A renovated kitchen not only will make meal preparation and cleanup more efficient, it can greatly improve the appearance and value of a home, as well.

Over the last couple of decades we have, as remodeling contractors, remodeled hundreds of kitchens. No two kitchens are the same. Although fundamental layout and design may be similar in many cases, specific design elements and features vary from project to project according to an owner’s particular needs and desires. The style and finish of cabinets, counters, appliances, flooring, plumbing fixtures, painting and other elements are a combination of the style of the home, available space and budget limitations.

The kitchen renovation process isn’t for the faint-hearted. The key to a successful project is a three-step process. The first is planning; the second, planning; and the third—you guessed it—planning. Although this might sound vague, as the homeowner, your job is to do as much as you can before the counters and cabinets are torn out to minimize confusion and make the job go smoothly. Considering the complexity of most kitchen renovations, there will be enough details to be concerned with during the project—no matter how thorough the planning.

The planning can be fun and make the renovation project go more smoothly, and you will be more satisfied with the result. Where does one begin? Start by making a list of what you least like about your kitchen. Common complaints are the kitchen is too small, too dark, appliances are out-of-style or don’t work properly, the floor is shot, there’s not enough storage, cabinets are the wrong color or species, and artificial lighting is poor.

Then make a list of the features you would like to incorporate, such as new cabinets filled with convenient storage accessories, maintenance-friendly flooring and counters, a shiny new sink and faucet, new state-of-the-art appliances, task lighting, etc. When it comes to dreaming, the sky is the limit. However, you will need to come down to earth when your budget is considered. Fortunately, dollar-for-dollar a kitchen renovation is one of the best investments you can make. Thus, you might be shooting yourself in the foot by cutting too many corners.

Looking for ideas? Model homes, home shows, home centers, contractor showrooms and design studios are resources for gathering information and product samples. Home and garden magazines are also an excellent resource. Find something you like, tear out the page and put it in a “kitchen renovation” file.

Next incorporate your "dreams” into a design. This usually involves assistance from a kitchen design professional. This can be an independent professional or an individual associated with a design-build remodeling firm, an appliance retailer or home center. Beyond sensitivity to style and finish, the design professional will have an understanding of fundamental design elements such as the "work triangle"—an imaginary path that connects the kitchen's three primary work areas—the sink, the refrigerator, and the range or cook top. Keeping the triangle suited for the way you use your kitchen will yield efficient use of space. The designer will use solid design principles to make your wish list and budget work together.

And budget is the next step in the planning process.

If you’re like many folks, you have champagne taste and a beer budget. Fortunately, with the rise in property values, many homeowners have ample equity against which to borrow. That, coupled with historically low interest rates, means many people can have their dream kitchen and end up with a monthly mortgage payment equal to or lower than their existing payment.

The final step in the kitchen renovation planning process is to choose an installation professional to pull all the details together—to make your dream kitchen a reality. Often, the installation team and the design professional are the same. This is usually the case with a design-build remodeling contractor or a home center that offers optional installation when supplying products. Choose a contractor or installation team with whom you feel comfortable working and has a proven track record. Friends and neighbors that have had similar work done are a good resource. Never let price be your guide. Choosing the low bidder might be a big mistake. Typically, all else being equal, the average of several thorough bids is your best choice.

So, what’s hot and what’s not when it comes to kitchen design? Lowe's commissioned a quarterly Trendex survey of 500 homeowners to provide a current gauge of homeowners’ kitchen remodeling and renovating design preferences. According to the survey, "creating a spacious, inviting atmosphere while incorporating natural, sleek design elements into decor" is the general theme that American homeowners are seeking. What features does the ideal American kitchen include according to the survey? Wide, open spaces; an island (76 percent); a walk-in pantry (72 percent); natural or laminate wood cabinets (88 percent); natural stone countertops, such as granite (47 percent); stainless steel appliances (46 percent); chrome fixtures (29 percent); tile (43 percent) or hardwood flooring (37 percent); plenty of natural lighting, such as skylights (55 percent); and a professional quality audio-visual system (58 percent).

When asked whether their dream kitchen would feature a personal chef, or if they would rather do the honors themselves, most homeowners (68 percent) would choose to don the chef’s hat.