Planning a kitchen remodel can feel exciting… until the decisions start piling up. Between layouts, finishes, appliances, lighting, plumbing, and cabinetry, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed fast.

These are a few of the biggest categories I always encourage homeowners to focus on early in the process — and a few quick tips to help guide your decisions.

If you want a much deeper breakdown with designer tips, measurements, finish guides, and planning help, my Kitchen Guide walks you through the entire process step-by-step.

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Appliances

Your appliances help determine both the function and layout of your kitchen, so these selections should happen earlier than most people realize.

Quick Tips:

• Decide early if you want panel-ready appliances or stainless steel
• Think about how you actually cook and entertain before choosing sizes
• Double ovens vs range ovens can completely change cabinet layouts
• Refrigerator depth and door swing matter more than people think
• Don’t forget appliance garages, microwave placement, and ventilation plans

Inside my Kitchen Guide, I go much deeper into appliance layouts, panel-ready pros & cons, sizing, and what’s actually worth the splurge.

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Plumbing Selections

Plumbing may not be the “fun” part of a kitchen remodel, but it has a huge impact on how your kitchen functions daily.

Quick Tips:

• Choose your faucet finish early so other finishes can coordinate
• Consider adding a pot filler if you cook often
• Sink depth and sink material make a big difference in usability
• Water filtration and instant hot water systems are worth considering during rough-in
• Think through where you actually want your sink located before finalizing layout

My Kitchen Guide includes plumbing finish recommendations, sink sizing tips, and common mistakes homeowners regret later.

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Electrical Planning

One of the most overlooked parts of a kitchen remodel — but one of the most important.

Quick Tips:

• Add more outlets than you think you need
• Under-cabinet lighting makes a massive difference in both function and ambiance
• Pendant spacing and sizing should be planned carefully
• Think through where small appliances will live before outlet placement
• Dimmers are a must in kitchens

Inside the guide, I share lighting placement tips, pendant sizing help, outlet planning ideas, and common electrical mistakes to avoid.

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Cabinet Color

Cabinets are one of the biggest visual anchors in your kitchen, so choosing the right color matters.

Quick Tips:

• Always test cabinet colors in your actual lighting
• Warm whites are usually safer than stark bright whites
• Consider how your cabinet color works with flooring and countertops together
• Wood tones are timeless when done correctly
• Don’t choose a trendy color unless you truly love it long-term

My Kitchen Guide includes cabinet color pairing ideas, timeless combinations, and tips for creating warmth and character.

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Countertops

Your countertops affect the entire feel of your kitchen — both visually and functionally.

Quick Tips:

• Think about maintenance before choosing a material
• Quartzite and marble are beautiful but perform differently
• Edge profiles can subtly change the style of your kitchen
• Full-height backsplash vs tile backsplash creates a very different look
• Always view slabs in person if possible

Inside my guide, I break down countertop materials, edge profiles, backsplash decisions, and what works best for different lifestyles.

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Want More Kitchen Planning Help?

My Kitchen Guide was created to help homeowners confidently navigate the hundreds of decisions that come with designing a kitchen. From layouts and finishes to lighting, plumbing, cabinetry, and designer tips — it’s the resource I wish every homeowner had before starting a remodel.