A successful kitchen remodel design begins by identifying who uses the kitchen and for what purpose.

• Are you happy with the way your flooring and counter tops look and are they easy to clean?
• Is current layout conducive to supervising children and/or visiting while preparing food?
• Do you have enough storage for food, appliances and cookware?
• Is the task lighting sufficient?
• Are there an adequate number of circuits?
• Is it a common family gathering point, or just for food preparation?
• Do guests gravitate toward the kitchen when you entertain?
• Does the family share food preparation or clean-up activities?

If the current layout is well suited to its intended use, you may be able to get by with a face-lift. New counter tops, flooring and appliances can do wonders. Modern appliances are surprisingly quiet, fast and work much better than their ancestors, predecessors, not to mention what they can do for the look of a kitchen. Lighter colored materials, larger floor tiles and better lighting can visually expand any kitchen.

If you plan to live in your home for the long-term or if the kitchen layout just doesn't fit your family's lifestyle, then you may consider a custom tailored creation. The cost of a full-blown kitchen varies dramatically. Moving walls or plumbing or other major structural changes will significantly increase the project cost. A major custom kitchen project can exceed $85,000 with over $15,000 in appliances alone. As a rule, it is a good idea not to over-remodel your kitchen unless your home is in your long-term plans. Most people can accomplish big things in the kitchen in the $40,000-$50,000 range.

Every kitchen remodel design should take into consideration the three major work areas: food preparation, cooking, and cleanup. These three major work areas make up what is commonly referred to as "the work triangle". In order to have enough room to move, work and circulate, try to lay out four to seven foot legs on the work triangle (the work triangle is an imaginary line that connects the refrigerator, sink, and cooktop). Lots of counter for workspace should be placed around these main activity areas and traffic patterns should not interfere with the triangle. Your perfectly remodeled kitchen will not be the same as your neighbor's; everyone's is different. Only you know how your family uses this room.