There are a few key points to consider when planning your kitchen design. An exceptional design is both beautiful and functional.

The layout of your kitchen is the first item on the agenda to consider. Good design and functionality starts here.

The work triangle refers to the position and proximity of the key work centers: the refrigerator, the stove and the sink. The optimal layout will have these three elements in unobstructed proximity to one another. The work triangle will allow you to move with ease around the key areas of your kitchen.

Selection of materials and material colors can make or break a kitchen. There are a few elements to coordinate when redoing a kitchen, such as countertops, floors, cabinets and backsplashes.

Most of the elements to consider in a kitchen besides wall color are pretty permanent and are costly to re-do if you are not happy with the final result. Therefore, at this stage in the project, a designer is highly recommended and will be worth more than gold.

There are many finish selections for cabinets and countertops. Paint, stain and laminates are some of the finish options for cabinets. Granite and engineered stone are a couple of options for countertops. Within these options is a wide range of colors to choose from. If granite or a natural stone is your material of choice, keep in mind that these are natural materials and will have natural variations in each slab. For a precise representation of the slab, visit a slab yard to select the desired slabs for your project.

It is highly recommended—actually it’s a must—that you receive samples of each surface and look at the big picture with all surface samples. Consider color, material type and functionality. Is the surface easy to scratch? Is it vulnerable or impervious to high usage?

Using the same material as your counter on your backsplash is always an easy option, however, adding a great tile pattern or design will take your culinary quarters to a new level. Your backsplash is a great opportunity to showcase creativity in your kitchen. There are a variety of phenomenal tile designs to add pizzazz.

Lighting is essential for function and enhancement of design. Use different layers of lighting in your kitchen design.

This type of lighting is also known as general lighting. Ambient lighting provides overall illumination. Recessed lighting is considered ambient lighting.

Task lights will illuminate an area or work center. Task lighting is a directional light aimed at a specific task. Desk lamps and ceiling pendants are good examples of this.

Accent lighting is a directional light used to illuminate a specific object or feature in an area. Spotlights are a prime example of accent lights.

Kitchens can be overwhelming, especially for do-it-yourselfers. As a designer, I have received many calls from people who are stuck, and I have helped them simplify the process. With so many selections and decisions to be made, a designer will bring ease to the process and help you with key decisions. A good designer will take out the guess work and get the project done right the first time. You might find adding design services to your kitchen budget very valuable. It will certainly help make your project less stressful.