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. 

Being too trendy especially if you are going to sell the home in a few years.  Also, if you are staying in your home, installing cheap cabinets like IKEA is a big mistake.

We like to use a sanded caulk that matches the grout for that seam between the countertop and backsplash. The flexibility of the caulk allows it to expand and contract without cracking out like normal grout. It's not a forever fix and needs to be touched up occasionaly, but it's a much better solution than just grouting that joint.

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.

First, clean out the existing caulk the best you can with a utility knife, flat razor or a putty knife.  To get it extra clean and depending on what type of caulk was there before, you can use baking soda and a rag to remove hard water build up and caulk residue.  Once you've done that, I recommend GE Silicone 2 or Dap Kitchen and bath caulk.  (I like the small hand tubes, not the kind that goes in a gun.)  Water based caulks are easier to work with, but silicone has it's advantages.  To apply silicone, clean and dry the area, apply a small bead, then spray the area with soapy water.  This will keep the silicone from spreading up the edge of the splash or onto the counter.  Then wipe once with your finger and your done.  The waterbased caulk can be applied in a small bead and then cleaned up/smoothed with a wet rag.

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 trick with caulking is to spray the wet caulking with Windex and then tool it with your finger.  For "rookies" you may want to use masking tape.  Here is a YouTube video that might help, too. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPGKdwnHhaE

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.

Full 42" upper cabinets are the easiest way to maximize sotrage in any kitchen. A lazy susan in the corner cabinets are the best way to maximize that space as well.  Using a microwave with an exhaust instead of a hood over your range can free up counter space in any kitchen. Other less traditional options can be opting for a smaller dish washer such as a drawer or 18" wide unit.

Some of our local painters have had success painting over thermafoil. Make sure you rough up the fronts a bit with a fine grit sandpaper which will help the paint adhere. Talk to your local paint store about the best primer and top coat to use on your material. It might be helpful to actually take a door or drawer front into the paint store. Good luck!

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