Your Dream Kitchen

Remodeling your kitchen can be a daunting task. Yet when done correctly, it’s the most rewarding remodel in terms of return on investment, increased functionality, elevated aesthetics and more. “Where do I start?” is a common question. With so much to chose from and a wide variety of information in it can be confusing to navigate your way. So let this guide lead you through the door of kitchen remodeling.

Make a Wish List

Take time to think about what you would like in your dream kitchen. 

Look through ideas and pictures and start making a scrapbook of the ones you like. In round one, don’t eliminate any ideas because you think it’s not possible. Remember, this is a wish list and wishes do come true! The idea is to identify what you like and dislike.  

Soon enough you will see a trend of ideas that appeal to you. It’s time to pare down your choices in round two. As you go through your collection of prioritize what is most important to you. Place the most important ideas towards the front of your scrapbook and the less important towards the back. Now that you have a vision of your dream kitchen it’s time to make it a reality.

Find a Professional Ensuring that every need is met in the kitchen in terms of functionality, practicality and aesthetics is a job best left to a professional. Hiring a kitchen design professional can be one of the best choices you can make—wise choices based on their experience and mistakes averted can be major time and money savers.  

Interview at least 2-4 professionals. Get a feel for their projects. Make sure you feel comfortable working with them—trust and communication is essential to a well designed project. Your design professional is your personal guide and translator in the world of kitchen remodeling. He or she will guide you through your choices, help you make the best choice for your situation and put it all down on an executable plan for you.  

The National Kitchen and Bath Association certifies design professionals specializing in Kitchen and Bathroom Design based on extensive industry experience and in-depth testing. An Associate Kitchen and Bath Designer (AKBD) have a minimum of two years of experience. A Certified Kitchen (or Bathroom) Designer (CKD, CBD) have a minimum of seven years experience. And a Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer (CMKBD) have a minimum of ten years experience. Please visit http://www.NKBA.org for more information.

Jennifer Ho, CKD, CBD is a designer at De Anza Interior (http://www.DeAnzaInterior.com) and is the Vice President of Government Relations for NKBA Northern California as well as a member of the International Ad Hoc Committee for NKBA National. From choosing a designer to picking out colors, the NKBA is your source for design ideas, expert remodeling tips, and advice. To find a design professional near you please visit http://www.nkba.org.