How do you make something you have thought about, dreamt of, sketched out, clipped out, and picked out come to life? The quick and simple answer is to get started.  The more complex issue would be the how , the when, and what to do next.  It has been said so many times that you need to plan it out.  That in and of itself is the key to not wasting your hard earned dinero.  Using a Kitchen Designer to get you started on your right path is always a great idea.  Even if you are a die hard DIY'er you can still benefit from some professional advice prior to setting down the demolition plan.  After all, a design professional has done this countless times and will know the pitfalls that no one has even had the time or foresight to blog about yet.  

When developing your plans you want to decide how much you want to spend.  This is a very important factor to determine first.  It literally will dictate all your next steps.  If you are on a strict budget.  Its perfectly okay,  you can still have a dream kitchen, but you will need to keep a few things in mind.  The first, being that, you get what you pay for.  The big box stores are often the first place we jump to when we are tackling a renovation.  Try to avoid this impulse if at all possible.  Your local cabinet maker , and kitchen and bath shop will provide you so many more options at a higher quality and value.  If you have decided to hire someone to work on this project with you , you will be directed to the sources that are the highest and best usage for your budget from the start.

After you know who is working on the project and what the budget is.  You want to decide the esthetic you are wishing to accomplish.  If you are working with a contractor, builder or architect currently, it would be a good idea to ask them if they know a professional that can help you pick finishes and pull a look together. These individuals will guide you on the layout and best placement and function of the room.  As far as the finishes, if you have a good idea of what you want , then you need to start with the floor and work upward.  The floors will be the foundation of the kitchen. Even if you have decided to forgot changing the floors, you will still need to think about their look over the long run when selecting a cabinet finish.  

Trends come and go , so be careful not to follow them too closely.  If you want to stay current you can address the trend on your door pulls or island.  This will allow you to adapt and change over the years without having to completely remodel every 7 years with the trends that shift with the Santa Ana Winds.  

And then there were counter tops.  Counter tops and the style of them is one of the most important decisions you will make.  If you decide on granite or quartz you need to be cognizant of the overall look.  Granite is not as popular these days so it will be a less expensive option.  A more current choice would be quartz.  Quartz is great for those that like a clean look.  The design of quartz has come such a long way that it can look like marble and granite in several instances.It is very durable and a strong selection for a real hardworking kitchen.  It really looks beautiful as well.  You can't really go wrong with it.

Appliances.  I am still a great fan of stainless steel and hidden compartments.  A refrigerator and dishwasher that looks like the cabinets , is still a go to favorite.  It makes the kitchen look much larger and more streamlined.  In regards to the appliances themselves you will select.  Don't forget the counter depth or custom built in fridge.  If you are going to the trouble to remodel.  This is a step you cannot afford to miss. If your fridge sticks out way past the cabinetry its not a good look at all.  You don't have to go really high end to have a luxe feel , but spending a little extra on the appliances can give you the perks of say,  a steam oven or induction cooking.  

Lighting.  The lighting sets the mood for the room.  Make certain you are working with a licensed electrician to install your lighting selections.  A combination of recessed lights, under cabinet mounted , and pendant lights should create the right variation needed for all the different uses of the kitchen.  

Tile.  Your tile selections will continue to tie the look together.  You can either punch it up or play it cool here.  Have fun here.  It's usually a small space and you can easily express your personal flare here.  

Fixtures.  Seemingly forgot,  are the fixtures you will be interacting with on a daily basis.  The faucet, sink, door pulls, compactor , pot filler.  Keeping with the style is important, but also make sure the style is functional for your every day living.  You literally will be using these every single day.  Make sure they work for you.

If you decide that you want it all , but none of the stress.  Let us help you get the job done.  Our team would be more than happy to get your home and kitchen to function.......beautifully.