Thinking about a kitchen remodel- where to start?

[Anonymous]

Our kitchen is very 1980s (and the layout and lighting really suck), and we want to do what is probably considered a major remodel. I know what I like when I see it, but I would never be able to come up with the ideas by myself. How do we get started?

[Anonymous]

How much money do you have, OP? Start with your budget, and go from there. I was where you are, and I started 1) budget 2) magazines 3) found an architect who helped me find 4) contractor.

I put together a file drawer with files for every aspect of the kitchen: lighting, sinks, paint, countertops, cabinets, accessories, heat, flooring, appliances, backsplash, eating area, etc. etc. I ripped photos out of magazines, xeroxed photos from books at the library, researched everything online mostly, but also did research at various kitchen stores. It took a full year, but the kitchen is perfect! Worth every minute!

If you are only swapping out cabinets and appliances, you can skip the architect, maybe just to straight to a good carpenter. Order cabinets online if you want, or get some OK ones at Home Depot or from some kitchen place.

It all depends on your budget and how much you care about the details. I cook a lot and care about every aspect of it, so it took a long time, but it's a really, really nice kitchen that works well for my family and me.

[Anonymous]

Gardenweb forums.
Houzz or other websites to get an idea of what you want.
Cabinets are biggest expense.

Try out different layouts by taping it on the floor. You will quickly see if it will work out or not.

[Anonymous]

Are you in NoVA? If so call Cameo Kitchens. For a small sum credited to the project if you use them, they will give you firm ideas and estimates. We used them, but after I spent years scouring the web for kitchen design winners and thoroughly wasted $3K on a designer whose stuff looked good in magazines but who wasn't creative and couldn't keep
any deadlines.