If you are ready for a kitchen remodel, but feeling overwhelmed, here are some ideas

Research! The details of a full kitchen remodel can be broken down into layout, material selection, style and color scheme. Of course there are endless online resources, as well as printed magazines full of ideas. You may want to start a file of the look you are hoping to achieve, with clippings of faucets, appliances, countertops and flooring that work for you.

A good contractor can help guide you through the process of selection, but you need to have a fairly well rounded out idea of what you are striving for in your new kitchen, as well as what your budget is.

Trade-offs can be made to meet your budget. You can keep the $450 faucet you love, if you select a less expensive countertop material, for instance. Manufacturing techniques have advanced so far that many inexpensive materials are made to look very similar to the highest quality selections.

Don’t forget lighting in your plans; be sure to select options that allow for both a bright kitchen and muted with task lighting. LED undercabinet lights are very popular for this.

So, don’t put it off any longer, get started on your research!