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So, you're finally getting ready to move forward with your kitchen remodel. Maybe you're tired of having to strategize which cupboard to open first when emptying the dishwasher. Maybe you don't even have a dishwasher. Or maybe you're tired of hearing that your 90-year-old grandmother's kitchen is more modern than yours.
Whatever the case, you have decided to bite the bullet and give your kitchen a much-needed facelift. Here are ten tips to help you avoid turning your kitchen remodel into a kitchen disaster:
Have one. Without a budget, you will inevitably have problems. Everything is going to cost more that you anticipate. Period. If you don't have a budget, you may find that you start running out of money halfway through the project. You never know what sorts of problems may be lurking under the floors and in the walls once demolition begins. Be prepared for extra expenses and don't blow your budget on an unnecessary luxury that you may never use (like a refrigerator with a built-in TV). If you are going to splurge on an item, make sure it will have maximum impact - like a colorful glass tile for the backsplash.
02. Get to Know Your Existing Kitchen First
You can't fix what you don't know is broken. Study your existing kitchen objectively and intensely. Scrutinize all the details. What works? What doesn't work? Many kitchen design books have checklists you can use to help you figure out a better kitchen plan. This step is very important. Once you've determined what isn't working you can formulate a design that will actually be an improvement from your current kitchen.
It's best to leave a kitchen remodel to the pros. Find a good contractor and designer. Get references or refer to the NKBA. Hiring the pros will save you from making costly mistakes. Chances are, this is your first kitchen remodel. The pros have done it before and have seen just about everything. This does not mean you won't be involved. It is still your duty to educate yourself and actively work with the contractor and designer so they can help you create a space you'll love.
04. Proper Storage and Layout
Nothing is more annoying in a kitchen design than cupboards banging into each other each time they are opened - except maybe having to pull out all the contents of one cupboard to get to something in the back. We've all been in that poorly designed kitchen at some point. Make sure you have a proper layout for the cabinets and counters. Your contractor and kitchen designer can help you with this. If you plan on storing appliances on your counters, make sure you let your designer and contractor know so that they are factored into the overall kitchen design.
Also, make a place for everything. What will you be storing? Cookie sheets? Food processors? A collection of cookbooks? The best kitchens are organized kitchens. If you plan ahead, you can be sure to have a space for everything. There are so many drawers and door options these days, there is no excuse for being disorganized!
05. Consider the Use of the Space
It's very important when designing any room in the home to think about how the space will be used. Who will be cooking? How many people cook? Will you entertain? Will you eat in the kitchen? Do you need a computer workspace? A collection area for mail? Wine storage? These are all things you need to consider to get the maximum use out of your space.
Kitchen islands are great - if you have the space. You need a fairly large kitchen to include a good-sized island. Sometimes a counter bar may be good enough. Another option is a small portable island on wheels. You can roll it aside when not in use. If you find you have room for an island, don't jump too quickly at the idea of installing a second sink, which requires a special type of plumbing vent. It can be done, but most likely you don't need the extra sink anyway, and will benefit more from the extra counter space.
In a kitchen remodel, you should think about all four types of lighting: task, ambient, accent and decorative. Task lighting is the most important to consider because your kitchen is essentially a workplace. You need proper lighting to cut vegetables, roll out pastry dough, or even open up a box of frozen Hot Pockets. Task lighting can be achieved by under counter lighting and also pendant lighting (especially in the case of an island, where there are not upper cabinets.) It should not be used strictly on it's own, however, for it is the ambient, accent and decorative lighting that provide overall light and help create the mood of the space.
08. Don't Forget the Details
The design truly is in the details. Once you've decided on all the "big" design elements in your kitchen, you need to really think about the "little things". Hardware, decorative lighting, artwork, window treatments - these things are all extremely important in bringing the entire space together. You may be completely overwhelmed with all of these decisions, but it is imperative to pay attention to the details. Leaving them out is like making a wedding cake without the icing!
Color has a huge impact in kitchen design. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most undervalued and forgotten elements. The wrong colors can create a completely undesirable mood and look, whereas the right colors can turn a nice kitchen into a fabulous one. Consider the color of each and every element when choosing materials for the remodel. And think about wall color as you design the space. Far too often the paint is chosen after the kitchen remodel is complete, when it should really be worked into the entire kitchen design.
This cannot be stressed enough. Most likely, you will not be remodeling your kitchen again for many years. The biggest mistake a homeowner can make is trying to rush through the design process. No matter how anxious you are to get started, know that planning the design ahead of time you will save time, money and sanity down the road.
Now you're ready to start designing your dream kitchen. Remember - this is your space, not someone else's. Don't be afraid to add your own personality. With a little research, hard work and innovation, you can create a cohesive, functional and beautiful space that will keep you cooking and smiling for many years to come. 
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