Do plan ahead.
"Last-minute changes are very costly. Once cabinets and appliances are ordered, a change can have a considerable ripple effect on a tightly planned system."
- Petra Schwartze, architect
Do draw up a budget.
"Set a budget within your comfort zone, and then examine just how far beyond that number you are willing to go if it becomes necessary."
- Susan Serra, certified kitchen designer
Do invest in good kitchen designs.
"No matter what your investment in materials and labor, a functional design that makes your life easier is the essence of a new kitchen."
- Susan Bloss, certified kitchen designer
Don't make hasty decisions.
"Avoid being pushed toward decisions you know you cannot live with."
- Susan Serra, certified kitchen designer
Don't settle for a poor layout.
"A mistake people make is to put the three major appliances on different sides of the island so they're constantly walking around it to get to them."
- Jerry DePersia, architect
Don't overaccessorize.
"Avoid being seduced by the bells and whistles. Some accessories are extremely helpful; however, will you really take the time to insert each knife individually into its own little slot in the flatware organizer?"
- Petra Schwartze, architect
