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:
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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The workers are quick and efficient. They got the work done earlier than expected and did a good job cleaning up the work site afterwards. I am quite pleased with the end result.
Kay
I was so pleased from start to finish! Love my updated kitchen. All the people associated with my kitchen renovation were great and so professional! Thank you!!
Linda
We at Harrisburg Kitchen & Bath are monitoring the COVID-19 situation closely and we are taking the necessary steps to protect the health and well-being of our employees, our current customers, and the community at large.
Industry Experience:My father has run his own construction company since 1992, and because of this I have been involved in the remodeling industry nearly my whole life. I’ve been with HKB since 2018.
Favorite Part of Your Job: I truly love helping people – whether by keeping things organized behind the scenes, ensuring we have everything we need for each project, or assisting with creative problem-solving. It brings me so much joy to be part of such a great team who are passionate about improving people’s lives by reimagining their living spaces!!
Fun Fact About You: I’m a self-published author, a self-taught artist, and a gigantic Star Wars nerd.
KATE EVANS
Industry Experience: Starting in 2008, I have been in the construction and remodeling industry in multiple capacities: project coordination, management, design, and sales. I have been with HKB since 2020.
Favorite Part of Your Job: I greatly enjoy getting to know our customers and being a part of their kitchen and bath transformations. It’s an honor to be a trusted partner and see the impact that our team's hard work has on someone’s home.
Fun Fact About You: I’ve tap danced nearly my whole life and have been awarded national recognition. I’ve also recently added dance instructor to my tap experience by teaching and choreographing locally for the last two years.
TIM HOOVER
Industry Experience: I have been in the business as a designer and sales person since 1986, and I have been with HKB since 2020.
Favorite Part of Your Job: To be challenged to create something the homeowner never expected and absolutely loves!
Fun Fact About You: Enjoys golfing, playing poker, and cigars!
DAVE RADER
Industry Experience: Since entering the kitchen & bath industry in 1988, I have worked in all aspects of the industry including manufacturing, design/sales, representing independent manufacturers, and owning a retail kitchen & bath showroom. I have been working with or employed by Harrisburg Kitchen & Bath since 2020.
Favorite Part of Your Job: Helping customers make their dream spaces come to life! Especially enjoy working with older homes from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Fun Fact About You: I enjoy traveling to other parts of the world. Most recently visited Australia in 2019. I have been to all continents except Antarctica! Next on my bucket list.