Ah, the kitchen remodel: So many choices, so many questions – so many ways to spend money without being sure of the result! Where on earth do you start to keep from ending up distressed and regretting your decisions? You start with complete and correct design, which includes everything from cabinet lay-out and lighting to floor texture and paint color. Maximizing the results of your remodel is a team effort between you and your kitchen design and installation partners.

Begin at the beginning: What do you want to change?
The priority of the design team should be to create the kitchen that you need and want. Your designer should also be able to provide solutions when problems are encountered. The design is uniquely for you and must function properly for you and your family.

Ask: what is missing and what are you unhappy about in your current kitchen? Common issues are lack of useable counter top, awkward workspace or traffic-pattern, inadequate storage and the desire for more open space.

When planning your kitchen, many designers will talk about the work-triangle, where you want to have convenient relation- ships amongst primary kitchen functions. But take that a step farther, and consider: Where do you prepare your food? Where do you stand and for how long? Where do you need counter space? Who cooks and who helps? What movement occurs in the space? What happens with breakfast and dinner schedules, backpacks and homework, entertainment and parties? What is required to fit the needs of your family?

Working out the fl ows within the space, cabinet function and details, cooking options and appliance positions, is a fun and interesting interactive exercise between you and the designer.

Take a reality check: How long will you be in the house?
There's no doubt about it, we live in a transitory area: people are always coming and going, moving in, moving out and moving on. So when you're making your kitchen plans, don't forget to take this into consideration, and ask yourself: How long do you plan to be in the house?

Wondering why this is important? Well, if your projected timeline in your house is five years or less, you would tend to want to make the design a little less personal so as to appeal to a broader market of potential buyers for when the time comes to sell.

Either way, you certainly want to create a nice space for yourself and your family, but you have more personal liberty to do so if you’re planning a longer stay, having less concern over what someone else’s preferences might be.

And now for the fun stuff : Let's make it pretty! Many homeowners get nervous when it comes to the nittygritty of decorating choices. But regardless of your ability to visualize how things may look, you know what you like and what you don’t like. Ask yourself, do you want a traditional or modern look? Do you prefer a casual atmosphere, or do you like things a bit more formal? Do you like earth-tones? Do you like greens or yellows? Wood or painted cabinets? Here are a few suggestions to help you create the beautiful kitchen you've always wanted:

• Browse magazines, photos, etc., to find some examples of decorating and design that you have an affinity for, and this will help the designer create an overall concept for you. Remember that if you focus on a single detail or component, it will tend to limit freedom in blending together all components, textures and colors.

• Watch out for the trend-trap! Just like with clothes and hairstyles, home remodeling trends come and go. So don’t go too trendy, or your fashionable remodel may quickly become outdated. Is there a current trend you're particularly fond of? Talk to your designer and see how it can be subtly worked in without taking over the whole design.

• Mix and match to bring it all together. For example, you can add tile backsplash details, like inserts to match the cabinet hardware, and even matching electrical outlets or stainless steel cover plates. Th is is also a good way to help incorporate trends. You could even try having countertops or cabinets on an island different colors than the main kitchen area. Combining all of the components – counter, cabinets, backsplash, flooring, lighting, appliances – as one whole will help you create the overall impact and feeling you want in your kitchen.

Your remodel should suit your personality and lifestyle. In the end, you want to be thrilled! And that stems from forethought, planning, and correct design decisions.

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MISHA CREWS CRIZER
Misha Crews Crizer is the Director of Promotions at SELECT Kitchen & Bath in Springfi eld, VA. Contact her at 703.866.4224 selectkitchenandbath.com