SET YOUR PROJECT PARAMETERS ESTABLISH A (LOOSE) BUDGET
Come up with a general idea of what you're comfortable spending on your new kitchen. This doesn't really require a knowledge of what items will cost, but just what you might be comfortable spending on this project. At this stage, it's OK to just have a ballpark figure in mind. You can refine and adjust as you go.
LIST YOUR GOALS AND PRIORITIES
More counterspace. More outlets. More storage. Better flow. What are the must-have features in your new kitchen? What about the "wish list" ones? Consider ways you might personalize your space to fit your lifestyle.
TAKE ROUGH MEASUREMENTS
Using the rough sketch you create, your designer can help you determine the best kitchen layout idea and storage options based on the size and shape of your space.
COLLECT INSPIRATION
Browse online kitchen image galleries and start a collection on Houzz or Pinterest. Then, look for a common theme in the rooms you selected. (Do your gravitate to the farmhouse look? Or kitchens with two-tone cabinetry?) Be ready to share what you find with your kitchen designer.
THINK ABOUT YOUR APPLIANCES
Map out the number, size and type of kitchen appliances you want. This is important because your new kitchen layout will ultimately be built around arrangement of these major appliances.
PICK OUT MATERIALS
You don't need to select the exact type or color now, but you should have a general idea of the big-impact materials you prefer. Think countertops (quartz, wood, granite, etc.), floors (hardwood, tile, vinyl, etc.) and kitchen cabinets (stained, painted, glass doors, etc.) Narrowing in on some broad categories will streamline product selection when the time comes.
