Most fail to take the time and write down the scope of work they need to have completed. Think of all the trades involved in a kitchen project. Will you need new counter tops? cabinets? sink, faucet? are you putting in new appliances? Range hood or microwave oven? are you adding or removing lighting? Many go stright to a cabinet suppier when they actualy may need a contractor or better yet a Design build firm. Most cabinet supplies are not properly licenced or qualified to install counter tops, plumbing (sink, faucet, dishwasher) install appliances (ehxhust hood, reinstall outlets) Etc. They usally are only licenced to install cabinets. Ask to see the licence. This will eliminate the pretenders.

Best bet is to list the scope of your project and talk to a company that is licenced to Design, build and install your project.

Tin panels for walls would look nice and can be cut to size and nailed on so it will make for an inexpensive and removable application to spice up the kitchen backsplash. Even adding color with paint by doing a pattern or faux finish can be nice to spruce it up and add interest. Just make sure you use semi-gloss for easy cleaning in the kitchen. You can repaint it to standard white before you move out.

Are you planning a full remodel (in that case new cabinets will answer the problem) doing only a refresh (pull our shelves will dramatically increase storage)

Philip Anderson

HDR Remodeling

Berkeley Ca

We always suggest clients spend some time on Pinterest first to narrow down their ideas since there are so many options available.  You don't want to discover what your budget will allow by spending endless hours confusing material selection with company selection.  Next, research online and find 3 good companies to interview, narrowing your search down to one.  It is an involved process so you have to have chemistry with the person you work with.  Make sure they will be available throughout the process, not just for the sale.  Consider all components to the kitchen: appliances, cabinetry, heating sources-gas, electric etc, flooring, flow & lighting. 

First, figure out how you are going to use the space. What works about your current kitchen that you would like to maintain? What drives you nuts, and how can you solve that? How you use the space will influence the design of it.

Secondly, take a look at what you can reasonably afford. If you have a very low budget, DIY options may be the way to go. If you have a bit more disposable income, you might look in to hiring either an architect, designer, or design-build company to take a look at the project for you and give you a solid design to base your work upon. 

These people will get to know you and your space, and will be able to tailor a layout or design based on your needs and your desires. Some professionals will also cater that design to your budget (design-build firms usually specialize in this type of approach). 

Here's a link to the history of design build!

This website also has a great video on the history of design build. 

It can be really overwhleming to choose a contractor to work on your kitchen because there are so many different facets for a home-owner to consider. Here are some helpful tips that we have compiled to assist you in choosing a contractor for your next remodeling project: Tips for Hiring a Contractor

Have you considered what type of theme you'd like for your kitchen? This was a major area of concern back in '06 when we redid ours.

This completely depends on your choice what you want? You budget. Before starting of with the process analyze your budget and requirements. Whether you want chnage your Interiors design style completely or you want to go with existing one. You must consider the latest remodeling trend as well.

Check out the latest Kitchen remodeling trends of 2014 .

The best options really will depend on your budget. You want to have the best "flow" in the kitchen that you can, keeping your appliances within a general 'triangle design". If you are talking options as in granite vs quartz vs Corian vs laminate, budget will determine that. I prefer quartz over granite because of less long term maintenance. The finish on cabinetry is also a detail that can make a huge difference. Glazed finishes are very nice, but can be expensive. Sometime custom cabinetry can be almost as economical as "box" cabinets when you factor in the additional labor needed to install box cabinets. I hope that helps some.

We included a slide out cabinet for a waste basket.  It is super convenient!

We recently purchased a new oven/range as the last one had a pretty bad gas leak. Glad we did as it was a potential danger. We got it on sale also, which was an added benefit!