Kitchen Remodel Checklist

kitchen designer

April 8, 2025

kitchen design checklist

Planning on remodeling your kitchen? There are a ton of details and choices to consider, make sure that you have a plan for every item by using our kitchen remodel and design checklist.

  • Establish Your Goals
    • Functionality: Consider how you use your kitchen (cooking, entertaining, storage needs).
    • Aesthetic: Do you prefer a modern, rustic, or traditional style? See Ideas Here
    • Budget: Set a realistic budget, allowing for contingency costs (typically 10-15% extra). Guide to setting a Budget
  • Layout Design
    • Work Triangle: Position the sink, stove, and refrigerator in a triangle for efficient workflow.
    • Work Zones:
      • Prep zone (counter space near sink and stove).
      • Cooking zone (stove, oven).
      • Storage zone (pantry, cabinets).
    • Open vs. Closed Floor Plan: Decide if you want an open-plan kitchen or a more enclosed space.
  • Cabinet Design & Components
    • Cabinet Style
      • Shaker, flat-panel, raised-panel, or inset.
      • Custom, semi-custom, or stock cabinetry.
    • Cabinet Material
      • Wood: Maple, oak, cherry, birch, walnut.
      • MDF, laminate, or plywood.
      • Painted vs. stained wood.
    • Cabinet Color/Finish
      • Painted (white, gray, navy, etc.) or stained wood.
      • Glossy or matte finishes.
      • Two-tone finishes (upper and lower cabinets in different colors).
    • Cabinet Doors
      • Solid wood, glass-front, or open shelving.
      • Soft-close doors (prevent slamming).
      • Concealed hinges vs. exposed hinges.
    • Hinges
      • Concealed (European-style hinges, soft-close hinges).
      • Pivot hinges for doors that swing open at an angle.
      • Decorative hinges for a rustic or vintage look.
    • Handles & Knobs
      • Pull handles, knobs, or integrated push-to-open mechanisms.
      • Materials: Brass, stainless steel, matte black, chrome, nickel, or glass.
      • Shape: Round, square, bar pull, or finger pulls.
    • Cabinet Drawers
      • Soft-close drawers (prevents slamming).
      • Full-extension vs. standard drawers (allows access to the back of drawers).
      • Drawer dividers or organizers for utensils, cutlery, etc.
    • Drawer Slides
      • Ball-bearing slides (smooth operation).
      • Undermount slides for sleek design.
    • Cabinet Pull-Outs/Organizers
      • Pull-out pantry shelves.
      • Pull-out spice racks, trash bins, and recycling bins.
      • Lazy Susans or pull-out shelves for corner cabinets.
      • Cutlery trays, dividers, and drawer inserts.
    • Cabinet Lighting
      • Under-cabinet lighting (LED strips, puck lights).
      • Interior cabinet lighting (for glass-front or open shelving).
      • Toe-kick lighting for ambiance.
  • Countertops
    • Material
      • Natural Stone: Granite, marble, quartzite.
      • Engineered Stone: Quartz, Corian, Silestone.
      • Wood: Butcher block, reclaimed wood, or solid wood.
      • Concrete: Customizable, modern aesthetic, but requires sealing.
      • Laminate: Budget-friendly, variety of designs, easy maintenance.
      • Stainless Steel: Industrial look, durable, but shows fingerprints.
      • Soapstone: Heat-resistant and non-porous, unique look.
    • Edge Profiles
      • Straight, beveled, bullnose, ogee, waterfall (for islands).
    • Backsplash Material
      • Tile: Subway, mosaic, herringbone, or large format tiles.
      • Glass: Reflective and modern look.
      • Stone: Marble, granite, or quartz.
      • Metal: Stainless steel or copper.
      • Wood: Reclaimed wood or custom paneling.
      • Acrylic or laminate: Easy to clean and modern.
    • Countertop Height
      • Standard height (36 inches) or customized heights for comfort.
      • Adjustable heights for islands or prep areas.
  • Sink & Faucet
    • Sink Style
      • Undermount: Sleek look, easier to clean, hides edges.
      • Drop-in: Traditional, easy to install.
      • Farmhouse (Apron Front): Large and deep, adds a rustic aesthetic.
      • Corner sink: For smaller kitchens to maximize counter space.
      • Double or single basin: Think washing dishes and food prep.
    • Sink Material
      • Stainless steel: Durable, easy to clean, resistant to stains.
      • Fireclay: Classic farmhouse look, very durable.
      • Composite: Quartz, granite composite, or resin for added durability.
      • Cast iron: Durable, enamel-coated for smooth finish.
    • Faucet Type
      • Single-handle vs. double-handle.
      • Pull-out, pull-down, or hands-free (touchless) options.
      • Pot filler faucet for over-the-range cooking.
      • Soap dispenser or separate filtered water faucet.
    • Finish
      • Matte black, brushed nickel, chrome, gold, or bronze, etc.
    • Water Filtration
      • Built-in filtration system for clean water directly from the tap.
  • Appliances
    • Refrigerator
      • French door, side-by-side, top-freezer, or bottom-freezer.
      • Built-in or freestanding.
      • Energy-efficient (look for Energy Star rating).
      • Smart fridge options with Wi-Fi connectivity, touchscreens, or cameras inside.
    • Range & Oven
      • Gas, electric, or induction cooktop.
      • Double oven for added cooking capacity.
      • Slide-in or freestanding range.
      • Self-cleaning options for convenience.
    • Cooktop
      • Gas, electric, or induction.
      • Size: 30-inch, 36-inch, or custom sizes.
      • Features: Downdraft ventilation, touch controls, or bridge burners.
    • Microwave
      • Over-the-range (saves counter space) or built-in.
      • Drawer style (for a sleek, modern look).
      • Countertop models.
    • Dishwasher
      • Built-in vs. portable.
      • Energy-efficient (look for Energy Star rating).
      • Noise level (measured in decibels).
      • Stainless steel interior vs. plastic.
      • Smart features, such as app control and cycle optimization.
    • Range Hood / Ventilation
      • Wall-mounted, under-cabinet, or island-style.
      • Ducted or ductless options (for venting air outside or recirculating air).
      • CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating for efficiency.
      • Quiet operation (look for sound ratings).
    • Trash & Recycling
      • Built-in pull-out trash and recycling bins.
      • Separate bins for compost, recycling, and regular trash.
    • Wine Cooler: Built-in or freestanding units for wine storage.
  • Flooring
    • Material
      • Tile: Ceramic, porcelain, natural stone (granite, marble).
      • Hardwood: Solid or engineered wood.
      • Vinyl: Waterproof and available in wood or stone finishes.
      • Laminate: Cost-effective, easy to clean, and available in various styles.
      • Cork: Sustainable and soft underfoot, but not as durable.
      • Concrete: Durable, modern, and customizable.
    • Finish
      • Matte, glossy, or textured finishes (especially for tiles).
    • Color/Design
      • Light wood, dark wood, patterned tiles, or classic neutrals.
      • Consider grout color when choosing tiles for visual appeal and ease of cleaning.
  • Lighting and Electric
    • Ambient Lighting
      • Recessed ceiling lights (downlights).
      • Pendant lights over the island or dining area.
      • Track lighting for flexibility.
    • Task Lighting
      • Under-cabinet lighting for the countertop.
      • Pendant lights over work areas.
      • LED strips inside cabinets or pantry.
    • Accent Lighting
      • Cabinet lighting for glass-front cabinets.
      • Toe-kick lighting for ambiance.
    • Dimmers: Install dimmer switches for more control over light levels.
    • Smart Lighting: Integrate with smart home systems for remote control.
    • Outlets: Ensure enough outlets for all appliances, including countertop devices (toaster, blender).
  • Ventilation & Humidity Control
    • Exhaust Fan: Ensure proper ventilation above the stove to remove smoke and odors.
    • Range Hood: Consider size, CFM (venting power), and noise levels.
    • Airflow: Ensure balanced airflow throughout the kitchen, particularly in smaller spaces.
    • Dehumidifier: For humid climates or to prevent mold in high-moisture kitchens.
  • Storage Solutions
    • Pantry
      • Walk-in pantry, pull-out pantry, or cabinet-style pantry.
      • Wire racks, pull-out shelves, or rotating shelves for organization.
    • Cabinet Organizers
      • Pull-out shelves, lazy Susans, dividers, or wire baskets.
    • Corner Cabinet Solutions: Lazy Susans, pull-out racks, or corner drawers.
    • Overhead Cabinets: Storage for dishes, glassware, and pantry items.
    • Open Shelving: For a modern aesthetic or easy access to frequently used items.
  • Smart Features
    • Smart Appliances
      • Refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth control.
    • Smart Lighting
      • Integration with home automation systems for customizable lighting settings.
    • Voice-Activated Devices
      • Smart speakers or voice control for appliances, music, and recipes.
    • Touchless Faucets: Motion sensor or voice-activated faucets for hands-free operation.
  • Finishing Touches
    • Maintenance: Select materials and finishes that are durable and easy to clean.
    • Accessories: Add decorative touches like plants, bowls, or artwork to bring warmth to the space.
    • Textiles: Choose functional but stylish kitchen towels, rugs, or seat cushions for the breakfast nook.

Want to make sure that you don’t miss any details? Make your life easier and get a better result by hiring a professional kitchen designer that can help make sure you get the most out of your space.

If you’re in the Twin Cities Area and ready to take your kitchen to the Next Level, schedule a free estimate with one of our designers today!

Schedule Your Free Estimate Today!
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