It’s unlikely you have too much storage space, but if you really want to open up the wall space, consider whether you need the upper cabinets at all. Can everything be stored in the cabinets underneath, or in a nearby kitchen armoire? Will simple shelves serve your needs? All things considered, if cabinets are still [...]

Start collecting samples…tile, counter material ideas, ads for appliances of interest etc., and haunt kitchen resource stores. Talk to the staff designers. See what’s out there in person. Now that you are armed with measurements, you’ll be able to estimate approximately how much tile or countertop material you might need, or how much “play” you [...]

You’ve done your initial due diligence by identifying the pluses and minuses of your kitchen set-up and have given some thought to your style preferences. Next you have to… Get Real This means you can’t guess about dimensions to get the right quantity and/or size of any new materials or products. Measure your kitchen and [...]

There’s a lot to be said for developing an understanding of quality and value in relationship to cost. Make your selections according to what’s most important to you and what most fits your needs. Settle on a level of quality most appropriate to your lifestyle and budget. Prioritize what’s most important: more money on the [...]

No man is an island; neither is your kitchen. Whether you are considering a total gut job or a little cosmetic fluffing and re-organizing, don’t forget that your kitchen is a central player in the overall design of your home. Start collecting pictures from magazines. You want to be clear what style you are most [...]

Part I – What’s Wrong With This Picture? If all you make for dinner is reservations, you probably don’t need to give this room a lot of thought. Otherwise, there often comes a time in a home owner’s life when denial hits a wall and your dysfunctional relationship with your kitchen needs to be addressed: [...]