will and will not work and suggest alternatives to make your dreams a reality.
Step 6: Select Products
With a seemingly endless variety of quality products to choose from, the possibilities are endless. When comparison shopping, be sure to compare the same products, not just similar ones. The same models may vary in price by finish.
Online shopping is convenient, but visit a showroom to experience the products firsthand. Lastly, be sure before you order. Changing your mind after the products are ordered, or worse installed, is a costly mistake that will bust your budget. Here's a list of some of the elements that go into a new kitchen design:

Step 7: Find a Design-Build Professional
If you want to make the most of your budget, meet with a design-build firm. A professional designer will ask questions to get a better understanding of your needs and share their expertise.
It’s true that a kitchen remodeling process takes time and money, but it doesn’t need to be a struggle. Hire someone you can trust to manage the project and keep you focused on the end goal. A professional will treat your project as if it is their own and work hard to make you happy.
When it comes to getting your dream kitchen, making and sticking with a plan will save you time, money, and stress. Follow our guide's steps so you can stay focused on your goals and reap the benefits of your beautiful new kitchen. You can do this, and we’re here to help!
We want to help you kick-start your spring refresh! Our showroom has new kitchen and bath displays to showcase new ideas and products. And we have great new promotions for your dream kitchen and bath!
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